Directly Reports to: Chief Administrative Officer
Position Summary: The Accounts Payable Specialist will assist the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) with various tasks, including accurate record-keeping, compliance with grants and program requirements, advanced accounting, data entry, accounts receivable/payable management, non-profit accounting, and administrative duties. This role is crucial to our operations and requires a seasoned professional with substantial experience in accounts payable and project management. The specialist will collaborate closely with program leads, vendors, schools, and administration to ensure budget compliance and monitor spending. The role also involves working in a fast-paced environment and handling daily accounting activities with excellent attention to detail and multitasking skills.
Duties and Responsibilities: As an Accounts Payable Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in our team by providing exceptional service to customers and vendors, maintaining financial and grantee records, managing and tracking program budgets, recording operations and expenditures, and processing accounts payable transactions. You will also be responsible for processing cash receipts, payroll, and preparing journal entries, as well as managing finance files and records for accounts payable, deposits, and grant billings. Key duties include providing accounting support to the CAO, managing the DocuSign portal, and ensuring compliance with GAAP and non-profit accounting standards. You will also reconcile grant funds, donations, and other funding sources, and prepare financial reports for grantors, donors, and board members. Additionally, you will assist with the preparation and requested activity for annual audits, track and apply expenses to grants utilizing QuickBooks, and submit required grant reports.
Shared Administrative Duties: Our administrative team members collaborate to assist with calls, coordinate meetings, manage time and information to meet deadlines, work independently and with interdisciplinary teams, and apply critical thinking skills. They are cross-trained in accounts receivable and attend and record board meeting minutes, supporting tasks assigned by the President & CEO and the Chief Administrative Officer. Additionally, they support the planning and execution of annual fundraising events.
Minimum Qualifications: We seek experienced candidates with some college and advanced accounting coursework, complemented by 4-6 years of relevant work experience. Additional professional certifications, such as extensive training in QuickBooks Online (QBO) or proficiency in Microsoft Excel, are highly desirable. Ideal applicants will have a proven track record in accounts payable and project management. Excellent communication skills, familiarity with grants management and project management tools, and technical proficiency in Microsoft 365, QuickBooks, and database software are essential. Candidates should be highly organized, detail-oriented, proficient in Microsoft Excel, and knowledgeable in non-profit accounting principles and regulations. The ability to work independently, handle problem-solving tasks, and optimize processes is crucial. Some local travel may be required.
ABOUT DPSCD FOUNDATION:
The Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation’s (Foundation) mission is to create and enhance educational opportunities that are equitable and inclusive for the Detroit Public Schools Community District’s (District) students, families, and educators by building strong community philanthropic partnerships and advocating for policy, systematic, sustainable change. The Foundation has been working closely with the District since 2009, serving as its fundraising and fiduciary partner. Over the years, we have implemented and managed more than 100 programs. These initiatives focus on various critical areas that enhance education and support students holistically. The priority areas include education and literacy, health, science, technology, engineering, art, and math (often referred to as STEAM), workforce development, college pathways, and experiences beyond the classroom. This is achieved by executing fiduciary responsibilities over donations, leveraging partnerships and resources, grant administrative management, and fiscal and programmatic oversight. The Foundation in partnership with the District has established an exciting strategic plan with key sustainable program growth opportunities.