About WestEd
As a community of over 1,300 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and life experiences, we are committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in the areas of education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact - asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs.
Furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion is core to who we are and how we work. We are committed to working with our clients to illuminate and address disparities,valueand elevate diverse voices, and ensure equitable access to our resources and services. Read more aboutWestEd's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Come and join us!
SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE WORK LOCATION OF THIS POSITION-Although WestEd provides the option of working at one of its facilities for employees, many roles allow employees to choose to work remotely for their own convenience.The decision to allow remote work at the employee's convenience is based on therequirements of the position or project in question.
This role will work in a hybrid capacity, with three days working in the Seal Beach office and two days working at home each week. Please note that this role will commence as an onsite role during a training period not to exceed two months.
Department Brief Description:
The Accounting Department is entrusted with overseeing the meticulous management of the Agency's financial affairs and record-keeping processes. Our department's core responsibilities extend beyond maintaining precise accounting records. We handle crucial tasks such as preparing comprehensive financial reports and analysis for management, overseeing investment activities, engaging with auditors to maintain rigorous financial standards, processing employees' paychecks and travel/expense reimbursements, facilitating timely payments to vendors and consultants, ensuring compliance with tax withholdings and remittances, and managing billings and collections. In addition, the Department takes responsibility for sustaining the Agency's financial strength and for maintaining a healthy cash flow.
Position Overview:
The Director, Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable oversees the accounts receivable and accounts payable functions of the Accounting department. This role involves managing a team of accountants, ensuring accurate recording of financial transactions of cash disbursements and cash inflows, designing and implementing efficient financial processes, and contributing to the strategic financial goals of the organization. The Director, Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable reports to the Vice President, Controller.
Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Team Management: Lead and supervise a team of accountants responsible for accounts receivable and accounts payable departments. Set clear performance objectives, provide guidance, mentoring, and conduct regular performance reviews. Foster a collaborative and productive work environment within the team.
• Accounts Receivable Management: Oversee the accounts receivable team responsible for generating invoices, applying payments, and managing collections. Work closely with financial analysts and project directors throughout the organization to ensure accurate billing. Monitor aging reports and collaborate with the A/R team to reduce days receivable outstanding and ensure timely collection of outstanding balances. Address escalated customer inquiries and resolved disputes related to billing and payments. Develop and implement billing process improvements.
• Accounts Payable Management: Manage the accounts payable process, including invoice verification for completeness and allowability of expenses, approval workflows, and timely payments to vendors. Monitor payment terms and negotiate vendor agreements to optimize payment terms and discounts. Handle inquiries from vendors and internal stakeholders related to accounts payable. Develop and implement AP process improvements.
• Process Improvement and Compliance: Continuously assess and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of accounts receivable and accounts payable processes. Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulations, and internal policies. Implement and maintain internal controls to mitigate financial risks.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Collaborate with other departments such as Procurement, IT, and other infrastructure departments to ensure seamless information flow related to accounts receivable and accounts payable matters. Participate in cross-functional projects that impact financial operations.
• Vendor and Customer Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, customers, and internal staff to facilitate smooth communication and issue resolution. Work with vendors to negotiate favorable terms and resolve payment discrepancies.
• Software and Tools: Utilize Costpoint, Concur, Integrify, TDX, and other WestEd ERP and financial reporting systems and tools to streamline and optimize accounting processes.
• Desktop Manual: Maintain desktop manual for AP and AR and identify and implement improvement opportunities. Prepare well-structured and clear documentation for changes, detailing the modifications and providing context for any change. Notify all relevant parties about the updated procedure and provide communication and training to users.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or CPA certification.
• 7 years of experience in accounting and managing a team or teams, with a focus on accounts receivable and accounts payable management.
• Strong leadership and team management experience and skills.
• In-depth and up-to-date knowledge of accounting principles, financial regulations, and compliance.
• Mastery of Excel, and extensive experience with financial systems a must. Experience with Costpoint and Concur preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to drive process improvement initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

*Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
WestEd conducts a criminal background check and education verification for all new hires. Any offers of employment will be contingent on receiving a clear background check in accordance with applicable law.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
The full salary range for this position,WestEd Level 12 is $120,400 to $180,600 but WestEd does not typically hire at or near the top of the salary range.The typical hiring range for this role is $120,400 to $150,500.The actual offer takes into account multiple factors including but not limited to education; experience; internal equity, and other organizational needs.
In addition to the base salary, benefits include:
•15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment
•Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts
•All health/welfare benefits are effective first of the month following hire date
•PTO: 3 weeks vacation (increases to 4 weeks beginning the 4th year of employment), paid holidays, and 12 days paid sick leave per year
•Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary
•Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases annual incentives
•Professional development opportunities & mentorship program
For more detail about our benefits, go to:
https://www.wested.org/work-at-wested/benefits/
Committed to the diversity of race, ethnicities, perspectives, and opportunities, WestEd offers a variety of social and professional learning communities, such as Employee Resource groups, the Data Intelligence, Insights, and Innovation PLC, and the WestEd Parent Community, just to name a few. We hope you'll consider joining us to build better schools, communities, learning pathways, and more! #LI-Hybrid
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)