Accounts Payable Specialist

Job Description

Accounts Payable Specialist | KIPP Public Schools Northern California

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at KIPP Public Schools Northern California, located in Oakland with a hybrid work setting. KIPP is a thriving nonprofit network of 23 free, public charter schools dedicated to preparing students with the skills and confidence for their futures. This role is crucial for safeguarding public funds by ensuring that all vendors and staff are paid accurately and on time, maintaining the operational integrity of the organization.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time, Full year
• Location: Hybrid – Oakland, CA
• Pay: $34.13–$40.38 hourly
• Team: Reports to Controller, with day-to-day direction from AP Manager.
• Mission: Ensures vendors and staff are paid accurately and on time, safeguarding public funds that support the schools.
• Tech Stack: Ramp, Sage Intacct

What You’ll Actually Do
• Invoice Processing: Execute invoice processing in Ramp, assigning each bill to the correct entity and verifying GL coding for error-free approval.
• Payment Assurance: Track pending bills, vendor onboarding, and outstanding checks weekly to ensure accurate and timely payments to vendors.
• Record Maintenance: Maintain accurate vendor records, including W-9s and validated bank details, and respond to vendor payment inquiries.
• Fiscal Compliance: Review employee reimbursements, mileage submissions, and credit card transactions against established fiscal policies, escalating exceptions.
• Closing Support: Complete assigned AP-related journal entries, manual checks, and balance sheet reconciliations to support timely month-end and year-end closing processes.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Possesses working knowledge of AP processes, including GL coding, reimbursements, internal controls, and 1099 reporting.
• Experience: 1–2 years of experience in accounts payable or another accounting role, specifically including invoice processing and vendor payments.
• Skills: Ability to use accounting software, spreadsheets, and digital recordkeeping systems to process transactions; strong attention to detail; clear communication with vendors and non-finance colleagues.
• Bonus: Experience in a nonprofit, school, or publicly funded organization; familiarity with nonprofit accounting, month-end close, and audit preparation; familiarity with Ramp, Sage Intacct, or comparable accounts payable and accounting systems.