Job Title: Accounts Payable Clerk

School: Business Office/Central Office

Application Due Date: Open Until Filled

Work Year: 12 Months

Salary: Hourly rate per AFSCME Contract

Reports to: Business Manager

Description: Under the direct supervision of Business Manager, the account clerk is responsible for assisting School Department Staff with the purchase of goods, supplies and services and processing vendor payments in compliance with the School, City and Government regulations. Other general office duties include taking phone calls, directing and handling inquiries, preparing correspondence and reports, maintaining files, preparing office supply orders, entering requisitions and issuing working papers. The account clerk must be able to deal tactfully and effectively with school and city personnel and vendors. This position requires a familiarity with public procurement principles and practices

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Process purchasing forms such as requisitions, purchase orders, change forms and vendor forms; verify appropriateness of budget codes.
• Process new vendor requests and revisions; obtain proper documentation to establish new vendors; complete vendor file forms and submit to the City Purchasing Department.
• Obtain and review data from a wide variety of sources (e.g. vendors, staff, public agencies, financial system, etc.) for the purpose of expenditure analysis to ensure compliance of procurement purchasing policies and procedures.
• Improve and document internal Accounts Payable procedures; train school-based staff in proper procedures for documenting receipt of goods & services.
• Review vendor statements to identify and resolve payment problems.
• Resolve problems and issues arising from purchase of services, supplies and equipment.
• Maintain purchasing information, files and records (purchase orders, vendor files, etc.) ensure the availability of documentation.
• Prepare and process accounts payable forms; work collaboratively with schools, departments and City of Salem to ensure the timely payment of invoices.
• Maintain accounts payable information, files and records in both electronic and paper filing systems.
• Work collaboratively with School and City Departments to promote and distribute clarification of established policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Experience with software that includes, but is not limited to Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and MUNIS or their equivalents.
• Relevant financial experience in the public sector.
• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field preferred.
• Strong math skills and attention to detail.
• Good customer service and telephone communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks to meet department deadlines.
• Successful completion of a Criminal Offender Records check (C.O.R.I) and National Fingerprinting

Position Type: Full-time

Equal Opportunity Employer
Salem 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, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Contact Information
Alicia Palmer, Director of Human Capital
29 Highland Avenue
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Phone: 978-740-1115
Fax: 978-740-1279
Email: apalmer@salemk12.org