The Southern University
SUAERC|ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SPECIALIST
The Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, us, 70873
The Accounts Payable Specialist supports the financial operations of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC) by managing all aspects of the accounts payable process. The AP Specialist reports to the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration. This position is responsible for ensuring timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices, employee reimbursements, travel payments, and other disbursements in compliance with Southern University System, State of Louisiana, and federal fiscal policies. The AP Specialist will work closely with the Data Entry Specialist and the SU Baton Rouge Campus Purchasing and Receiving Department to maintain financial accuracy, transparency, and accountability to complete required transactions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Prepare and process check runs, initiate electronic payments, and interdepartmental
Reconcile vendor accounts, monitor outstanding payables, and resolve
Maintain organized records and digital files of invoices, approvals, and payment
Responsible for completing state unclaimed property reporting requirements and assisting SU System with bank reconciliation.
Review, code, and process vendor invoices, purchase orders, and payment requests in accordance with university and state
Verify approvals, budget availability, and ensure compliance with procurement and grant requirements before payment.
Generate and maintain accounts payable aging reports and payment activity summaries.
Assist faculty, staff, and vendors with payment status inquiries and policy
Perform required month-end and fiscal year-end closing
Coordinate with Purchasing, Receiving, and Grants staff to ensure timely processing of expenditures on restricted and non-restricted
Prepare documentation and reports for audits and internal
Contribute to process improvements and internal control enhancements related to accounts
Minimal Qualifications:
Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in accounts payable or general accounting; experience in a higher education or governmental environment
Strong understanding of accounting principles and practices, particularly in accounts payable management
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Working knowledge of accounting principles, university fund accounting, and state fiscal
Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and experience with accounting or ERP systems (e., Banner, PeopleSoft, or similar).
Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse academic
Strong commitment to integrity, customer service, and SUAREC's
How to Apply: Interested applicants must complete a Southern University employment application.
Current Southern University employees should apply here .
A criminal background check and reference verification are required.
AAP/EEO Statement
In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Southern University and A&M College forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in Uniformed Services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws. This commitment applies to but is not limited to decisions made concerning hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other college-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.
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Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Prepare and process check runs, initiate electronic payments, and interdepartmental
Reconcile vendor accounts, monitor outstanding payables, and resolve
Maintain organized records and digital files of invoices, approvals, and payment
Responsible for completing state unclaimed property reporting requirements and assisting SU System with bank reconciliation.
Review, code, and process vendor invoices, purchase orders, and payment requests in accordance with university and state
Verify approvals, budget availability, and ensure compliance with procurement and grant requirements before payment.
Generate and maintain accounts payable aging reports and payment activity summaries.
Assist faculty, staff, and vendors with payment status inquiries and policy
Perform required month-end and fiscal year-end closing
Coordinate with Purchasing, Receiving, and Grants staff to ensure timely processing of expenditures on restricted and non-restricted
Prepare documentation and reports for audits and internal
Contribute to process improvements and internal control enhancements related to accounts
Minimal Qualifications:
Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in accounts payable or general accounting; experience in a higher education or governmental environment
Strong understanding of accounting principles and practices, particularly in accounts payable management
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Working knowledge of accounting principles, university fund accounting, and state fiscal
Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and experience with accounting or ERP systems (e., Banner, PeopleSoft, or similar).
Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse academic
Strong commitment to integrity, customer service, and SUAREC's
How to Apply: Interested applicants must complete a Southern University employment application.
Current Southern University employees should apply here .
A criminal background check and reference verification are required.
AAP/EEO Statement
In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Southern University and A&M College forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in Uniformed Services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws. This commitment applies to but is not limited to decisions made concerning hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other college-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.
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