LGS Accounts Payable Specialist - Military Veterans

Manages the accounts payable function for Lions Gift of Sight, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices, purchasing, and tracking expenses.

Key Responsibilities:

45% Accounts Payable:

• Process invoices accurately and efficiently, ensuring proper funding and approvals as required and in accordance with University of Minnesota (UMN) policies.
• Create blanket Purchase Orders annually with proper documentation that accurately reflect forecasted purchasing volumes for the Fiscal Year.
• Proactively follow up with suppliers to ensure accounts remain current and resolve any payment discrepancies or issues.
• Investigate and resolve vendor queries in a timely manner, maintaining positive relationships with suppliers.
• Process check refunds as needed for deposit with UMN Finance.
• Collaborate with LGS Supply & Inventory Coordinator, and LGS Allocation to anticipate significant fluctuations in spending.
• Verify monthly invoice to Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation with EFS data and post expenses to QuickBooks.
• Together with LGS Administrative Manager, forecast and report monthly expenses, providing accurate and comprehensive financial data.

• Monitor and complete purchase requests from LGS Purchasing form, including check requests as needed.
• Business Unit expert on UMN purchasing methods and requirements.
• Organize, track, and monitor LGS purchasing activities including active follow up and communication with requesters.
• Act as a Purchasing Card (PCard) holder, overseeing assigned transactions and ensuring compliance with policies and guidelines.
• Facilitate necessary security reviews for software purchases. Maintain a tracking system for LGS software security reviews to ensure compliance with UMN policy.
• Facilitate Legal reviews with the Office of the General Counsel for purchases, as required.
• Set up and maintain suppliers in the Enterprise Financial System (EFS).
• Understand, and reference, the University of Minnesota purchasing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance at all times.

• Central point of contact and account admin for administrative accounts including FedEx, Verizon, Iron Mountain, Loffler, etc.
• Develop and maintain a proficient knowledge of eye banking operations to facilitate management of cross-functional financial responsibilities.
• Create, update, and maintain LGS AP operations manual, ensuring accuracy and reflecting changes and improvements as needed.
• Backup for onsite administrative functions as required.
• Act as backup for invoicing and accounts receivable operations as needed.
• Respond to supervisor feedback and meet established expectations.
• Remain current on all required training and submit documentation to Quality Systems in a timely manner.
• Represent the administrative team on internal committees as needed, actively participate in meetings and provide input.

• High school diploma/GED and four years of general accounts transaction experience. Training may be substituted for some of the years of experience.
• Strong organizational skills; able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent and proactive communication skills to work collaboratively with internal teams and external vendors, fostering strong relationships.
• Utilize available resources to ensure efficient and accurate accounts payable processes.
• Ability to understand the broader financial implications of accounts payable processes, connecting them to overall business objectives.
• Proficient in using Google Suite, including, Email, Calendars, Chat, and particularly Google Sheets for data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, displaying a high level of professionalism, integrity and follow through.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, complete and concise purchasing justifications.
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail, with the ability to accurately process a high volume of invoices and payments.

• Proven experience in accounts payable or a similar financial role, demonstrating strong knowledge of accounts payable principles, practices, and procedures.
• Proficiency in financial software and systems, including experience with EFS, QuickBooks, and purchasing card systems.
• Knowledge of University of Minnesota purchasing policies and procedures.