Accounts Payable Specialist

About the Role

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is seeking a Quality Control Specialist to join our finance team. This position performs critical audits and quality assurance functions for agency payments and purchasing processes, ensuring compliance with state and departmental policies.

Position Summary

This role audits and releases vendor payments originating from all divisions within KDHE, verifies supporting documentation for compliance with Department of Administration, KDHE, and SMART system policies, and audits non-travel related interfund expenditures. The specialist ensures payment vouchers for items or services purchased from agency or statewide contracts conform to contract terms, understands the Requisition to Payment process in SMART, and prepares requisitions as needed. Additional responsibilities include providing consultation to division accounts payable/purchasing staff regarding procurement policies, interpreting and implementing new policies, and working with other Quality Control staff to ensure timely review of payment vouchers. The role also assists with Business Procurement Card transactions, reviews out-of-state travel requests, audits travel reimbursements for compliance, and assists in distributing VISA lodging cards.

Responsibilities

• Audit and release for payment vendor payments originating from all KDHE divisions
• Audit vouchers and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with Department of Administration, KDHE, and SMART system policies and procedures
• Audit non-travel related interfund expenditures for all programs within KDHE
• Audit payment vouchers for items or services purchased from agency or statewide contracts to ensure conformity with contract terms
• Understand the Requisition to Payment process in SMART and prepare requisitions in accordance with established procedures
• Provide assistance and consultation to division accounts payable/purchasing staff regarding State of Kansas and KDHE Procurement policies and the procurement of and preparation of payment for commodities and services
• Interpret policies and inform agency personnel of new policies to ensure compliance
• Implement new policies and procedures as directed
• Work in conjunction with other Quality Control staff to ensure agency payment vouchers are reviewed and processed in a timely manner
• Assist the Director of Finance with special projects as assigned
• Assist the Travel Expense Coordinator in reviewing, reconciling and preparing payment for agency Business Procurement Card purchases; review transactions to ensure compliance with BPC guidelines
• Contact division accounts payable/purchasing staff and/or vendors to resolve disputed charges or transactions
• Assist the Travel Expense Coordinator with entry of travel authorization requests during peak periods and serve as backup during absences
• Review and approve agency out-of-state travel requests
• Assist the Travel Expense Coordinator in auditing agency registration payment vouchers for compliance with travel policies and procedures
• Ensure all travel reimbursements comply with State of Kansas policies and procedures and applicable statutes or regulations
• Assist in the distribution of VISA lodging cards to agency staff when necessary

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED
• Valid Driver's License (required when operating state, private, or rental vehicles for the benefit of the State)
• One year experience in professional accounting/auditing work (education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency)
• Must obtain a valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate within ten days of job offer

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access
• Proofreading, editing, and strong attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Extensive experience utilizing a personal computer and knowledge of spreadsheets and word processing
• Extensive knowledge of Department of Administration policies and procedures
• Ability to multi-task and manage several projects
• At least one year of experience in general accounting
• Knowledge of and completed training using the Statewide Management and Reporting Tool (SMART) system

Pay

$24.38 per hour. Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Flexible schedules available.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick and vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs including parental leave, military leave, jury leave, and funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and Deferred Compensation Programs