What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounts Payable Specialist position at Bethany College?
Company Description
Welcome to Bethany College, a private liberal arts college with a proud tradition since 1840. Bethany offers a wide array of studies, awarding Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in more than 25 fields of study. The College's program of classical liberal arts education prepares students for a lifetime of work and a life of significance. Our campus is located on 1,300 beautiful acres in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, just one mile from Pennsylvania and five miles from Ohio.
The Accounts Payable (AP) Specialist plays a critical role in the daily operations of the Business Office. This position is responsible for processing payments accurately and timely, supporting month-end and year-end closing activities, assisting with account reconciliations, and contributing to general accounting and administrative functions. The AP Specialist ensures compliance with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices in financial operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Accounts Payable Processing
Review and process invoices, purchase orders, and payment requests
Match invoices to supporting documentation and resolve discrepancies
Prepare and process check runs, ACH payments, and wire transfers
Maintain vendor files and respond to vendor inquiries
Ensure timely and accurate coding of transactions to general ledger accounts
Prepare and post AP-related journal entries
Reconcile AP subledger to the general ledger
Support accrual processes and closing schedules
Assist with 1099 preparation and year-end tax reporting
Reconciliations & Accounting Support
Assist in reconciling vendor statements and resolving outstanding issues
Support account reconciliations and variance analysis
Collaborate with departments to ensure proper expense allocations
Maintain accurate and organized financial records and documentation
General Business Office Support
Participate in audits by providing requested documentation
Assist with budget monitoring and expense reporting
Qualifications:
Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
Minimum of 2 years of AP or general accounting experience
Experience in higher education or nonprofit accounting is a plus
Experience with Ellucian Colleague or similar ERP system strongly preferred
Knowledge of GAAP and fund accounting principles
Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel
Strong attention to detail, organizational, and communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a deadline-driven environment
Working Conditions:
Office environment, primarily on-site with possible hybrid options
May require occasional overtime during close periods
Bethany College is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 304-829-7210.
