Specialist, Accounts Payable

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health, and leadership. With nearly four million athletes and Unified Sports® partners and one million coaches and volunteers in more than 170 countries, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and nearly 50,000 games and competitions every year. Learn more at SpecialOlympics.org. 

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Accounts Payable, this position is responsible for the management, maintenance, and implementation of all activities related to cash disbursements from the organization, alongside the Senior Manager of Accounts Payable.  The Accounts Payable Specialist works to ensure that all invoices are properly coded and paid promptly, so that vendors, suppliers, and service providers receive accurate payment.  This includes programs and employees who request funds and/or expense reimbursements, as well as all other outgoing financial transactions. The Accounts Payable Specialist understands that the timely completion of tasks, duties, and responsibilities is critical to the Finance function within the organization and thus is the primary job responsibility.

• →Process all disbursements from the organization’s accounts, including the following:
  • →Process and pay purchase order invoices
  • →Vendors and Suppliers
  • →Consultants
  • →Grants Payments & Program Distributions
  • →Travel and Employee Claims
• →Administer timely and accurate data entry of AP submissions, including the following:
  • →Review of documentation for adequacy and accuracy
  • →Verification of the appropriate level of approval authority
  • →Ensuring proper adherence to policies and procedures
• →Perform all AP activities required for the monthly close, including but not limited to notifying and requesting accrued expenses from all departments, programs, and budget officers
• →Administrator for the Concur expense system
• →Lead annual Accounts Payable Training
• →Assist with onboarding of new staff, providing 1v1 training where required
• →Ensure all accounts payable files/documentations are audit-ready
• →Provide exceptional customer service to departments, budget officers, and other staff
• →Responsible for working on the full cycle processes associated with the SOI accounts payable function (, ACH, & wires, and international wires)
• →Responsible for coordinating all wire transfers as directed by the Assistant Controller
• →Responsible for processing disbursements associated with SOI revenue sharing arrangements (e.g., multi-state distributions, direct mail, workplace giving) and the communication of such disbursements to State Chapter finance contacts

• →Assist with the preparation of monthly schedules as required
• →Ensure that vendor files are accurately maintained to support the annual 1099 filing process
• →File and Maintenance of GL files in electronic form
• →Account reconciliations, as directed
• →Review and reconcile Accounts Payable Aging monthly
• →Assistance with research projects and data analysis, as directed

• →Other duties as assigned

• 1-3 years of accounting/ accounts payable experience preferred
• Knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles preferred
• Knowledge of Federal regulations and the allowability of costs
• Must be professional and diplomatic at all times
• Attention to detail and works well under pressure
• Strong written, oral, and persuasion skills required
• Word processing, communication, and financial management software proficiency required (D365 Finance and Operations)
• Knowledge of the Concur expense and Vendor management system strongly preferred
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong verbal and written skills and ability to learn new tasks quickly

• Strong client service orientation;
• Ability to work with all levels of management;
• Ability to work effectively with other team members;

• Ability to concurrently advance multiple tasks and projects with limited supervision;
• Ability to provide effective business solutions and collaborate with senior management in problem resolution;
• Demonstrates respect, flexibility, initiative and tact; excellent listening, reasoning, and negotiating skills;

• The maturity, savvy, and good humor necessary to meet the challenges of a fast-paced work environment;
• Commitment to Special Olympics’ mission and goals, with an understanding of and commitment to the power and importance of people with intellectual disabilities, the unique role and power of sports, and a vision of a more understanding, inclusive, and just world.