Executive Director, Accounts Payable
Rochester Institute of Technology
- Rochester, NY
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Lead the Accounts Payable Services operations and provide oversight for university disbursements including payments made to suppliers, graduate stipends and student refunds ensuring high quality and timely results. Oversee the administration of the University policies and procedures related to payments processed in Accounts Payable Services; including payee and supplier onboarding, abandoned property reporting and tax withholdings, as appropriate. Oversee cross-departmental work to implement and coordinate program changes, patches, and upgrades to the applications that support accounts payable operations to ensure compliance with a variety of legal and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee the timely and accurate preparation of reports required by third parties including 1099 and 1042 and supplier information for the University's annual 990 Information Return. Serve as the principal liaison in managing relationships with outside vendors responsible for accounts payable operational tasks and outsourced services, including designing and monitoring service level agreements and holding vendors accountable for delivery and contract compliance. Act as the primary contact for accounts payable information for internal and external audits including financial statement interim and year-end, Federal Uniform Guidance and other government agency audits.
- Manage accounts payables compliance strategy including researching, monitoring, and interpreting current and proposed legislative developments, regulations, court cases, and issues relative to colleges and universities and advising Finance and Administration leadership on needed actions. This includes working with University and outside experts to develop policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Lead and/or play a key functional role in transformation activities to upgrade existing and/or deploy new technology solutions for accounts payable operations and harmonize processes across multiple technology platforms. Work collaboratively with other stakeholders in and outside the Controller's Office to recommend and implement technology solutions to comply with new regulatory or legal requirements and/or University policies and procedures; streamline the accounts payable processes; and deliver an exceptional customer experience to internal and external stakeholders.
- Oversee a variety of compliance and operational functions and work closely with the respective staff to ensure: the annual Management Self-Assessment testing and certification process is complete and that appropriate internal controls are in place to prevent and detect errors and/or compliance issues; documentation required for departmental processes and procedures, are accurate and up-to-date; all Accounts Payable general ledger accounts are reconciled, outstanding items are resolved, and corrections processed timely; and abandoned property processes for accounts payable uncashed checks are completed and unclaimed funds are remitted timely to NYS in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
- Work with the Accounts Payable Services team and other Controller's Office departments to develop reports, including key performance indicators, designed to assist in the efficient and accurate operation of the accounts payable functions. Implement a scalable infrastructure for accurate and timely reporting, analysis and forecasting.
- Prepare ad-hoc financial reports and analyses and participate in special projects as requested by management.
- Participate in 40 hours of training/professional development annually that is applicable to the employee's role with the intent of enhancing overall knowledge and specific skills required to perform successfully in the position.
- Five to seven years progressive experience in directing a complex and high volume accounts payable operation, an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- In depth understanding of the procure-to-pay process and expertise in managing an enterprise accounts payable system
- Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and applicable tax laws required.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
- Ability to interact professionally with individuals at all levels of the organization and provide exceptional service to all constituents.
- Highly developed computer and design/system thinking skills.
- High integrity, discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Demonstrated aptitude and desire to work as a member of a team and proven record of collaboration with departmental colleagues and stakeholders across the organization.
- Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise professional judgment in carrying-out assigned responsibilities.
- Proven record of strong attention to detail and accuracy; managing multiple tasks simultaneously; and a desire to lead continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ability to calibrate short and long term needs effectively and translate them into plans and recommendations that result in improved processes.
- MBA
- Prior experience in higher education, with Oracle or Workday applications, and/or the implementation of an enterprise resource planning solution (ERP), strongly preferred.