Multnomah County
Account Payable Specialist
Are you highly motivated and experienced in Accounts Payable functions with strong attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines? A successful candidate will excel in handling multiple tasks and take pride in striving for error-free work, be able to work independently with minimal supervision, yet contribute as needed for the teams success. Are you quick to learn technology and troubleshoot transactions and provide guidance to others? If so, then we have the job for you and encourage you to apply. This position contributes to the completeness and accuracy of the Countys accounts payable processing through daily audit/review of the payable documents entered into the Countys ERP system by other departments; reconciling and balancing various ledger accounts and preserving the data integrity of the Countys financial transactions and accounting system. This encompasses a variety of technical and professional accounting skills such as accurate and timely payment processing in compliance with all applicable laws, policies and procedures; the performance of on-line transaction audits coupled with periodic field audits; workflow analysis and support and problem resolution of payment processing issues for both internal and external customers. As the Account Payable Specialist (Finance Specialist 2 classification) with the Department of County Management Accounts Payable Unit, your roles will include: Payment Auditing
Requests for supplier payments, customer refunds and employee reimbursements are received from ten departments on a daily basis. Through transactional audits, Central AP coordinates all payment processing and ensures that disbursements of any nature are processed expeditiously through the Countys ERP system and meet County best practices, are free from fraud risk and are delivered to the supplier in a timely manner. Check & Payment Management & Payment Troubleshooting
This function is unique among all other fiscal staff functions across the County. Not only does this position pay suppliers using checks, but they must also perform what is referred to as check manage functions which include issues such as re-handling return checks, stop payments, replacement of lost checks, escheatment of unclaimed checks, all of which need to be done in a controlled environment with the cooperation of the various department finance staff, Treasury and General Ledger. Additionally, this position actively manages payment recalls, reversals, rejection, etc. for ACH and Prepaid Cards require immediate action. The process often entails several important steps including coordination and communication with the entire C-AP staff, Treasury, General Ledger, ERP system supplier maintenance staff and the affected department, management and fiscal staff. Account Analysis and Reconciliation
Monitor and reconcile retainage payments; analyze documentation submitted by departments, ensure amounts recorded are accurately calculated; when retainage is distributed, verify amount being paid to vendors is calculated accurately per County Procedures. Prepare reporting as needed. Analyze and reconcile other balance sheet transactions such as prepaid accounts and AP accruals; reconcile to General Ledger; prepare and initiate or recommend any adjustments or corrections as needed. Payment Reconciliation and Processing
This position prepares payments for release to the payee and requires system competencies and troubleshooting skills to distinguish between a system error (requiring ERP Finance assistance) or a system imbalance which usually involves further analysis with Department AP staff or management. This function also requires collaboration between ERP Supplier staff, GL and Treasury, all of which are communicated with during the course of the day. Technical Assistance, Customer Support & Process Improvement
This position provides a wide range of support to Department County staff as well as directly with suppliers. The position is primarily responsible for answering the Central Accounts Payable phone, but also interacts with customers over email and in person. You will actively problem solve issues and provide advice on areas for process improvement, assist with ACH enrollments, provide back up to Central Accounts Payable functions when needed due to staffing and special projects. To Qualify
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*
: A Bachelors degree in accounting, finance or a directly related field or experience may substitute for a degree 3 years of progressively responsible accounting, accounts payable or fiscal management experience Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills*
: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills. Accounts Payable or other accounting experience with a large ERP system (Workday, SAP, etc.) Working knowledge of governmental accounting and GAAP principles More than three (3) years of progressively responsible accounting, accounts payable or fiscal management experience *Transferable skills
: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position. Screening and Evaluation
The Application Packet : Your completed application must include the following items: A completed online application A resume that contains your relevant experience and education. Please be sure your resume includes the following for each employer: name of employer, location, dates of employment, your title, a brief summary of your responsibilities, and if applicable the number of employees under your supervision. A cover letter that expands on your resume, addresses why you are interested in this position and demonstrates how your experience and skill set aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications listed. The Selection Process : For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows: Initial review of minimum qualifications : We may do an additional preferred review, phone screen, and/or send out additional supplemental questions to identify those highest qualified. Consideration of top candidates : We will consider qualified candidates in order of rank and score from the list of eligible candidates. This may include panel interview(s), a hiring interview, and/or additional testing to determine the best candidates for a position. Background check and reference checks : All finalists must pass reference checks and some departments may require a criminal records check. Additional Details
This recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, limited duration and on-call positions. This hourly union-represented position is eligible for overtime. This position is designated as "hybrid telework," meaning you will be working both remotely (2 days from home) and in person at the Multnomah Building (3 days). The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations. We are unable to sponsor work visas, including H-1B, F-1 OPT, or STEM OPT. Location: Multnomah Building: 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd Portland, Oregon 97214 Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. After training, there may be an opportunity for an alternative schedule OR Monday - Friday; there may be some flexibility with start and end times. Equal Pay Law: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience, education seniority, training, and/or tenure. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range. Multco offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more. Find more details on our benefits website. Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page. At Multnomah County, we don
