REGIONAL ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ANALYST
JOB PURPOSE:
• Working closely with the Regional Accountant for Expenditures and Payables, with the objective of achieving accurate and timely processing of accounts payable transactions for the monthly management accounts for schools within the Americas region.
• The position is responsible for the maintenance and management of the Accounts Payable and Expense Management Solution for the USA schools.
• This position oversees a centralized/automated AP shared service solution and AP processes within the schools/business units. It provides support to schools through training and assistance with technical and procedural questions and queries related to accounts payable.
• Additionally, this position may manage the full aspects of accounts payable accounting for designated schools or business units as required/requested to do so.
REPORTING TO: Regional Financial Process Manager
OTHER KEY RELATIONSHIP : Regional Finance Team, School Business/Finance Managers, Principals, Regional Financial and Planning Manager
KEY RESULT AREA:
Operational Expertise & Resource Management:
Encourage ‘Best Practice’ processes across the region to improve Accounts Payable (AP) processes.
Ensure timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices, employee expense reimbursements, and other payables.
Support schools in the processing of purchase orders, invoice matching, payment approvals, and vendor inquiries.
Assist with General Ledger (GL) account reconciliations, including AP sub-ledger, prepaid expenses, and accrued liabilities on a monthly basis.
Perform expense analysis and reconciliation on a monthly basis.
Process vendor payments, including ACH, wire transfers, and checks, ensuring compliance with payment terms and company policies.
Review and reconcile vendor statements to ensure all invoices and credits are accounted for and discrepancies are resolved promptly.
Assist in tracking and reviewing employee expense reimbursements, ensuring adherence to company policies and timely processing.
Cooperate and communicate effectively with schools and accounting teams to resolve any AP-related discrepancies.
Research vendor accounts and payment status at the request of business offices and provide timely guidance and feedback.
Ensure department transactions are processed in accordance with company-prescribed controls and policies.
Support audit and year-end requests by working with auditors to answer questions and pull requested data.
Assist in the maintenance and management of vendor records, including setup, compliance documentation, and tax forms.
Provide training and support to schools on AP systems and processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Complete ad hoc projects as assigned.
Support internal and external audits, including providing documentation, reconciling accounts, and ensuring compliance with audit requirements.
Developing Talent:
Act as an ambassador for employee engagement, driving change and supporting two-way communication through regular contact with schools.
Develop the skillset of accountants in the school through training
PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS – Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Fluent in Spanish and English bi-lingual desired but not essential
1+ years’ experience in financial reporting and general accounting, with experience in AP for processing vendor invoices, payments, and reconciling GL to Subledger.
Extensive experience with Excel and PowerPoint
Knowledge of accounting systems required; Microsoft Dynamics Business Central experience a plus
Must have strong written and verbal communication skills
Outstanding attention to detail
BC/Jet reports experience is a plus
Relationship builder, comfortable interacting with others
Willingness to “roll up your sleeves” to complete projects
Public accounting background is a plus
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance Required
Understands the education sector. Desirable
Ideally but not essential as mainly working with USA schools
Advanced Excel required
Personal Attributes:
Ability to work to tight deadlines and able to prompt others to ensure deadlines are achieved
Adaptable to working in a fast paced, ever-changing environment
Ability to work under pressure and remain calm
Self-motivated and enthusiastic
Must be a team player, willing to help and be flexible
Continually strive for improvement