Accounts Payable Specialist II

The University of Minnesota seeks an Accounts Payable Specialist II to support our Financial Operation Center department within the Controller’s Office. This hybrid position is based on the Twin Cities campus, with a minimum of three days per week in the office expected for metro-area applicants. Internal and external applicants near other UMN system campuses may also be considered. Occasional travel to the Twin Cities campus may be required. Out-of-state candidates must be willing to relocate to Minnesota at their own expense.

About the role

The Accounts Payable Specialist II performs complex accounts payable activities and financial reporting transactions for a portfolio of Resource Responsibility Centers (RRCs) in the Finance Operations Center (FinOps). This role collaborates with FinOps teams, university professionals, and external suppliers to ensure timely and accurate support for RRCs. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, professional, and adept at using technology such as TeamDynamix (TDx) and Google Suite. Strong verbal and written communication skills, along with a genuine desire to meet institutional needs, are essential. You will report to the Accounts Payable Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Accounts Payable (70%)
  • Prepare and process payments for a portfolio of RRCs using service requests.
  • Enter vouchers into the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) accounts payable module, conduct research, and resolve complex irregularities in vouchers and expense reports.
  • Process check requests, special handling of checks, invoice digitization, internal sales, receiving against purchase orders, and payment reconciliation.
  • Collaborate with accounts receivable specialists to handle returned goods and credit memos.
  • Identify transactions, policy, or system challenges requiring deeper analysis for timely resolution.
  • Interpret and apply university accounts payable policies to complex scenarios under moderate supervision.
  • Review and analyze service requests, evaluate chartstrings, and clarify details with requesters to complete transactions.
  • Collect supporting documentation and complete check requests, special handling requests, and payment forms.
  • Monitor transactions to ensure full processing, address exceptions, and resolve budget issues.
  • Review and process spreadsheets for mass transaction uploads and handle highly complex service requests with multiple invoices or suppliers.
  • Serve as an Accounts Payable subject matter expert, advising departments and FinOps colleagues on purchasing and payment methods.
  • Facilitate meetings to clarify payments, documentation, and policy requirements for efficient problem resolution.
  • Identify and recommend improvements to business processes.
• Unit Support (15%)
  • Support the Finance Operations Center strategy by assisting in the production and review of financial data.
  • Prepare ad hoc reports for a portfolio of RRCs.
  • Run and maintain reports from systems like TeamDynamix and EFS to support daily operations.
  • Assist in the Quality Assurance program by reviewing transactions and recommending training or procedural improvements.
  • Design and deliver training sessions for FinOps colleagues and mentor new or less experienced team members.
• Professional Development (10%)
  • Contribute content to training manuals and procedures for the Finance Operations Center.
  • Participate in cross-training opportunities to maintain coverage across FinOps functions.
  • Complete professional development, education, and training activities aligned with job responsibilities.
  • Engage in ongoing skills training, DEI development, and well-being initiatives.
  • Model UMN’s commitment to an inclusive work environment and caring culture.
• Other duties as assigned (5%)

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree and at least two years of professional work experience, or a combination of related education and proven work experience totaling six years.
• Ability to interact with standard technology platforms (e.g., chat, word processing, data entry, email, internet browsing).
• Experience running reports, cleaning and analyzing data, and presenting results clearly.
• Ability to find solutions to complex technical or operational problems.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Strong problem-detection skills and ability to report information to appropriate personnel.
• Clear and concise communication in both written and verbal settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of university policies and procedures involving accounts payable.
• Experience in a public accounts payable setting.
• Certification or experience in a formal process improvement methodology.
• Demonstrated experience developing or delivering training in accounts payable, purchasing, or a related field.

Pay

Pay Range: $24.56 - $30.05 per hour, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Benefits

• 100% time appointment with competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans, including healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• University HSA contributions, disability, and employer-paid life insurance.
• Employee wellbeing program and excellent retirement plans with employer contributions.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity and financial counseling services.
• Employee Assistance Program with eight free counseling sessions.
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.