Are you highly motivated and experienced in Accounts Payable functions with strong attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines? A successful candidate will excel in handling multiple tasks and take pride in striving for error-free work, be able to work independently with minimal supervision, yet contribute as needed for the teams success. Are you quick to learn technology and troubleshoot transactions and provide guidance to others? If so, then we have the job for you and encourage you to apply. This position contributes to the completeness and accuracy of the Countys accounts payable processing through daily audit/review of the payable documents entered into the Countys ERP system by other departments; reconciling and balancing various ledger accounts and preserving the data integrity of the Countys financial transactions and accounting system. This encompasses a variety of technical and professional accounting skills such as accurate and timely payment processing in compliance with all applicable laws, policies and procedures; the performance of on-line transaction audits coupled with periodic field audits; workflow analysis and support and problem resolution of payment processing issues for both internal and external customers. As the Account Payable Specialist (Finance Specialist 2 classification) with the Department of County Management Accounts Payable Unit, your roles will include: Payment Auditing
Requests for supplier payments, customer refunds and employee reimbursements are received from ten departments on a daily basis. Through transactional audits, Central AP coordinates all payment processing and ensures that disbursements of any nature are processed expeditiously through the Countys ERP system and meet County best practices, are free from fraud risk and are delivered to the supplier in a timely manner. Check & Payment Management & Payment Troubleshooting
This function is unique among all other fiscal staff functions across the County. Not only does this position pay suppliers using checks, but they must also perform what is referred to as check manage functions which include issues such as re-handling return checks, stop payments, replacement of lost checks, escheatment of unclaimed checks, all of which need to be done in a controlled environment with the cooperation of the various department finance staff, Treasury and General Ledger. Additionally, this position actively manages payment recalls, reversals, rejection, etc. for ACH and Prepaid Cards require immediate action. The process often entails several important steps including coordination and communication with the entire C-AP staff, Treasury, General Ledger, ERP system supplier maintenance staff and the affected department, management and fiscal staff. Account Analysis and Reconciliation
Monitor and reconcile retainage payments; analyze documentation submitted by departments, ensure amounts recorded are accurately calculated; when retainage is distributed, verify amount being paid to vendors is calculated accurately per County Procedures. Prepare reporting as needed. Analyze and reconcile other balance sheet transactions such as prepaid accounts and AP accruals; reconcile to General Ledger; prepare and initiate or recommend any adjustments or corrections as needed. Payment Reconciliation and Processing
This position prepares payments for release to the payee and requires system competencies and troubleshooting skills to distinguish between a system error (requiring ERP Finance assistance) or a system imbalance which usually involves further analysis with Department AP staff or management. This function also requires collaboration between ERP Supplier staff, GL and Treasury, all of which are communicated with during the course of the day. Technical Assistance, Customer Support & Process Improvement
This position provides a wide range of support to Department County staff as well as directly with suppliers. The position is primarily responsible for answering the Central Accounts Payable phone, but also interacts with customers over email and in person. You will actively problem solve issues and provide advice on areas for process improvement, assist with ACH enrollments, provide back up to Central Accounts Payable functions when needed due to staffing and special projects. To Qualify
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*
: A Bachelors degree in accounting, finance or a directly related field or experience may substitute for a degree 3 years of progressively responsible accounting, accounts payable or fiscal management experience Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills*
: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills. Accounts Payable or other accounting experience with a large ERP system (Workday, SAP, etc.) Working knowledge of governmental accounting and GAAP principles More than three (3) years of progressively responsible accounting, accounts payable or fiscal management experience *Transferable skills
: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position. Screening and Evaluation
The Application Packet : Your completed application must include the following items: A completed online application A resume that contains your relevant experience and education. Please be sure your resume includes the following for each employer: name of employer, location, dates of employment, your title, a brief summary of your responsibilities, and if applicable the number of employees under your supervision. A cover letter that expands on your resume, addresses why you are interested in this position and demonstrates how your experience and skill set aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications listed. The Selection Process : For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows: Initial review of minimum qualifications : We may do an additional preferred review, phone screen, and/or send out additional supplemental questions to identify those highest qualified. Consideration of top candidates : We will consider qualified candidates in order of rank and score from the list of eligible candidates. This may include panel interview(s), a hiring interview, and/or additional testing to determine the best candidates for a position. Background check and reference checks : All finalists must pass reference checks and some departments may require a criminal records check. Additional Details
This recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, limited duration and on-call positions. This hourly union-represented position is eligible for overtime. This position is designated as "hybrid telework," meaning you will be working both remotely (2 days from home) and in person at the Multnomah Building (3 days). The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations. We are unable to sponsor work visas, including H-1B, F-1 OPT, or STEM OPT. Location: Multnomah Building: 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd Portland, Oregon 97214 Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. After training, there may be an opportunity for an alternative schedule OR Monday - Friday; there may be some flexibility with start and end times. Equal Pay Law: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience, education seniority, training, and/or tenure. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range. Multco offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more. Find more details on our benefits website. Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page. At Multnomah County, we don