Accounts Payable Technician 1

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits.  We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County. 

Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030. 

The purpose of this job is to process routine financial information and documentation pertaining to accounts payable functions for the Hamilton County Department of Education (HCDE).  Work is closely monitored.

• Acts in a professional, respectful, and welcoming manner at all times. 
• Creates a customer-focused climate and provides quality services and support to school and other stakeholders.
• Complies with applicable district, state, and federal codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures. 
• Processes documentation relating to accounts payable and purchasing functions; receives/organizes purchase orders, purchase vouchers, payment vouchers, and travel/expense vouchers; enters into computer; reviews invoices for accuracy, matches with purchase order, and researches discrepancies; checks bid amounts and ensures compliance with bid pricing; calculates price extensions, discounts, credits and taxes; verifies receipt of items ordered and proper signature/authorization on invoices prior to payment; codes invoices for assignment to proper budget accounts; assigns document identification and vendor identification numbers; enters invoice data into computer; reviews edit reports; maintains files/records. 
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with department operations within designated timeframes and per established procedures.
• Performs a variety of general accounting/bookkeeping functions, such as calculating data, balancing/reconciling spreadsheets/reports, reconciling vendor statements, researching financial discrepancies, correcting data errors, generating reports, or maintaining financial records.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, lists, invoices, statements, reconciliation reports, purchase order numbers, manuals, directories, reference or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Maintains file system of various files/records; prepares and sets up files; sorts/organizes documents to be filed; files documents in designated order; retrieves/replaces files.
• Answers telephone calls or assists visitors; ascertains nature of business, directs callers/visitors to appropriate personnel, and records/relays messages; provides information/assistance regarding department procedures, forms, or other issues; responds to routine questions/complaints and initiates problem resolution.  Non-routine questions, complaints and/or problems are referred to supervisor or the supervisor’s back up to handle.
• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, school officials, teachers, students, parents, vendors, the public, outside organizations, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Communicates through the proper channels to keep supervisor and other appropriate personnel informed of impending problems or events of unusual nature.
• Follows established procedures for ensuring assigned areas are safe. 
• Works collaboratively with school staff, students, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Attends work and arrives to work on time.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law.
• Attends meetings as required.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; performs data entry functions by keying data into computer system; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, accounting, email, or other software programs; performs basic maintenance of office/computer equipment as needed.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence as required.
• Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, processing incoming/outgoing mail, or running errands.
• Monitors inventory of equipment and supplies; ensures availability of adequate materials to conduct work activities; initiates requests for new/replacement materials.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Education/Experience:

High school diploma or GED required; College level course work or vocational training in bookkeeping, office administration, and personal computer operations preferred.   One (1) year previous work experience involving bookkeeping, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and/or purchasing preferred.  Or, any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use technology to complete essential functions of job.
• Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.  Ability to calculate decimals and percentages.  

Compensation:

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.
Grade D
Salary Scale