Accounts Payable Accountant

About Us

Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's students select majors from four colleges: Business Administration, Education, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and Sciences and Technology. The campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment.

Job Summary

The Accounts Payable Accountant position performs tasks such as processing vendor invoices, verifying accuracy and ensuring timely payments. The position processes student refunds, travel reimbursements, review vendor statements, and perform the 1099 process. Accounts Payable Accountants reconcile statements, resolve payment discrepancies, and maintain vendor records. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a thorough understanding of accounting principles and accounts payable processes. May be directed to perform job related tasks other than those specifically delineated in this description.

NOTE: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visas.

Responsibilities

• Process high volumes of A/P transactions accurately and in compliance with University System of Georgia/Board of Regents policies and procedures
• Audit invoices against the purchase order/receiving report for correct vendor information, items, quantity, and price
• Monitor invoices received but not vouchered; work through discrepancies
• Runs the Banner to Accounts Payable Interface to process student refund checks
• Monitors and maintains accurate records, databases, and other documents to support general funds
• Maintain accounts payable emails and documentation
• Receive and review employee travel expense reports for proper documentation and coding; clear cash advances
• Reviews and analyzes documents prior to processing to ensure compliance; and to reach out to the appropriate personnel requesting additional information or missing documents when deemed necessary
• Ensure accuracy of financial records, and assist with month-end and year-end closing processes, including adjusting entries and reconciliation
• Prepares and files annual 1099 Forms by applicable deadlines
• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions, as well as communicate and collaborate with other employees, project managers, sponsors, etc.
• Must understand and be able to apply all University, Board of Regents, State, Federal, and other policies and procedures as applicable, and specifically in regards to grants and contracts
• May be required to perform job related duties other than those specifically delineated in this position

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, or Finance or a closely related field
• Must have a minimum of three (3) years of Accounts Payable/ general accounting experience
• Strong PC skills including proficiency with the primary Microsoft Office applications with advanced skills in Excel
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting and fast paced environment
• Professional communication skills to work with employees of the University and external parties

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting
• Governmental / Higher Education accounting experience
• Proficiency in PeopleSoft Financials
• Ability to use and manage accounting software and reporting tools

Proposed Salary

The proposed salary range for the position is $60,000.00 to $67,000.00 annually.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of accounting principles
• Ability to research, investigate, analyze, reconcile and evaluate financial data
• Ability to work independently and within a team in a fast-paced and high-volume environment
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues in other departments/units.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
• Skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to clearly articulate Accounting processes to non-accounting colleagues
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Skills in the use small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and an orientation towards customer service
• Ability to maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others
• Ability to cooperate with fellow employees as a team member.

Apply Before Date

For best consideration, apply by October 18, 2024. The position will remain open until filled.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Recourses at hr@savannahstate.edu. For technical support, please call OneUSG Connect Support at (877) 251.2644, or by email at sscsupport@ssc.usg.edu.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Institutional Values

Savannah State University's Core Values: T.I.G.E.R

• Teamwork is our distinction. Through mutual support, cooperation, encouragement, and shared goals, we at SSU believe that by working together, our university family of student, faculty, staff, alums and community supporters are serving and advancing our institution.
• Integrity as we will act honestly, fairly, impartially, unbiased and ethically, creating a trust that is evident in all University activities and decision-making.
• Greatness in our transformation and wisdom as we maximize the potential in each student through a nurturing environment in which our resources are safeguarded, and we are good stewards of the human, intellectual, physical, and fiscal resources given to our care.
• Excellence is our campus standard. Through the performance of campus duties, a commitment to the greatness of teaching and learning, scholarship, student engagement, stewardship and tradition, SSU will continue to be the catalyst for innovation and discovery.
• Respect through recognizing the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We will do our utmost to fulfill our resulting responsibility to treat each person with fairness, compassion and decency.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Savannah State University, as determined by Savannah State University, its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Savannah State University is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity and affirmative action institution. It is the policy our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, AREA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50). Savannah State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu.

Special Applicant Instructions

• Applicants must include a list containing the name, e-mail address and telephone number for three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, mentor, colleague).
• Applicants must upload transcript(s) with the application. Unofficial are acceptable. Official transcript(s) required upon hire.