Accounts Payable Lead/ Accountant

SJSU Research Foundation

18d

About The Position

The Finance and Accounting Department of the San José State University Research Foundation provides financial and administrative support services to researchers. These services include purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cashiering, property, and general ledger. The accounts payable department is responsible for the accurate and timely payment of vendor invoices, business expense reimbursements, travel reimbursements, credit application processing, form 1099 processing, nonresident alien tax assessments, and compliance with federal, state, and sponsor agencies’ guidelines. As a member of the Finance and Accounting team, this position will be responsible for processing and coordinating the daily function of the accounts payable department. The accounts payable lead/accountant will provide financial, administrative, and clerical support by ensuring payments are completed and expenses are controlled by receiving payments, processing, verifying, and reconciling invoices according to established policies and procedures in an efficient, timely, and accurate manner.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of five years of high volume full cycle accounts payable experience required.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable accounts payable/general ledger systems and procedures and financial chart of accounts.
• Ability to perform mathematical computations such as percentages, fractions, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division quickly and accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy of information.
• Proven ability to demonstrate organization, meet tight deadlines, and prioritize workload to achieve results.
• Knowledge of accounts payable best practices.
• Solid understanding of 1099 and 1042-S reporting requirements
• Solid understanding of sales and use tax applications in accounts payable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
• Working knowledge of current computer and office automation equipment.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel) and computerized accounting software (preferably experience with Workday).
• Ability to use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines with little supervision.
• Must be able to operate a PC, including a mouse and keyboard.
• Must be able to operate general office equipment.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Visual acuity associated with concentrated computer use.
• Must be able to push, pull, carry, or lift up to 20 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience in a university auxiliary environment or similar environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Issue and amend purchase orders in compliance with Research Foundation, OMB, CSU, State, and federal regulations.
• Respond to inquiries and coordinate with campus and auxiliaries on payments and reconciliations.
• Conduct quarterly reviews and close inactive purchase orders.
• Resolve incomplete vendor and customer documentation for reconciliation and compliance.
• Maintain supplier records; coordinate tax withholding, nonresident screening, and 1099 classification.
• Review and process monthly purchasing card uploads.
• Manage the AP mailbox, assign invoices, and support AP staff with training as needed.
• Serve as backup to the AP Manager and assist with journals, W-9s, and year-end reporting.
• Prepare and review journal entries, including accruals, liability, and cost reclassifications.
• Prepare quarterly and annual census reports for the U.S. Department of Commerce.
• Review and submit annual unclaimed property reports to the State of California.
• Prepare and submit annual property tax exemption forms.
• Administer the Foundation’s work-study program and act as liaison with University projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).
• Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.
• Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.
• 14 paid federal & state holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.
• Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.
• Employee discounts.
• Paid training and professional-development conferences.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees