Accounts Payable Lead/ Accountant

OUR STATEMENT
The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.

GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION
The Finance and Accounting Department of the San José State University Research Foundation provides financial and administrative support services to researchers. These services include purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cashiering, property, and general ledger. The accounts payable department is responsible for the accurate and timely payment of vendor invoices, business expense reimbursements, travel reimbursements, credit application processing, form 1099 processing, nonresident alien tax assessments, and compliance with federal, state, and sponsor agencies’ guidelines.

As a member of the Finance and Accounting team, this position will be responsible for processing and coordinating the daily function of the accounts payable department. The accounts payable lead/accountant will provide financial, administrative, and clerical support by ensuring payments are completed and expenses are controlled by receiving payments, processing, verifying, and reconciling invoices according to established policies and procedures in an efficient, timely, and accurate manner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Issue and amend purchase orders in compliance with Research Foundation, OMB, CSU, State, and federal regulations.

• Respond to inquiries and coordinate with campus and auxiliaries on payments and reconciliations.

• Conduct quarterly reviews and close inactive purchase orders.

• Resolve incomplete vendor and customer documentation for reconciliation and compliance.

• Maintain supplier records; coordinate tax withholding, nonresident screening, and 1099 classification.

• Review and process monthly purchasing card uploads.

• Manage the AP mailbox, assign invoices, and support AP staff with training as needed.

• Serve as backup to the AP Manager and assist with journals, W-9s, and year-end reporting.

• Prepare and review journal entries, including accruals, liability, and cost reclassifications.

• Prepare quarterly and annual census reports for the U.S. Department of Commerce.

• Review and submit annual unclaimed property reports to the State of California.

• Prepare and submit annual property tax exemption forms.

• Administer the Foundation’s work-study program and act as liaison with University projects.

• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

• Reports to the accounts payable manager of the Finance and Accounting Department.

• Frequently works and interacts with department staff and managers, other Research Foundation co-workers, and university faculty and administrators.
  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None. However, as the lead, this position will oversee, assign, direct, and/or train the work of department AP specialists, under the supervision of the AP manager.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related discipline preferred.

• Minimum of five years of high volume full cycle accounts payable experience required.

• One year of experience in a university auxiliary environment or similar environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Required

• Thorough knowledge of applicable accounts payable/general ledger systems and procedures and financial chart of accounts.

• Ability to perform mathematical computations such as percentages, fractions, addition,

• subtraction, multiplication, and division quickly and accurately.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy of information.

• Proven ability to demonstrate organization, meet tight deadlines, and prioritize workload to achieve results.

• Knowledge of accounts payable best practices.

• Solid understanding of 1099 and 1042-S reporting requirements

• Solid understanding of sales and use tax applications in accounts payable.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.

• Working knowledge of current computer and office automation equipment.

• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel) and computerized accounting software (preferably experience with Workday).

• Ability to use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.

• Ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines with little supervision.

Complexity of Duties

• Works under general supervision on specific assignments following established policies, procedures, and practices.

• Work is subject to regular checks and reviews to ensure compliance with procedures.
  

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to operate a PC, including a mouse and keyboard.

• Must be able to operate general office equipment.

• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.

• Visual acuity associated with concentrated computer use.

• Must be able to push, pull, carry, or lift up to 20 lbs.

PLEASE NOTE: This position is considered a “sensitive” position by SJSURF and CSU policy. Consequently, the successful candidate must undergo and successfully complete the Live Scan (fingerprinting) background check as a condition of their employment. This background check must be completed before the actual start of employment.

NOTE: This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.

Compensation Range:

$80,00-90,000 Annually, DOQ/E

BENEFITS
The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).

• Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.

• Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.

• 14 paid federal & state holidays.

• Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.

• Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.

• Employee discounts.

• Paid training and professional-development conferences.
  

Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability, and you require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at foundation-jobs@sjsu.edu. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information.

ABOUT THE SJSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION
SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San José State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non-profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self-supported. The majority of the organization’s funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational-related activities.

San José State University Research Foundation is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.

It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment or services are not subjected to discrimination. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. This policy is in accordance with federal, state and local laws and reaffirms the Research Foundation’s continuing commitment to both the spirit and intent of equal employment opportunity laws and policies.

San José State University Research Foundation is an EOE M/F/Vet/Disability. Learn more about our organizations EEO and AAP policy by visiting our website HERE . Data metrics on the AAP is available for review upon request. Please also visit OFCCP for additional resources: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters .

If you have any questions or need assistance or an accommodation in completing this application, please contact Research Foundation HR at (408) 924-5582.

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