The San Francisco Conservatory of Music is looking for a part-time  Accounts Payable Manager who is responsible for the effective, accurate, and timely operation of SFCM’s accounts payable function. This position oversees the full accounts payable lifecycle, from invoice intake and approval through payment, reconciliation, vendor reporting, and record retention.

The Accounts Payable Manager works closely with colleagues across the SFCM to ensure that expenditures are properly authorized, documented, coded, and processed in accordance with institutional policies and sound financial controls. The position also serves as a primary resource for vendors and employees regarding payment status, documentation requirements, and accounts payable procedures.

The successful candidate will combine strong accounting fundamentals with a service-oriented and technology-forward approach, and will identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen controls, and make the accounts payable experience more efficient for the SFCM and its vendors.

Job Duties 

• Manage the full accounts payable cycle, including invoice intake, review, coding, approval workflow, payment processing, reconciliation, and record retention.
• Review invoices and payment requests for appropriate documentation, authorization, account coding, and compliance with SFCM  policies.
• Coordinate regular payment cycles using electronic payment methods, ACH, checks, and other approved payment platforms.
• Maintain accurate vendor records, including payment information, tax documentation, and other required records.
• Manage vendor onboarding and changes to vendor information, applying appropriate controls to protect against payment fraud and unauthorized changes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor payment inquiries and work collaboratively with departments to resolve invoice, approval, coding, and payment issues.
• Reconcile accounts payable-related general ledger accounts and investigate and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Monitor outstanding invoices, credits, duplicate payments, stale payments, returned payments, and other exceptions requiring follow up.
• Prepare and coordinate annual Form 1099 reporting and other federal, state, and local tax or information reporting associated with accounts payable.
• Maintain organized and complete electronic records in accordance with accounting standards, audit requirements, and the SFCM’s record retention practices.
• Support month-end and year-end close activities related to accounts payable, including accruals, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Provide documentation and information requested in connection with the SFCM’s annual financial audit and other financial reviews.
• Maintain and apply appropriate internal controls and segregation of duties throughout the accounts payable process.
• Monitor accounts payable processes for efficiency and accuracy and recommend improvements to workflows, systems, documentation, and controls.
• Prepare reports and analyses related to accounts payable activity, vendor payments, outstanding liabilities, and other financial information as requested.
• Stay current on developments affecting accounts payable administration, tax reporting, payment technologies, and financial controls.
• Perform other related duties and participate in Finance department projects as assigned.

• Demonstrated knowledge of accounts payable processes, general accounting principles, account reconciliation, and financial controls.
• Proficiency with accounting or enterprise resource planning systems and the ability to learn and effectively use new financial technologies.
• Strong proficiency with spreadsheet applications, including the ability to organize, reconcile, and analyze financial data.
• Familiarity with electronic invoice approval workflows, ACH and other electronic payment methods, and digital financial records.
• Understanding of vendor tax documentation and Form 1099 reporting requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and data integrity.
• Ability to identify discrepancies, investigate their causes, and develop practical solutions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage recurring deadlines and competing priorities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and appropriately handle confidential financial and personal information.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with employees, vendors, and other external partners.
• A service-oriented approach to supporting colleagues while consistently applying institutional policies and financial controls.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of assigned responsibilities, and collaborate effectively as part of a Finance team.
• Ability to evaluate existing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, controls, and the user experience.

Additional Qualifications

• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in accounts payable, accounting, or a closely related financial function preferred.
• Experience managing or taking primary responsibility for an accounts payable function strongly preferred.
• Experience working with accounting, ERP, expense management, or accounts payable automation systems preferred.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit organizations, performing arts organizations, or similarly complex environments is desirable.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.

Work Environment
This position operates in a professional office environment and requires regular use of computers, financial systems, and other standard office technology. The position requires the ability to manage detailed financial information accurately while working collaboratively with colleagues throughout the SFCM.

How to Apply
We prefer to receive applications through our website. This position will be open until filled.

About Us
SFCM’s mission is to transform our students: artistically, intellectually, professionally and individually. Through the study of music at the highest level, our students learn to seek achievement in every endeavor, to convert challenges into opportunities, to understand the nature of excellence, and to pursue their dreams with vigor and determination. We believe that inspiring the imagination, cultivating the artist, honing the intellect, and developing the professional are the keys to launching innovative graduates who excel in any field. SFCM is located in the heart of one of the world’s most innovative and diverse cities, and is home to a vibrant academic community of students and faculty who achieve excellence in their fields.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SFCM is a fully committed equal employment opportunity institution and welcomes applications from all qualified persons.  SFCM will not discriminate against applicants for employment and employees because of race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran, age, citizenship, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state and local laws.