Department

F&A FIN - Procurement Services

About the Department

Procurement and Payment Services, located within Financial Services, partners with the campus community to ensure that all University procure-to-pay functions adhere to University policies, IRS regulations, and generally accepted standards. Procurement and Payment Services works with our customers to properly manage all aspects of the procure-to-pay cycle in a timely fashion to meet customer (supplier, faculty, and staff) needs and expectations.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Procurement and Payment Services, the Manager, Accounts Payable sets the strategic direction for the University’s Accounts Payable function. The Manager, Accounts Payable is responsible for ensuring compliance with all appropriate University, federal, and state policies and regulations. The position requires excellent customer service and relationship building skills. The ideal candidate will be a proactive worker with the ability to anticipate issues and provide guidance on solving problems.

Responsibilities

Manages the University’s central accounts payable department responsible for $2.5B in annual payments which includes ensuring appropriate quality procedures are embedded in the accounts payable process.Monitors processes and procedures to maintain the integrity of the internal controls to prevent audit findings and monetary risks to the University, such as fraud, duplicate payments, and penalties for non-compliance.Manages a team of professional level employees responsible for all University accounts payable transactions to ensure completeness, accuracy, and conformity to University policy, IRS regulations, and generally accepted accounting standards.Manages a team of professional level staff responsible for reconciliation of variance accounts, identification of and correction of errors, and ensuring that funds are properly reflected in our systems and properly claimed by our clients.Provides guidance and coordinate with clients (internal campus users and external suppliers) to ensure efficient and accurate payment processing and resolution of discrepancies, including assisting with identifying and reissuance of unclaimed SUA and ACH payments.Conducts periodic compliance audits and resolves any issues raised by internal and external stakeholders.Develops analytical models to identify trends to improve the customer experience, and helps to ensure/improve the overall quality of service delivery.Ensures adherence to University policies and IRS regulations.Assists as requested with the testing of any Accounts Payable system changes related to upgrades and new releases.Supports the Assistant VP, Procurement and Payment Services in identifying and implementing opportunities for continuous improvements in processes, systems, and procedures.Ensures service is delivered with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and in accordance with established Service Level Agreements.Hires, trains, evaluates, leads, and develops the activities of employees who perform the accounts payable and reconciliation roles for the Payment Services organization.Develops and completes departmental goals including identifying and implementing continuous improvement efficiencies.Develops and maintains effective relationships with key stakeholders on campus as well as external constituents.Manages accounts payable processes and reviews work related to verifying invoices, computing discounts, coding expenses, preparing vouchers, and issuing checks for payment.Monitors the day-to-day payments and receipts of bills, as well as the maintenance of accounts payable and receivable ledgers.Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in accounting, finance, or related area.MBA.

Experience:

A minimum of seven years of experience in a financial setting with a minimum of 3 years of experience in a supervisory role.Background in a customer service environment.Related business experience with strong emphasis on accounts payable and expense management.Familiarity with administrative processes, procedures, and systems within a university setting.Experience in a not-for-profit higher education institution.Prior experience as a functional user with an ERP system, preferably Oracle Cloud.

Certifications:

CPA or accounts payable certification.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Proficient in computerized accounting systems, spreadsheet applications and database software.Prokficient with Oracle Cloud Payables Module.Demonstrated ability to use analytical techniques to reconcile financial data and review and process financial documents.Proficiency in the use of spreadsheet and database software. Intermediate to advanced proficiency in the use of Excel, vlookup, pivot tables, etc, and other database software such as Cognos, Tableau, Oracle, etc.Proficiency working with invoice processing platforms and ERP systems such as Oracle, Concur, Basware, or OCR Scanning.Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and accounts payable practices/techniques.Strong personal computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook.Working knowledge of interfaces between accounts payable and other financial systems.

Preferred Competencies

Demonstrated ability to utilize spreadsheet software and analyze data.High comfort level with performing quantitative analysis, including accuracy and attention to detail.Demonstrated history of balancing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously and adapting to the changing needs of the business with a focus on meeting milestones and deadlines.Demonstrated success in project leadership roles managing competing priorities and building a positive, growth-oriented, team-based environment.Enforce policies and continuously focus on process improvement.Excellent organizational skills with emphasis on detail and follow-through.Project management and proven problem-solving and analytical skills.Participate as a team player and positively influence group activity.Maintain strictest confidentiality when working with sensitive information.Exceptional communication skills to create an atmosphere in which information flows smoothly through the organization in a timely manner.Develop opportunities and cross-training throughout the Procurement and Payment Services organization.Excellent listening skills with the ability to empathize and focus on client service.Work with minimal supervision.Open to change, adapts, and works effectively in a variety of situations, with individuals or groups.Engagement - foster relationships by hearing, recognizing, and valuing others.Communication - open to receiving ideas from diverse viewpoints and communicate messages so that they are universally understood.Productivity - generate results that moves the University of Chicago toward achieving its goals.Accountability - a clear sense of ownership and take personal responsibility for actions.Adaptability - respond to changes willingly and recognize when to adjust based on the situation.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter (required)References Contact Information (3)(required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$85,000.00 - $110,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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