Senior Accountant, Accounts Payable

Aspire Public Schools • Oakland, CA

5d • $84,564 - $108,556

About The Position

The Senior Accounts Payable (AP) Accountant ensures accuracy in expenses and accounting entries, reconciles bank accounts, fixed asset ledgers, and construction project expenses, and works with schools through internal audits of records. The role performs the overall accounts payable and vendor-relations functions, assists with accounting systems administration, trains teammates, and ensures the accuracy of balance sheet accounts such as benefit liabilities and accounts receivable.

The position collaborates within the finance team and across departments, supports finance, accounting, and payroll services provided to Aspire LA under a multi-year service agreement, and helps streamline purchasing, invoice, and accounting processes. Aspire NorCal’s work location and in-person expectations for the role are still being finalized. The role is full-time and exempt. Employment is at-will, and the position may be impacted if the service agreement with Aspire LA is not finalized, renewed, or is ended early.

Requirements

• Four or more years of accounting or accounts payable experience.
• Intermediate or advanced proficiency in Excel.
• Excellent financial analytical skills and accounting knowledge.
• Solid understanding of general ledger accounts and how they relate to invoices and receivables.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and complete tasks accurately and on time.
• High accountability, appropriate follow-up, and a sense of urgency.
• Strong customer-service orientation and ability to address difficult situations tactfully.
• Ability to work well with others and maintain positive, professional relationships.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new technology.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information.

Nice To Haves

• Undergraduate degree in Accounting or Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting.
• Experience in nonprofit accounting.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the accuracy of accounts payable entries through a strong understanding of the chart of accounts.
• Complete monthly bank and other balance sheet reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.
• Process monthly self-billing benefit payments and reporting to vendors.
• Process entries in the Abila MIP accounting system, including journal vouchers, invoice uploads, payment runs, voids, reissuances, and reclassifications.
• Review and process construction project payment applications and resolve billing discrepancies.
• Fulfill periodic and annual reporting and data requests from the Financial Reporting department and auditors.
• Perform internal audits of school records and communicate openly with school sites.
• Maintain positive relationships with vendors and partners and help Aspire maximize the benefits offered by its vendors.
• Review invoices, expense reports, check requests, and new vendor requests for compliance with fiscal policies; collaborate with the AP Manager to update policies.
• Process wire payments and work with banks to resolve payment issues.
• Monitor Coupa purchasing procedures and integrations, and provide internal users with training and materials on Coupa purchasing and expense systems.
• Train and mentor AP team members on standard operating procedures to ensure adherence to internal controls.
• Work with vendors and internal staff to streamline purchasing and invoice processes, such as cXML purchasing and invoicing, and manage Aspire's corporate accounts.
• Seek ways to streamline current processes.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and support the Aspire Public Schools mission, vision, and values, including antiracism; uphold confidentiality standards and the code of ethical behavior.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.
• Support the new Service Level Agreement under which Aspire NorCal will provide finance, accounting, and payroll services to Aspire LA.

Benefits

• Eligible for Aspire health benefits.
• Retirement through CalSTRS or CalPERS, depending on the role's credential requirements, with a 403(b) option.
• Paid time off.
• Additional teammate benefits to be determined in accordance with an updated employee value proposition to be shared prior to offer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed