Accounts Payable Specialist (Hybrid)

Department: Accounts Payable
Salary/Grade: NEX/13

Job Summary:

Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) serves as the centralized hub for all procurement and payment-related activities at Northwestern University. PPS is committed to delivering timely, accurate, and policy-compliant procure to pay financial services, while continually improving systems and processes to enhance efficiency and user experience.

Reporting to the Accounts Payable Manager, the Accounts Payable Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring timely and accurate processing of the University's payment obligations. This position is responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and resolving a wide range of accounts payable transactions including invoice processing, payment requests, expense reimbursements, and wire transfers. The Specialist must be detail-oriented, solution-focused, and adaptable to evolving systems and processes. While day-to-day responsibilities vary, this role functions as a utility player within the Accounts Payable team-flexible, cross-trained, and ready to support a wide range of needs as priorities shift.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Review and approve various types of payment requests and related documentation in compliance with University policy and external regulations. Using sound judgement, identify and resolve discrepancies.
  • Analyze and reconcile expense reports and cash advances, including follow-up on unused funds.
  • Process manual Direct Payment Requests and initiate wire transfers as needed.
  • Enter and review purchase order vouchers.
  • Upload voucher files and reconcile vendor statements for accuracy and completeness.
  • Review, analyze, diagnose problems, and clear invoices in invoice automation system.
  • Review and process invoices received outside of automated systems when necessary.
  • Maintain accurate records of AP transactions and ensure timely check disbursements.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives and adapt to system changes or new implementations.
• Serve as a resource to departments and vendors regarding payment inquiries and policy interpretation.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in business, accounting, or related field-or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two years' experience in accounts payable or a similar financial role.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated success working collaboratively across teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and comfort learning new systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently with high accuracy.
• Ability to interpret and apply financial policies and procedures in a complex organizational environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in accounts payable, plus if within a higher education or similarly decentralized organization.
• Familiarity with PeopleSoft Financials (NUFinancials), Nimbello, Jaggaer, Blackline, or OnBase.
• Knowledge of procurement, travel, and reimbursement compliance in a nonprofit or university setting.
• Track record of supporting process improvement and technology adoption in a financial operations context.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $22.99-$28.10 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.