Director of Accounts Payable

 

Are you looking to take your career to new heights with a leader in healthcare? SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is one of the nation's leading metropolitan medical centers. As the only academic medical center in Brooklyn, we serve a large population that is among the most diverse in the world. We are also highly-ranked by Castle Connolly Medical, a healthcare rating company for consumers, among the top 5 leading U.S. medical schools for training doctors.

Bargaining Unit:

MC

Job Summary:

The Department of Accounts Payable at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is seeking a full-time Director of Accounts Payable. The successful candidate will:

• Direct the development, implementation, auditing, and enforcement of internal controls related to disbursement operations.
• Oversee the operational functions of the department to ensure compliance with university, state. and federal policies and regulations.
• Collaborate with the Card Services team to Procurement Card, Travel Card, and Net Card programs, ensuring payments comply with federal and state guidelines.
• Oversee the implementation, process enhancements, and ongoing maintenance of Lawson, SUNY AP, the State Finance System (SFS), and other related software to ensure efficient payment processing and reliable audit controls.
• Review and develop policies and procedures.
• Ensure excellent customer service standards are met.
• Identify and resolve disbursement issues, recommending appropriate actions to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse.
• Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs), ensuring adherence.
• Assist in the development of the campus' annual budgets for state contracts and monitor them throughout the fiscal year.
• Act as Project Manager for various department projects and initiatives; undertake ad hoc DMC projects as required.
• Ensure the identification and resolution of disbursement issues and evaluate and recommend appropriate courses of action specifically focused on eliminating fraud, waste and abuse.
• Perform the Project Manager role on various department projects/initiatives. Undertake DHSU projects as required.
• Collaborate effectively across different organizational levels, functions, businesses, and State Agencies.
• Serve as Procurement primary contact on all audits.
• Consult with officials of the Office of the State Comptroller, SUNY Central Administration, Department of Taxation & Finance for assistance and clarification of procedures and policies.
• Ensure that robust internal controls, processes and systems are in place including regular supplier statement reconciliations.
• Screen, interview and hire new AP employees and make final hiring decisions.
• Create training and development material for AP staff.
• Monitor and develop staff including performing annual performance programs and appraisals.
• Take appropriate action when necessary to discipline staff.
• Audit and monitor daily AP activity to ensure the timely and accurate processing of invoices.
• Remain current with market trends through relationships with suppliers & industry experts; identify and implement opportunities.
• Effectively communicate with vendors to resolve complex issues and inquiries.
• All other duties assigned by the Senior Associate VP Finance.

Required Qualifications:

• 7 to10 years of Accounts Payable (A/P) experience, with a solid understanding of New York State Finance Law.
• Demonstrated experience in managing A/P projects, including overseeing software conversions.
• Strong analytical, audit, and customer service skills, with the ability to identify discrepancies and resolve issues efficiently.
• Experience with the Lawson and Oracle System or similar financial systems.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail, commitment to providing.
• Excellent customer service, and maintaining a strong ethical standard. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree (B.S/B.A) in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• CMRP (Certified Materials and Resource Professional) Certification is a plus.

Work Schedule:

Monday to Friday; 9:00am to 5:00pm (Full-Time)

Salary Grade/Rank:

MP2

Salary Range:

Commensurate with experience and qualifications