Accounts Payable Specialist

Widener University is seeking an Accounts Payable Specialist to join our Fiscal Operations team. This role plays a key part in ensuring the accuracy efficiency and timeliness of the Universitys financial operations. The Accounts Payable Specialist will be responsible for processing vendor payment requests and employee reimbursements maintaining compliance with established policies and delivering exceptional customer service to both internal departments and external partners.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented highly organized and adept at managing operational tasks in a fast-paced environment. They should demonstrate strong communication skills the ability to work collaboratively across teams and a commitment to continuous improvement. A motivated reliable team player this individual will proactively identify opportunities to streamline processes and support the Universitys mission through accurate and transparent financial practices.

Reporting to the Director of Payroll and Accounts Payable the Accounts Payable Specialist is a critical member of the Fiscal Operations team. This role ensures the accuracy efficiency and timeliness of daily financial transactions supporting the Universitys operational integrity. The Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for reviewing and processing vendor payment requests employee reimbursements student refund payments and coordinating with the Universitys third-party payment processor to confirm successful execution of addition this position proactively identifies and recommends process improvements to streamline workflows and enhance overall efficiency.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to):

Essential Duties:

Financial Operations

• Execute vendor and student refund payment runs ensuring proper documentation and filing of supporting materials.
• Ensure timely and accurate entry of invoices and payment requests in compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Monitor workflow within the Universitys financial system to identify and resolve discrepancies or errors promptly.
• Collaborate with departments across campus to ensure accurate recording and reconciliation of financial transactions.
• Coordinate with the Universitys third-party payment processor to validate payment files troubleshoot issues and confirm successful execution of transactions.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial information.

Audit & Reporting

• Facilitate audit requests by providing detailed information on vendor payments approvals and supporting documentation.
• Maintain accurate records to support compliance transparency and accountability in financial operations.

Communication & Education

• Deliver clear guidance on processes procedures and best practices to support and educate the University community.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and external partners regarding workflows payment status and financial processes maintaining professionalism and tact.

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Play a key role in assessing current processes and recommending improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with University internal controls related to purchasing payments and reimbursements.
• Review employee reimbursement requests for accuracy adherence to University policies and proper financial coding.
• Support compliance with federal state and University regulations related to vendor payments and reporting.

Systems & Implementation

• Participate in new system and application implementations including reviewing and assessing current and proposed workflows.
• Contribute to the design and adoption of improved financial processes and technology solutions.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Respond to customer and departmental inquiries with timely updates.
• Represent the Fiscal Operations department in meetings.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission values and goals of Fiscal Operations & Risk Management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in Accounts Payable Payroll or a related field.
• Proven proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Capable of working with minimal supervision while consistently meeting deadlines.
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced dynamic and ambiguous environment.
• Exceptional organizational abilities with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred:

• Associates degree in Accounting or a related field.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague and Informer reporting tools.
• Background in higher education finance operations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• May require periodic overtime particularly during peak periods (e.g. quarterly and year-end closings).
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 15 lbs.
• Extended periods of sitting and computer use are expected with routine office tasks.
• Standard office environment with occasional standing bending stooping or kneeling.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race religion color national origin age sex sexual orientation disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty staff and students from a variety of backgrounds cultures and personal experiences are welcomed and can are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age color national origin race religion disability veteran status sex sexual orientation gender identity genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location consistent with Wideners Flexible Work policy.

Widener University an independent metropolitan doctoral-intensive university connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching active scholarship personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester PA Wideners main campus is nestled between Philadelphia PA and Wilmington DE with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university please visit our website at .

EOE M/F/V/D