Senior Accountant, Accounts Payable

Aspire Public Schools • Oakland, CA

4d

About The Position

Aspire NorCal’s Senior Accounts Payable 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 manages accounts payable and vendor relations, supports accounting systems administration, trains teammates, and helps maintain accurate balance sheet accounts, including benefit liabilities and accounts receivable. The position collaborates across the finance team and other departments and supports Aspire NorCal’s finance, accounting, and payroll services to Aspire LA under a multi-year service agreement.

Aspire Public Schools serves scholars and communities across California. Aspire NorCal brings together the Bay Area and Central Valley regions, operating 22 schools serving approximately 10,000 scholars. Its work is grounded in a mission focused on post-secondary success and a commitment to educational equity.

This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range is $84,564 to $108,556 annually, commensurate with experience. The work location and in-person expectations are still being finalized. Employment is at-will, and the department’s size and positions may be affected if the service agreement with Aspire LA is not finalized, renewed, or continues through its term.

Requirements

• At least 4 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 confidential information.
• Support for Aspire Public Schools’ mission, vision, and values, including antiracism, and adherence to confidentiality standards and the code of ethical behavior.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate 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 vendor reporting.
• 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.
• Conduct internal audits of school records and communicate openly with school sites.
• Maintain positive relationships with vendors and partners and help Aspire maximize vendor benefits.
• 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, including cXML purchasing and invoicing, and manage Aspire’s corporate accounts.
• Identify ways to streamline current processes.
• Support 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 Service Level Agreement under which Aspire NorCal will provide finance, accounting, and payroll services to Aspire LA.

Benefits

• Eligibility 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