Associate, Accounts Payable

The Associate in Accounts Payable at Memphis-Shelby County Schools is responsible for processing vendor invoices, travel expenses, and reimbursement requests. They audit financial records to ensure accuracy, compile data for reports, and support the department with various financial analyses. The role also includes addressing inquiries from personnel and vendors and ensuring compliance with Board policies on all financial transactions.

To apply for the Associate, Accounts Payable position at Memphis-Shelby County Schools, candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree in Public or Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field. Alternatively, a total of four years of equivalent education and relevant experience can also qualify a candidate. Experience in a school district or local government setting is highly preferred.

The work of the Associate in Accounts Payable directly impacts students and families by ensuring that financial transactions are processed efficiently and accurately. This facilitates the timely payment of vendor invoices and services, which supports the broader educational mission of Memphis-Shelby County Schools and helps maintain resources crucial for student success.

Essential skills for the Associate, Accounts Payable at Memphis-Shelby County Schools include strong attention to detail, proficiency in financial reporting and auditing, excellent communication skills for addressing inquiries, and the ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks. Additionally, being solution-oriented and a team player will help you thrive in this dynamic environment.

A typical day for the Associate in Accounts Payable at Memphis-Shelby County Schools involves processing invoices, auditing financial records, and preparing reports. The Associate collaborates with other team members and departments, addresses queries from vendors and staff, attends meetings, and continuously seeks to improve processes to enhance financial efficiency.

When answering this question, share specific examples of your previous experience handling invoices. Discuss how you ensured accuracy in processing, addressed discrepancies, and adhered to financial policies, while emphasizing your attention to detail and organizational skills.

In response, illustrate your time management strategies, such as breaking down tasks into manageable parts, using prioritization techniques, and communicating effectively with team members to meet deadlines. Providing an example will further highlight your ability to handle pressure.

Discuss your systematic approach to auditing, such as cross-referencing documents, using accounting software, and conducting regular checks. Mention any particular experiences where you successfully identified and resolved discrepancies to ensure accurate records.

Share your conflict resolution skills by detailing how you listen attentively to concerns, engage in respectful dialogue, and strive for mutually agreeable solutions. Highlight your ability to maintain professionalism while addressing inquiries promptly.

Be sure to reference any accounting software or tools you're skilled in, such as QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle. Discuss how you utilized these tools to improve efficiencies in your previous roles and your willingness to learn new systems.

When answering this question, provide a specific example where you noticed a bottleneck in the process and propose a change. Describe how you implemented this improvement and the positive outcome it had on the efficiency of the accounts payable function.

Talk about your experience in following established protocols for financial transactions and records management. Explain how you stay updated on relevant policies and your commitment to adhering to them, even under pressure.

Explain your process for gathering data from various sources, verifying its accuracy, and using it to create clear, concise reports. Mention any tools or methodologies you've found effective in producing reputable financial analyses.

Illustrate how you contribute to a collaborative environment by actively participating in team discussions, supporting colleagues with shared workloads, and fostering a positive team dynamic that aligns with organizational goals.

If you have experience training others, share an example of how you've successfully onboarded new team members, highlighting your communication skills and your approach to making complex topics easy to understand.