Overview

The accounts payable associate is responsible for day-to-day accounts payable operations at the Ascend network and Ascend's partner schools, including but not limited to processing bills, maintaining vendor relations, and recording cash and check receivables. The accounts payable associate has contact with nearly every member of the organization and must work professionally, foster trust and reliability, and maintain a customer-service approach. This is a great opportunity for an individual who is ready to work in a fast-paced, mission-driven organization.

Why extraordinary professionals choose Ascend

Ascend is a network of K-12 public charter schools serving 5,700 students in 15 schools across Brooklyn-New York's most populous borough. Our undertaking is to lead our students on a great intellectual adventure, provide them with an exceptional college preparatory education, and place them firmly on the path to success in college and beyond.

We guide our students to think critically and independently and to enjoy education as an end in itself. We teach a rich and rigorous liberal arts curriculum that nurtures students' natural curiosity about the world. We foster a positive, non-punitive school culture where students feel connected, empowered, and safe to take academic risks. Even our school buildings are designed to reflect our high aspirations for teaching and learning and the notable accomplishments that occur within our walls.

To create this kind of vibrant learning community, we invest heavily in our faculty by providing ongoing professional training and support, and encourage our educators to collaborate closely and push each other to achieve great outcomes.

Ascend is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, both through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities-opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our deeply consequential work.

Responsibilities

• Process accounts payable transactions in compliance with financial policies and procedures
• Review and verify invoices, enter bills, and process all other payables with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
• Cultivate relationships with vendors and staff; maintain a solutions-oriented, customer-service approach in all communication; and ensure timely and accurate responsiveness and follow-through
• Conduct weekly review of AP Aging Reports: identify invoices ready for payment, verify vendor balances, and prepare analysis of accounts
• Prepare cash receipts and other deposit items
• Support with coordinating purchasing activity
• Assist in monthly-close processes
• Maintain complete and accurate records; ensure documents are well-organized and easily accessible
• Actively engage in team meetings; provide input on enhancing processes and other improvements
• Assist with preparation of annual audits
• Support with other finance departmental tasks and ad hoc projects as needed

Staff and Reporting Relationships

The accounts payable associate works collaboratively with the accounts payable team and other members of the finance team and reports directly to the accounts payable manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with one or more years of experience or Associate's degree with three or more years in a related role
• Knowledge of general accounting principles, terms, and practices
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint is required, including ability to filter and sort data and present data clearly
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
• Driven to provide excellent customer service
• Demonstrate sound judgment, strong problem-solving skills, and creative thinking
• Highly organized and excellent time management skills with the ability to streamline tasks, meet deadlines, and maximize productivity
• Assume ownership of tasks with an enthusiastic and collaborative approach to work, willingness to learn, and ability to work independently and as part of a team

Compensation

Ascend offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Please visit www.ascendschools.org/careers to learn more about the benefits of working at Ascend.