Accounts Payable and Purchasing Manager

Position: Accounts Payable and Purchasing Manager

Position Type: Full-time, Salary Exempt

Department: School Business Office

Location: Watertown Public Schools - Central Administration Building

Reports to: Director of Finance and Operations

Affiliation: Non-Aligned

Salary range: $80,000-$85,000

General Description:

The Accounts Payable and Purchasing Manager is a confidential staff member in the central office of the school department. The Accounts Payable and Purchasing Manager supports the mission of WPS by providing excellent customer service to school-based and other district staff. This position must be able to deal tactfully and effectively with school district personnel and vendors. Under the direction of the Director of Finance and Operations, the AP and Purchasing manager is responsible for processing vendor payments in addition to assisting WPS staff with the purchase of goods, services, and equipment. The accounts payable and purchasing manager should be a self-starter who thrives in a high-volume work environment and is skilled at managing competing priorities.

Responsibilities:

• The Purchasing & Accounts Payable Department supports the mission of WPS by providing excellent customer service to school-based and other district staff
• The Purchasing & Accounts Payable Manager must be able to deal tactfully and effectively with school district personnel and vendors. Under the direction and supervision of the Director of Finance and Operations, the Accounts Payable and Purchasing Manager is responsible for processing vendor payments in addition to assisting WPS staff with the purchase of goods, services, and equipment
• Work collaboratively with schools, departments and the City of Watertown to ensure the timely payment of invoices
• Research and resolve payment-related issues
• Schedule invoices and reimbursement requests for payment
• Verify the status of vendor accounts by reconciling monthly statements and related transactions
• Monitor the Accounts Payable email account for questions and requests requiring follow-up
• Maintain historical records by scanning and/or archiving documents in accordance with Accounts Payable's electronic record-keeping protocol
• Review Requisitions and Request for Consulting or Professional Services Contracts for the purpose of ensuring proper use of district funds in the acquisition of supplies, equipment and/or services
• Process Purchasing forms such as requisitions, purchase orders and change order forms; verify the appropriateness of budget codes
• Maintain purchasing information, files and records (purchase orders, vendor files, etc.) and ensure the availability of documentation
• Communicate effectively with school district personnel to promote an understanding of district-wide payment-related policies and procedures
• Participate in professional development opportunities, as appropriate
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications Required:

• Requires a general understanding of accounting practices and principals
• 2 years of applicable experience
• The successful candidate will exhibit excellent attention to detail, possess exceptional customer service and communication skills (both verbal and written), and have the ability to work independently to prioritize tasks to meet department deadlines

Preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Strong Microsoft Office Skills and proficiency with Google Suite applications and Munis accounting software preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer

Watertown Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.