Position Purpose:

The Senior Accountant is responsible for accounts payable and related systems and oversees the management, operation, and evolution of the expense and vendor payment functions of the College’s financial activity. Working dynamically to meet the needs of a diverse population of faculty, staff, students, and vendors, this position coordinates the payment of every type and source of funding on campus and ensures that the College remains at the forefront of internal and external system requirements, AP-related tax and regulatory matters, and trends in the banking and vendor payment industry to ensure the timely, accurate, secure, and cost effective deployment of College resources.

This position oversees the key controls related to the disbursement functions of the College including regulatory compliance, appropriate and consistent application of College policies, and maintaining a framework that protects the College from fraud, waste and misuse of funds. The Senior Accountant promotes a strong customer service orientation and engages daily in the negotiation of mutually beneficial solutions that serve the best interests of both the College and the individual campus constituents. This position implements systems and process improvements that strengthen the efficiency, functionality, and security of the disbursement function.

Job Duties:

• Work with vendors from a broad range of industries, responsible for overseeing the timely and accurate disbursement of funds for operations and construction projects.
• Ensure that high levels of internal control are maintained by evaluating and implementing procedures and systems that automate and ensure appropriate transaction review and approval, including maintaining proper separation of duties.
• Improve productivity by leveraging technology and human resources; provide leadership in identifying applicable and appropriate technology solutions that enhance efficiency both within the department and across campus.
• Continuously review and improve the processing procedures in order to avoid duplicate payments, invoice matching discrepancies, and returned checks; ensure that invoices are processed timely in order to maximize payment terms.
• Supervise Accounts Payable, actively lead the daily activities of the function, support the Cashiering operations.
• Manage the college travel card program and support the purchasing card program.
• Serve as an expert resource for campus constituents on policy, procedure, and best practices related to the expenditure of resources and appropriate use of a wide variety of funding sources for a broad range of departmental needs, provide training as needed.
• Implement electronic solutions and workflows that improve the receipt, input, review, and payment of invoices for accuracy, consistent with purchase orders, and reconciliation of vendor statements.
• Track and reconcile prepaid expenses; reconcile subsidiary ledger to the general ledger, participate in month end close, year end and new year processes, and annual audit procedures.
• Comply with tax withholding and tax reporting requirements for all types of vendor payments including international payments.
• Responsible for electronic maintenance of all invoices and vendor records including quality review and document retention.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Management, or related field required.

Experience

• 5+ years of accounting, accounts payable and systems management experience preferred.
• Experience in public accounting or equivalent experience as an administrator in a college, university or nonprofit accounting office preferred.
• Familiarity with the academic environment and higher education a plus.

Skills and Knowledge

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusivity and to serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse and inclusive community with diplomacy and tact.
• Analytical and problem solving skills; ability to synthesize complex or diverse information; and experience working with large data sets.
• Understanding of the principles of accounting and standards of internal control and their application in a higher education environment preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in data management systems and computer applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).  Familiarity with Banner ERP system is preferred.
• Ability to develop and implement efficient technological applications and workflows as needed.
• Excellent communication (written, verbal and presentation) skills.
• Sound organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships.  Diplomacy, tact, and discretion are essential.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities with minimal supervision as well as work as part of the team.
• Ability and willingness to work weekends, evenings and other non-traditional schedules during peak times as needed.
• Personal commitment to excellence and to the mission of a top-tier small liberal arts college.

Benefits:  

Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, sick leave, 24 days of vacation, 2 personal days, 13 paid holidays, dependent care subsidy, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more), and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug and smoke-free workplace.