Accounts Payable Specialist

Kalamazoo College is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Accounts Payable Specialist to join our Business Office team. Reporting to the Associate Controller, this position is responsible for full-cycle accounts payable functions, including purchase orders, invoice processing, payment execution, vendor maintenance, and reconciliations. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting institutional compliance, and fostering positive relationships with vendors and campus partners.

At Kalamazoo College, we are committed to excellence, collaboration, and service. This position contributes directly to the College’s mission by providing outstanding support to faculty, staff, leadership, and external partners, helping create an exceptional experience for our campus community.
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In this role, you will:

Accounts Payable

• Process vendor invoices and employee expense reports accurately and efficiently using the Emburse system.
• Review invoices and supporting documentation for compliance with IRS regulations, accounting standards, and College policies.
• Process weekly check runs and execute payments through physical checks and EFT transactions.
• Respond to vendor inquiries and resolve payment issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Prepare and process annual 1099 forms in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Support month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Maintain vendor records and build strong, professional vendor relationships.

Purchasing & P-Card Administration

• Prepare and distribute purchase orders.
• Administer the College’s purchasing card (P-card) program, including:
  • Ordering new and replacement cards
  • Assisting cardholders with fraud claims and credit limit adjustments
  • Providing guidance and training on College purchasing card policies

Financial Operations & Collaboration

• Assist with journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Support external audit requests by preparing schedules and gathering documentation.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to ensure compliance with institutional, federal, and state requirements.
• Assist Business Office team members with projects, process improvements, and workflow initiatives.
• Provide assistance to walk-in customers and campus constituents.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen internal controls and mitigate operational risk.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive financial and employee information.
• Complete assignments accurately and within established deadlines.
• Support and demonstrate Kalamazoo College’s mission, values, customer service standards, and commitment to ethical conduct.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

You’re a great fit if:

We’re seeking someone with an associate’s degree. Strong candidates will also bring many of these skills and abilities.

• Bring at least two years of experience in accounts payable, accounting, financial services, or a related area.
• Have experience working with ERP systems and automated accounts payable workflows.
• Understand accounts payable best practices and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Have experience with or knowledge of 1099 reporting requirements.
• Are highly proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable working with financial systems and databases.
• Can analyze information, identify issues, and implement practical solutions in a timely manner.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, and a commitment to confidentiality.
• Enjoy building relationships and delivering exceptional customer service.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Approach challenges with a positive, cooperative, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Embrace the mission, values, and educational environment of Kalamazoo College.

Physical Requirements

This position primarily involves sedentary work in an office environment. Responsibilities may include standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, kneeling, and occasionally lifting or carrying items up to 20 pounds. The role requires the ability to use standard office technology and effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:

• A cover letter
• A current resume

Applications received by August 21, 2026 will receive full consideration. Review of applications will continue as needed until the position is filled. The anticipated start date will be determined based on mutual agreement.

Benefits

About Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo College is a nationally recognized liberal arts college known for rigorous academics and offering an integrated undergraduate experience that weaves a traditional liberal arts curriculum into educational experiences in both domestic and international settings with the majority of our graduates participating in study abroad. Kalamazoo College is committed to the liberal arts and sciences, experiential education, freedom of individual conscience and celebration of diversity and inclusion. It is one of the nation’s 100 oldest colleges and universities and a thought leader and innovator in higher education.

The campus of Kalamazoo College is located midway between Chicago and Detroit in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a metropolitan community of 261,000, which supports multiple college and university campuses along with numerous civic arts and cultural associations and sports teams. Thirty-five miles from Lake Michigan, the area offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, a walkable downtown, outstanding restaurants, and plenty of family-friendly activities. The city is home to the Kalamazoo Promise, which covers up to 100% tuition and fees at Michigan colleges, universities, and trade schools for graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools.

Kalamazoo College encourages candidates who will contribute to the cultural diversity of the College to apply and to identify themselves if they wish. An equal opportunity employer, Kalamazoo College is committed to equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal protection under the law. Please be invited to review our full EEO statement by visiting https://www.kzoo.edu/about/nondiscrimination-policy/. To provide a safe and secure educational environment, Kalamazoo College conducts criminal background reviews on all people who receive an offer of employment. Kalamazoo College is an E-Verify participating employer. Please select Notice and Rights for more information.