Accounts Payable Specialist

About Us

Portland State University (PSU) Foundation fuels the mission and priorities of Oregon’s most diverse, innovative, and affordable research university by raising and stewarding philanthropic gifts that transform lives and communities.

Recognized as one of Oregon’s best non-profits to work for five years in a row, we are a community of purpose-driven professionals who lead with heart, act with trust, and keep our mission forward in everything we do. Guided by creativity and collaboration, we foster a strong sense of belonging—empowering every team member to show up authentically and think boldly.

At PSU, more than half of incoming first-year students identify as BIPOC, nearly a quarter are parents, and half are the first in their families to attend college. When PSU graduates thrive, families transform, communities prosper, and innovation expands. The PSU Foundation plays a vital role in advancing this impact by inspiring donors, engaging alumni and community partners, and stewarding resources to Portland State University with integrity and purpose.

The Accounts Payable Specialist supports operational day-to-day accounts payable processes, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant processing of payments and vendor transactions, and month-end closing.

The Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for serving as the first point of contact for accounts payable, reviewing all payment requests, and ensuring compliance with Foundation policies and procedures, donor intent, and regulatory agencies. This position plays a key role in ensuring financial transactions are handled efficiently and with a high degree of accuracy.

This position regularly interacts with Foundation staff, PSU stakeholders, and external vendors as needed to resolve payment issues and maintain effective working relationships.

• Monitor and respond to inquiries received in the Accounts Payable inbox.
• Review PSU and PSUF payment requests for compliance with PSU Foundation policies and procedures.
• Partner with PSU and PSU Foundation departments to resolve payment requests that do not meet policy requirements.
• Track, monitor, and follow up on outstanding, stale, or unresolved payment requests.
• Prepare journal entries for gift batches, funds transfers, month end close, and other journal entries as needed.
• Assist in month end close processes including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Maintain vendor records, including tax reporting information and 1099 compliance.
• Manage vendor relationships, including account setup documentation and account reconciliation inquiries.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with PSU and PSU Foundation stakeholders.
• Review monthly PSUF credit card expenses for compliance with PSU Foundation policies and procedures, and prepare month end closing entry.
• Provide cross-training and backup support for Finance and Accounting team functions, including invoice entry and data entry review, weekly payment processing, mail and check processing with Donors Services team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 3+ years of relevant accounting experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
• Proficiency with commonly used workplace technologies, such as Microsoft Office, SharePoint, CRM platforms, and other cloud-based collaboration or document management tools.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace by working collaboratively with people from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

• Experience working in higher education or non-profit organization.
• Experience with Black Baud Financial Edge and/or Ellucian Banner financial software.
• Intermediate to advanced skill in Microsoft Excel.

Our compensation philosophy reflects our commitment to pay equity, transparency, and valuing the contributions of every team member.

$22 - $27 per hour. Offers are determined based on a candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications, while ensuring internal pay equity.

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