Director, Accounts Payable and Billing

Department

OPS Operations, Strategy, and Finance - Supply Chain Management

About the Department

The Office of the Vice President for Operations supports the highest ambitions of the University’s teaching and learning, research, and engagement goals with the mandate to oversee enabling infrastructure of the University including the built environment, technology, and human resources organizations. In support of faculty, students, and staff, the Office of the Vice President for Operations prioritizes an exceptional level of service and delivery of robust business practices that steward the University’s infrastructure resources efficiently and contributes to the long-range planning and culture of the University.

Job Summary

This position oversees all aspects of accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, and procurement support for IT Services, Facilities Services, the Department of Safety and Security, and Human Resources. This role ensures timely and accurate payments to vendors, maintains robust internal controls, and upholds compliance with University policies. The incumbent provides leadership to the accounts payable team through guidance, training, and performance management, while optimizing financial processes, strengthening vendor and stakeholder relationships, and ensuring operational efficiency in all payment-related activities.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and provides leadership to the accounts payable team, including training and performance feedback.
• Oversees day-to-day accounts payable and accounts receivable operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Ensures timely and accurate processing of all vendor invoices, payments, and receipts.
• Develops, implements, and monitors internal accounting controls, policies, and procedures for accurate financial reporting.
• Reviews and reconciles account balances monthly, investigating and resolving discrepancies.
• Validates and audits payment transactions (ACH, wire, checks) for compliance with University policies.
• Reviews and approves vendor adjustments, write-offs, and outstanding procurement invoices.
• Manages relationships and coordinates communications with external vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Identifies, analyzes, and reports on trends and opportunities for process improvements in AP and AR functions.
• Participates in the design and implementation of new accounts payable processes and technologies.
• Analyzes and interprets accounting records to ensure compliance and identify irregularities.
• Prepares and distributes financial metrics and periodic performance reports for expense payments.
• Serves as an escalation point for complex or unresolved billing and payment issues.
• Supports and collaborates on procurement activities, including PO validations and updates.
• Manages accounts payable processes and reviews work related to verifying invoices, computing discounts, coding expenses, preparing vouchers, and issuing checks for payment.
• Monitors the day-to-day payments and receipts of bills, as well as the maintenance of accounts payable and receivable ledgers.
• Advises the amount of working capital necessary to finance accounts payable and/or receivable operations.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications 

Experience:

• Background in an information technology company or department.
• Background in higher education.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Accomplished in financial applications such as Oracle Suite, FAS (accounting and accounts payable/receivables), ACCTS, Buysite, Business Objects, Hyperion and Pinnacle.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and other Microsoft applications.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP’s, Macros etc.).
• Mathematical aptitude.

Preferred Competencies 

• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Work closely with senior University officials.
• Independently complete projects on time and accurately with minimal supervision.
• Work effectively under considerable time pressure.

Working Conditions 

• Work non-traditional hours.
• Standard office environment.
• Sit for short or extended time periods.
• Extensively use computer.
• Make repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movements.

Application Documents 

• Resume/CV (required)

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$99,000.00 - $127,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.