What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounts Payable Supervisor position at Drake University?
Position Number: 999688
Unit/Department: Controller
FTE: 40
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Department Summary:
The Office of Finance includes Student Accounts, Accounting/Accounts Payable/Procurement, Budgeting, Endowment, and other Finance functions, along with the Financial Aid Office.
Job Summary:
Drake University seeks qualified applicants for the Accounts Payable Supervisor. Reporting to the Associate Controller, this position is responsible for the full-cycle accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments. This includes invoice verification, coding, documentation review, payment execution (checks, electronic transfers, etc.), and vendor relationship management. The Supervisor actively seeks process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy, including identifying automation opportunities. This role also involves month-end close activities, such as preparing accruals, reconciliations, and reports. The position assists with financial reporting, including 1099-MISC reporting and audit requests.
Upon successful completion of the onboarding process and ongoing satisfactory performance, a hybrid work arrangement may be available (pursuant to Drake’s Customized Work Arrangement policy).
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- 3 years of experience in accounts payable or related role.
- Solid understanding of basic accounting principles (debits, credits, accruals, etc.) and accounts payable processes.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general computer skills.
- Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to work independently.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines, especially during month-end close.
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to interact with internal units as well external vendors.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- Experience with Ellucian’s Banner or similar ERP systems
Job Duties:
- 70% - Manage the full cycle accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments. This includes invoice verification, coding, and documentation review. Oversee the preparation and execution of payments, including checks, electronic transfers, and other payment methods. Ensure timely and accurate payments to avoid late fees and maintain good vendor relationships. Continuously evaluate and improve accounts payable processes to increase efficiency and accuracy. Identify opportunities for automation and streamlining (Essential)
- 10% - Participate in month-end close activities, including preparing accruals, reconciliations, and reports related to accounts payable. Ensure accurate and timely completion of these tasks. (Essential)
- 5% - Assist with the preparation of financial information including IRS Form 1099-MISC reporting, annual audit requests, and other accounts payable reporting. (Essential)
- 5% - Implement and enforce internal controls to ensure the integrity of the accounts payable process and compliance with company policies and procedures. This includes maintaining proper documentation and audit requirements. Assist in the administration, maintenance and IT testing of the accounts payable systems, including troubleshooting issues and working with IT support. (Essential)
- 5% - Serve as the liaison for accounts payable questions and issues communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors, University constituents, and management while fostering a positive and productive work environment.
- 5% - Perform other duties, as assigned.
Salary & Benefits:
The salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected candidate. This is a full-time, 12-month, non-exempt position. Additionally, after an initial training period, this position has the potential for remote work opportunities.
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts.
Tuition Benefits.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter.
If you have questions about this job posting or the application process, please email us at jobs@drake.edu.
Review of Applications Begins:
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
About Drake:
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Drake:
requested in our online application system.
Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (ph: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
At Drake University, we highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We stand firmly against discrimination including on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
