University Financial Services provides accounting and business services for all components of Montana State University (MSU). Financial services works to ensure that business transactions are conducted and reported efficiently, effectively, and in accordance with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
The Accounts Payable Director leads a team to ensure that University expenses comply with university, state and federal regulations and audit requirements, ensures the integrity of the University’s expense records and balances, and manages the accounts payable functions including invoicing and supplier management of the University’s accounting systems.
The Director reports directly to the Controller and works collaboratively across the Financial Services team to mitigate institutional risk, process payables efficiently, use judgement in the allowability of expenses, work with suppliers, and coordinate payables across multiple platforms. The Director ensures appropriate IRS information reporting is accomplished.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Accounts Payable Director is responsible for managing the accounts payable function and payment systems for Montana State University and performing IRS 1099 reporting for all campuses statewide.
This position will manage staff and oversee the performance of audit and accounting duties in support of the accounts payable function which include but are not limited to:
- Direct daily processing of Accounts Payable including vendor setup, W-9 review, ACH review, special check requests, outgoing wires, resolution of payment issues with vendors, timely payment processing, fellowship and student athlete payment tracking, and ensuring approvals from internal departments have occurred prior to payment processing.
- Ensure proper knowledge and compliance with University, State and Federal policies and regulations.
- Develop, administer, and communicate Accounts Payable Policies & Procedures.
- Recommending, documenting, and facilitating implementation of process improvements, as well as communicating appropriate process and policy changes to campus
- Solve problems as needed for efficient and effective operations; coordinating between the divisions and central offices as needed
- Provide guidance to campuses on A|P processing, 1099 reporting, and unclaimed property.
- Supervise the monitoring and audit of purchasing cards transactions, travel payments, and IRS Form 1099 preparation.
- Effectively communicate with and train faculty, staff and administrators to make determinations as to the allowability of routine expenses and in unique circumstances.
- Work with the State of Montana, outside banks, internal or external auditors, and vendors in a professional manner.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business or related field an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience in lieu of a degree.
- Demonstrated experience with accounting practices, financial reporting, internal controls and IRS Form 1099 reporting regulations.
- Demonstrated experience developing new processes and/or procedures for continuing compliance with changing regulations and to prevent errors or strengthen internal controls.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Experience with fund or governmental accounting.
- Experience with a modular accounting or accounts payable system.
- Experience preparing IRS or other regulatory filings.
- Demonstrated skills in organizational evaluation with an eye for increasing effective efficiencies and operational improvements.
- Successful experience using analytical or interpretive processes and use of independent decision making to solve problems.
The Successful Candidate Will
To perform this work, the Accounts Payable Director should possess:
- Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Excel to sort, analyze, format and summarize financial information.
- Knowledge of invoicing systems
- An effective communication style and proven leadership experience in a multi-faceted team environment.
- Ability and experience to identify training and development needs, evaluate workloads and resources.
- An understanding of the procure-to-pay process, experience in an ERP or modular accounting system environment, and have the ability to make decisions based on established policies and procedures and how they align with strategic priorities.
- A drive to develop and implement creative solutions that faculty and staff can employ to meet their business needs while remaining in compliance with a complex regulatory environment.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
At the completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on August 6, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
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