Manager, Accounts Payable

Manager, Accounts Payable

About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and just over 2,500 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

Job Description:

Position Summary

The Accounts Payable Manager oversees all aspects of accounts payable operations for WKU, including daily managerial and administrative support of all processes for the Accounts Payable and Travel Reimbursement Offices. This position plays a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices, employee reimbursements, payment remittances, and financial record management.   Strong written and verbal communication skills are also required to facilitate communication between vendors, employees, and other key stakeholders. 

The position provides oversight and supervision of accounts payable and travel professionals while reporting to the University Controller/Treasurer.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are customary for this position but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

• Lead and manage accounts payable and travel expenditure professionals, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to ensure high performance in a collaborative and customer-focused work environment that prioritizes accuracy and efficiency.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Accounts Payable Office, including the processing of invoices and vendor payments, accuracy of data entry, and financial reporting to both internal and external clients. 
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Travel Department, including the processing of employee reimbursement requests, accuracy of data entry, and related spend reporting. 
• Develops, implements, and ensures compliance with accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls. 
• Compiles, analyzes, and reports financial information to management and government agencies as needed.     
• Collaborate with procurement, information technology, and accounting teams to ensure accurate and timely processing of liabilities and payments. 
• Develops and implements process improvements and automation to streamline accounts payable workflows and payment remittance.
• Develops and implements process improvements and automation to streamline travel expenditure reporting and payment reimbursement.
• Manage accurate record-keeping, account reconciliation, and year-end closeout procedures.
• Build and maintain relationships with employees, budget managers, and vendors. 
• Participate in periodic systems improvement testing and implementation.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field.
• At least three years accounts payable or expense reimbursement experience.
• Previous supervisory experience.

Additional Information:

Salary Range:  $55,300 - $62,000

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.

Application Instructions:

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system: 

• Cover Letter
• Resume

You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received. The candidate review process will generally begin as materials are received.

 Quicklink to apply: https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=179880