Accounts Payable Accountant

Position: Accounts Payable Accountant

Department:Finance & Administration

Reports to: Controller

FLSA Status:Full-time ExemptNon-Union

Grade:7

Position Description:

The accounts payable bookkeeper is responsible for Brooklyn Botanic Gardens full-cycle accounts payable process ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices while maintaining compliance with internal controls and accounting policies. This role plays a key part in safeguarding company assets managing vendor relationships and supporting financial reporting through proper accruals reconciliations and documentation.

Responsibilities:

• Review incoming invoices for completeness accuracy and proper authorization.
• Prepare and process weekly payment runs (checks ACH wire transfers).
• Verify pricing quantities tax calculations and payment terms.
• Maintain strong internal controls to prevent duplicate or fraudulent payments.
• Identify and escalate discrepancies and missing approvals.
• Set up and maintain vendor records to ensure all documentation is updated including W-9 forms contact information and banking details.
• Ensure compliance with IRS 1099 reporting requirements and assist in year-end 1099 filing.
• Respond to vendor inquiries regarding payment status or discrepancies.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies including resolution of prior balances.
• Resolve payment issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist with month-end closing including accruals and account reconciliations.
• Ensure compliance with company policies procedures and approval hierarchies.
• Maintain organized and accurate account payables files and records.
• Support audits by providing required documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve AP processes and increase efficiency.
• Support implementation or upgrades of accounting AP systems.
• Assist in automation initiatives (invoice scanning workflow approvals etc).
• Acts as liaison between vendors and Business Office.
• Maintain all accounts payable reports spreadsheets and files.
• Monitor outstanding checks and follows up with payees where appropriate.
• Serve as custodian of petty cash for reimbursement of expenditures made by staff.
• Prepare Postage Cost Allocations.
• Perform any other department or related duties or special projects as directed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree and 4 to 6 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of accounting and understanding of the general ledger and how they relate invoices
• Working knowledge of MS Word and Excel
• Proven facility in data entry customer service and problem resolution
• Detail oriented
• General ability to work independently and as a team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Should be self-motivated able to prioritize and plan work activities and use time efficiently

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $64000$80000
  
  Brooklyn Botanic Garden considers several factors when determining the appropriate salary to offer a candidate within the listed salary range. These factors include (but are not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position a candidates relevant work experience and education/training prior union/ DC37 experience (for union positions) job skills equity across the institution as well as market and organizational considerations.
  
• BBG offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
  
  • Health Insurance that begins the date of hire; employees are offered coverage through the City of New Yorks Office of Labor Relations and can choose from a variety of plans some at no cost to the employee.
  • Dental/Vision/Prescription Benefits
  • Pre-Tax Benefits including flexible spending dependent care transit/parking accounts
  • CIRS Pension/401K/Life Insurance: BBG is a member of the Cultural Institutions Retirement System (CIRS) and offers a pension and 401K plan for eligible employees. Life insurance is provided through CIRS as well.
  • Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off including sick time vacation time and 13 annual holidays
    
• As a 501(c)3 BBG is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer.
• Museum Pass which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for free
• Free Garden admission for employee plus one guest
• Employee discount at BBGs retail shop and food venues

To be considered for this position please submit an application by clicking Apply below.Applications submitted without a résumé and cover letter will not be considered.

No telephone calls for position inquiries please. Applicants with disabilities who need assistance with the online system or who may require a reasonable accommodation during the application process should contact Human Resources at

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.