Finance Specialist​/Accounts Payable; AP Clerk

Finance Specialist/Accounts Payable (AP) Clerk Position Overview

The Finance Specialist/Accounts Payable (AP) Clerk supports the daily financial operations of Emanuel County by performing a range of accounting and payroll functions. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this mid-level position is responsible for typical accounts payable duties as well as managing shipping and receiving. The Finance Specialist/AP Clerk may also support accounts receivable, payroll, employee records, benefits coordination, and compliance tasks as well if necessary.

This position is front-facing and routinely interacts with vendors, staff, applicants, and the public. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, trustworthy, and capable of managing multiple responsibilities in a deadline-driven environment.

This position is based at the Emanuel County Commissioners’ Office. Duties take place in office.

Out-of-county travel is not required. If travel becomes necessary, departments with county vehicles may provide one. If a county vehicle is not available or the department does not maintain a fleet (such as in the case of the Finance and HR Departments), use of a personal vehicle may be required. In those cases, mileage reimbursement will be provided in accordance with county policy.

This position reports directly to the Finance Director.

Performs financial transactions such as preparing and submitting invoices, entering data into accounting software, processing payments, reconciling deposits, or managing vendor accounts. Responsible for ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with internal controls.

Issues POs and works closely with departments and vendors to ensure purchase orders are properly linked to invoices and recorded accurately.

Manages high-volume or high-value vendor accounts and provides financial support to county departments that rely on specialized ordering or procurement processes.

Places orders and coordinates the receipt of delivered goods and matches them to corresponding purchase orders and invoices. Tracks incoming shipments, confirms delivery accuracy, and ensures documentation is completed for payment processing.

Assists in coordinating insurance claims and risk-related documentation for the County, including property damage, liability, and workers’ compensation cases. Handles initial claim intake, communicates with insurance providers and legal representatives, and maintains accurate internal records related to incident reports and claim outcomes.

Supports payroll processing by preparing timesheets, confirming hours, reviewing deductions, and assisting with payroll-related recordkeeping. May also assist with benefit enrollments or related personnel transactions as needed.

Assists with day-to-day HR administrative functions including maintaining employee personnel files, updating employee status changes, tracking leave records, and supporting onboarding and offboarding processes.

Helps coordinate employee benefits enrollment, changes, and documentation. Serves as a point of contact for basic benefits questions and assists with communication between employees and benefits providers.

Assists with job posting coordination, application tracking, interview scheduling, and pre-employment documentation. Helps ensure required hiring paperwork is completed accurately and filed appropriately.

Maintains confidential employee records in accordance with county policy and applicable labor laws. Assists with reporting, audits, and documentation related to employment practices, insurance, and regulatory requirements.

Greets visitors, answers phones, and provides general customer service. Maintains a courteous and professional presence at the front desk and supports incoming inquiries for the Finance and HR functions.

Maintains accurate files for all financial activity. Assists with year-end closeout, audit preparation, and ongoing compliance with governmental accounting standards.

Performs additional duties as assigned in support of the Emanuel County Finance Department.

• Demonstrated knowledge of basic accounting or bookkeeping principles
• Ability to analyze data and manage time efficiently
• Familiarity with payroll processes and basic human resources procedures
• Ability to process invoices, purchase orders, and financial transactions with accuracy and in compliance with established procedures
• Familiarity with accounts payable, accounts receivable, and/or payroll practices in a business or government setting
• Ability to maintain accurate financial records and assist with audits, year-end closeout, or other compliance requirements
• Strong verbal and written…