Accounts Payable Manager
Description
- 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience managing end-to-end accounts payable processes, including invoice processing, reimbursements, and vendor payments, with proven accounting skills—preferably in an educational institution or nonprofit organization.
- Experience handling high volumes of transactions with a strong attention to accuracy and detail.
- Proficiency in accounting software such as Sage Intacct, and AP automation platforms such as Concur and Ramp; experience with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Gmail) is also required.
- Strong understanding of internal control frameworks related to accounts payable, disbursements, and financial compliance.
- Experience supporting and training staff on AP systems, documentation standards, and policy compliance.
- Familiarity with nonprofit fiscal policies, state/federal compliance requirements, and audit preparation.
- Ability to enforce policies and procedures, document workflows, and track exceptions
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting, with experience in fiscal policy compliance and public funding requirements.
- Deep understanding of internal controls and risk mitigation practices related to payment processing and disbursements.
- Proficiency in accounting systems such as Sage Intacct and AP automation tools (e.g., Concur, Ramp, Amazon Business, DoorDash Corporate).
- Intermediate to advanced spreadsheet skills, including the ability to analyze, reconcile, and audit data in Excel or Google Sheets.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple systems independently.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, especially when handling high volumes of transactions.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial policies and procedures to non-finance stakeholders.
- Ability to train and support staff on AP systems, documentation standards, and internal processes.
- Analytical mindset, capable of identifying inefficiencies and recommending process improvements.
- Customer service orientation, with professionalism in vendor communication and internal support.
- High level of integrity and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential financial information.
- Solutions-oriented and adaptable, with a strong work ethic, initiative, and flexibility in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.
- Commitment to KIPP Northern California’s mission, with a belief in the potential of all students to achieve at high levels.
- Professionalism and humility, including openness to feedback, a collaborative spirit, and eagerness to learn and grow.
- Manage all accounts payable operations, including the timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices, employee reimbursements, recurring payments, and credit card transactions.
- Ensure compliance with organizational fiscal policies, nonprofit accounting standards, grant regulations, and public funding requirements.
- Maintain and review AP records and documentation to support accurate month-end close, year-end close, audits, and financial reporting.
- Review, reconcile, and approve AP batches, verifying proper coding, backup documentation, and required authorizations before disbursement.
- Oversee credit card processing, including timely report submissions, receipt documentation, and policy compliance; escalate violations as needed.
- Implement and monitor internal controls to ensure integrity in AP workflows and mitigate the risk of fraud or misuse of funds.
- Manage vendor relationships, including onboarding, W-9 collection, payment method setup (ACH/check), and resolving payment discrepancies.
- file annual 1096 and 1099 IRS tax forms and ensure accurate record keeping
- Facilitate cross-departmental communication to ensure accurate coding, timely payment requests, and budget alignment.Support and train internal stakeholders (e.g., school or department staff) on AP policies, deadlines, and system usage (e.g., Concur, Intacct).
- Maintenance of corporate payable solutions and vendor platforms, including DoorDash, EZCater, and Amazon, to ensure efficient processing and compliance with fiscal policies. Maintain workflows that align with internal controls, and troubleshooting system or payment issues.
- Lead AP process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce manual effort, and strengthen accountability.
- Monitor and report on key AP metrics, such as payment timeliness, error rates, and policy compliance, to finance leadership.
- Support audit preparation, ensuring all AP-related documentation is complete, accurate, and audit-ready.
- Partner with HR to ensure accurate benefit entries in the general ledger.
- Reinforce and model adherence to fiscal policies and procedures in all day-to-day accounting practices.
- Collaborate with the Accounts Receivable team to ensure accuracy of all payment transactions for end of the month closing
- Lead AP System Implementation and Automation
Demonstrate the ability to successfully support the implementation of the new AP system, driving process improvements and automation. Responsibilities include partnering with the implementation lead, coordinating with cross-functional stakeholders, and designing workflows that align with fiscal policies, internal controls, and organizational needs. This role will also support system configuration and testing, assist with staff training and documentation, and help ensure a smooth organization-wide rollout and adoption of Ramp. - Strengthen Accounting Knowledge Management
Lead the AP in annual update of accounting resource documents and collaborate with the RSO Operations team to deliver training for DSO/BOM Communities of Practice (CoP). - Develop and Enforce Internal Controls
Develop and maintain internal control policies and procedures to ensure compliance with KIPP’s fiscal policies as well as applicable state and federal regulations. - Cross-Functional Collaboration for Efficiency
Partner with departments such as HR, school operations, and budget managers to streamline approval workflows, improve expense coding accuracy, and strengthen documentation standards. - Drive Process Improvement Using DMAIC Framework
Employ a structured, data-driven approach (e.g., DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to reduce manual effort, minimize errors, and enhance efficiency and accountability in financial operations.
We benchmark annually against comparably-sized non-profit organizations in the regions where we operate, to offer competitive salaries. The salary range for this position is between $87,000 and $102,000. Most candidates would be compensated at $93,000.
KIPP Northern California Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, color, national origin or ancestry, cultural background, religious creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital/registered domestic partner status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, primary language, citizenship or immigration status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.