Accountant I - Accounts Payable

Company Description:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - meeting a public need to promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs and, while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve and FSU right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, and working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham. FSU is unapologetically a public institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.

At FSU, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of antiracism, encouraging a challenging yet collaborative learning environment, and providing culturally relevant education. FSU is designated as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and also belongs to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence community, providing national leadership in science education and exploring strategies that will lead to more inclusive science education. We are honored that our commitment earned FSU six Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and professional students, offers 39 undergraduate majors, and enrolls 41% BIPOC students in our undergraduate programs. Ideally situated between Boston and Worcester, FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Incumbents of positions in this series examine accounting data; prepare financial statements and reports; maintain accounting records; and perform related work as required.

The basic purpose of this work is to examine, analyze, and interpret account records for the purpose of giving advice or preparing statements.

View the full Classification Specifications for the Accountant Series.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Staff Associate ? Grants, A/P and Accounting

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

N/A

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Oversee, review and process a high volume of invoices and other transactions for timely payment and to take advantage of vendor discounts.
2. Communicate with and assist departments via email and phone re: the receiving and approval of invoices.
3. Communicate with vendors via email and telephone regarding invoice discrepancies and invoice payments.
4. Research and reconcile any invoice previous balance and credits.
5. Process procurement card and EFT payment transactions.
6. Coordinate the scanning of invoices and other documents using the Banner Extender module and file and organize invoices and other related documents.
7. Process MMARS (the Commonwealth of Massachusetts accounting system) invoices in Banner and MMARS.
8. Assist in maintaining certain information such as utilities charges using Excel spreadsheets.
9. Run and analyze reports on a daily and monthly basis to prepare invoices for payments, to reduce accounts payables and open purchase orders.
10. Create financial reports (vendor history/detail, trial balance, meal plan bill analysis, general ledger transaction detail, etc.) using the Argos reporting software.
11. Back up to other accountants and staff during vacation, personal, sick, and peak times.
12. Review and enter signed off budget entries and journal entries to be approved and finalized.
13. Perform complex reconciliations of vendor invoices to supporting documentation.
14. Perform bank transactions such as cash deposits, petty cash replenishments, and other bank transactions as required at the university's local bank branch.
15. Reviews accounts payable, budget request and other accounting procedures and job aids to ensure conformance with established standards.
16. Perform related duties associated with implementing of new technologies in the AP process.
17. Review accounting and accounts payable transactions, reports, etc. for accuracy, and make corrections where necessary.
18. Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.
19. Attend trainings as required and assist in all areas of the Business Office as needed
20. Reliable and consistent attendance and punctuality are expected for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Office Setting

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in accounting or auditing, or (B) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in accounting or auditing, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required (A) experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in accounting, business administration or business management may be substituted for the required (A) experience.*

II. Successfully completed education in accounting or business administration in a recognized business school or school of accounting may be substituted for the required (A) experience on the basis of one year of such education above the high school level or six (6) months of the required (A) experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Ability to think and work independently and in a team setting, to be detail oriented, meet deadlines and willing to learn new computer applications.
2. Excellent analytical, data entry, organizational, and oral and written communication skills.
3. Ability to work effectively and professionally with faculty, staff and vendors.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, non-exempt, benefits-eligible position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) bargaining unit with a title of Accountant I. The bi-weekly pay rate is $1,820.73 (grade 15, step 1).

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

For full consideration, application materials should be received by October 20, 2023, however applications may continue to be reviewed until the position is filled, at the discretion of the search committee.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.

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