Finance - Accounts Payable Specialist @ LSC

Finance - Accounts Payable Specialist @ LSC

Moses Lake School District 161 Learning Services Center – Moses Lake, Washington. Shift time is subject to building needs.

This position processes invoices and issues payments for the school district, maintains vendor accounts and records, and oversees the purchasing process including purchase orders, payment and accounting monitoring, and invoice follow‑up. The role analyzes and monitors internal, economic, and market trends to forecast cost‑effective vendor purchasing. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Finance.

• High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in accounting/computer applications preferred).
• Knowledge of accounting principles and practices in a school district.
• Knowledge of the WSIPC Skyward system or a similar large‑scale financial system.
• Knowledge of business office procedures and practices related to the job function.
• Ability to effectively use computer applications such as Word, Excel, and Google applications, and willingness to upgrade skills as needed.
• Ability to independently solve problems within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and maintain effective working relationships with district employees and vendors.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Three (3) years of accounts payable experience using various computer applications, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, or training.

• Manage the order cycle, processing in a timely and accurate manner, including order acknowledgment and internal/external validation checks.
• Ensure amendments to orders are actioned; approve and monitor purchase orders in accordance with guidelines.
• Prepare and monitor purchase orders by verifying specifications and price; recommend cost‑effective suppliers.
• Provide purchase order and procurement training district wide.
• Prepare cost analysis reports.
• Maintain the purchasing policy and ensure all purchases comply, including monitoring the use of MLSD credit cards and other charge accounts.
• Collaborate with warehouse staff to monitor inventory and supply usage.
• Receive invoices, determine applicable compensating use‑tax charges, obtain authorization to pay invoices, verify receipt of goods and services, record payments, and resolve discrepancies.
• Enter data for accounts payable warrant batches; reconcile batch totals to detail invoices; generate warrants, payment vouchers, and accounting reports.
• Maintain vendor files, add new vendors, update vendor information, and obtain W‑9s.
• File annual 1099s.
• Plan and direct accounts payable processing to meet timelines.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies.
• Submit warrant register to the Board Secretary for approval at scheduled board meetings.
• Work with the Director of Finance on account coding and budgeting.
• Answer accounts payable questions from district employees.
• Maintain current knowledge of WSIPC procedures and operations.
• Comply with department policies and procedures.
• Attend meetings, conferences, and workshops as requested and authorized.
• Operate as district procurement specialist.
• Report state use‑tax and unclaimed property.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Regular speaking or hearing; frequent standing, walking, and use of arms and hands for typing and data entry.

The Moses Lake School District #161 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained guide or service animal. The district provides equal access to the Boys Scouts and other designated youth groups.

For compliance and grievance procedures, contact the Title IX, Civil Rights, and Equal Opportunity officer, Michelle Musso, or the Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Samantha Burgess.