Accounts Payable Supervisor

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview :

The Accounts Payable Supervisor is responsible for supervising the work of the accounts payable clerk and ensuring that all invoices, expenses, and payments are processed efficiently and accurately. This position requires excellent customer service by addressing inquiries, resolving issues timely, and problem solving. A strong understanding of accounting principles, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work with colleagues and customers to deliver timely and accurate payments.

Primary Responsibilities :

Supervision of Accounts Payable Team :

Supervise, train, and mentor accounts payable clerk.

Assign tasks, monitor clerk’s performance, and provide support where necessary.

Conduct performance reviews and assist with employee development.

Invoice Processing and Payment :

Enter invoices through the ERP (Jenzabar J1 workflow and PO system)

Enter expense reports and check requests

Review requisitions, purchase orders, and invoice entries to make sure they reconcile.

Review vendor information and payments for accuracy.

Verify that all invoices and supporting documentation comply with College policies.

Process vendor payments via checks, ACH, and other methods.

Manage and ensure timely payments to vendors, keeping accurate records of all transactions.

Process void and reissue of payments.

The ability to understand and do journal entries related to voids from historical software.

Vendor / Department Relationship Management :

Serve as the point of contact for vendor or department inquiries regarding payments, disputes, and account reconciliations.

Supervise the Accounts Payable mailbox along with the Accounts Payable Clerk and process invoices and respond timely to colleagues and vendors, as necessary.

Resolve discrepancies or payment issues in a timely manner to maintain strong vendor relationships.

Reconciliations :

Ensure that accounts payable transactions are accurately recorded in the accounting system.

Reconcile accounts payable subsidiary ledger with the general ledger monthly.

Conduct monthly and year-end closing procedures and reconciliations.

Enter journal entries as necessary.

Compliance and Reporting :

Create College specific manual for all processes, procedures, and directions for accounts payable related to the new ERP system.

Update the existing internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with college standards and regulations.

Assist with the preparation of financial reports, including accounts payable aging and cash flow projections.

Ensure compliance with tax regulations, TIN check, and prepare necessary documentation for tax filings and preparation throughout the year. (e.g., 1099 forms).

Continuous Improvement :

Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies within the J1 workflow tracking process.

Review and suggest improvements and enhancements in Jenzabar J1 software systems, tools, and workflows to increase efficiency. Work collaboratively with Procurement and Fiscal Affairs to test and implement new releases as part of the finance modules.

Audits and Internal Controls :

Assist with external audits by providing necessary documentation and explanations.

Help maintain effective internal controls to prevent errors, fraud, or misuse of college funds.

Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent work experience).

Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in accounts payable or related accounting roles, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory capacity.

Proficient in using accounting software.

Knowledge of how AP fits in the world of accounting, how it affects other departments in a College.

The ability to understand and do basic accrual accounting and journal entries.

Strong knowledge of accounting principles, AP processes, and financial regulations.

The ability to analyze vendor payments, statements, PO’s submitted internally, and reconcile with GL.

Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.

Strong communication, writing and interpersonal skills to work effectively with vendors, team members, and other departments.

Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Intermediate Excel skills required (vlookups, pivot tables, sumif’s, and learn what else may be needed, etc.).

The ability to stay organized and be successful in a deadline-driven environment required.

Willingness to help wherever needed and learn new things is critical to success.

Application Materials Should Include :

Resume

Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission and our values.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Working Conditions

Full-time position, typically within standard office hours.

This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,100 undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students and 50 doctoral students from 48 states and 63 countries. The College features more than 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has six schools : arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, the Girard school of business and the graduate school of counseling and social work. The College’s suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities / Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 38th in the Regional Universities North category in 2026. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.