Jobs

The Accounts Payable Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the financial operations of Dexter Southfield and the daily needs of faculty, staff, and departments. This position ensures accurate and timely processing of invoices and vendor payments while maintaining strong financial controls and positive vendor relationships. Consideration may be given to highly qualified candidates seeking full-time employment.

The Business Office is committed to operating as a modern, technology-driven finance team, utilizing Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT and digital workflows to improve efficiency and reduce manual processes. We seek a candidate who is comfortable working in a systems-oriented environment and who enjoys identifying opportunities to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency.

Essential Job Functions

Accounts Payable Processing

• Process vendor invoices, purchase orders, and employee reimbursements using Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT.
• Ensure invoices are accurately coded to the appropriate departments and accounts.
• Manage approval workflows and ensure all payments comply with school financial policies.
• Maintain organized digital documentation for all transactions.

Technology & Process Improvement

• Leverage the capabilities of Financial Edge NXT and digital tools to improve workflow efficiency and reduce manual tasks.
• Support the continued transition toward paperless accounts payable and digital payment solutions.
• Identify opportunities to streamline invoice processing, approvals, and vendor payments.
• Recommend and implement improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency within the Business Office.

Financial Accuracy & Internal Controls

• Maintain a high level of accuracy in invoice processing across departments including athletics, facilities, academic programs, and administrative offices.
• Review documentation and approvals to ensure compliance with internal financial controls.
• Assist in maintaining clear and consistent accounting records.

Departmental Collaboration

• Serve as a collaborative partner to department heads, faculty, and athletic staff by helping resolve billing questions and supporting departmental purchasing needs.
• Provide guidance regarding purchasing procedures and reimbursement processes.

Vendor Relations

• Act as the primary contact for vendors regarding invoices, payments, and account inquiries.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and ensure timely payments that support the school’s preferred vendor status.

1099 Maintenance & Compliance

• Maintain vendor records, including W-9 collection and verification.
• Manage the annual 1099 reporting process to ensure accurate and timely IRS filings.
• Monitor vendor compliance requirements throughout the year.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
• Minimum 3 years of professional Accounts Payable experience
• Experience in a nonprofit, independent school, or mission-driven organization preferred
• Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT preferred
• Strong Microsoft Excel proficiency
• Experience with digital invoice processing systems or automated AP workflows
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational abilities
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality within a private school community
• Strong communication and customer service skills when working with faculty, staff, and vendors
• Comfort working in a technology-driven finance environment
• Interest in identifying opportunities to improve systems, streamline workflows, and enhance efficiency

Work Environment:

This position works closely with the Business Office and collaborates regularly with faculty, staff, and school administrators. The role requires strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to support a dynamic school environment while maintaining accurate financial processes.

Requirements

This job requires one to lift, carry, push, and/or pull materials and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds, as well as the ability to stand, sit, walk, and effectively use extremities to reach, hold, touch, push, pull, lift, and carry. Incumbent must also effectively communicate (oral, written, non-verbal) with others. This job typically requires 80% sitting and/or standing and 20% walking, and is performed under minimal temperature variation in a generally hazard-free environment. Depending on the classroom assignment, this role may require one to relocate classrooms throughout the day and require ascending and descending stairs. Incumbents will occasionally be required to work extended hours, including after school, during evenings, and on weekends.

Dexter Southfield’s 36-acre campus is composed of several buildings, playing fields, and outdoor learning spaces, which are accessible via internal and external walkways, stairs, nature paths, hills, and uneven terrain. This position requires one to transfer between these areas in all weather conditions.

All employees of Dexter Southfield are required to verify employment eligibility and successfully complete CORI, SORI, and fingerprint-based background checks as a condition of employment.