Accounts Payable Specialist IV

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:
The Accounts Payable Specialist IV is an integral member of the Accounts Payable (AP) team and plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and compliance of payment processing activities. The AP department is a fast-paced environment where the Specialist works daily with faculty, staff, and suppliers to process and distribute payment documents accurately and on time.

Ideal Candidate Statement:
In addition to handling complex AP tasks, the AP Specialist IV provides guidance and support to junior AP staff as needed and assists with special projects and process improvements. The ideal candidate demonstrates professionalism, discretion, and strong leadership skills and is tactful, considerate, and able to effectively manage interactions with other members of the Rice community and with the public.

Workplace Requirements:
Hybrid position: This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $26.92 – $33.61
*Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Associate degree or higher
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis
• 4+ years of Accounts Payable experience
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis

Skills:

• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word)
• Experience working with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as SAP, Oracle, Workday
• Demonstrated excellent attention to detail, strong leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication with all levels of management
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Ability to efficiently handle a high-volume workload
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment

Preferences:

• 5+ years of Accounts Payable experience
• Oracle experience

Essential Functions:

• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve any outstanding issues
• Assist with special projects, reports, or assignments as directed by management
• Provide guidance, training, and supervision to junior AP staff as needed
• Establish and maintain relationships with faculty, staff, and suppliers
• Enforce the University’s policies and procedures as applicable
• Maintain confidentiality of organizational information
• Proactively escalate risks and unresolved issues to leadership
• Process invoices using 3-way match
• Identify, review, and process credit memos in a timely manner
• Participate in internal and external audit processes by compiling required documentation

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and