<strong>Description<br><br></strong><strong>Accounts Payable Project Specialist<br><br></strong>The Accounts Payable Project Specialist is responsible for reviewing, processing, and reconciling financial transactions related to the decertification of funds, contract retainage releases, and accounts payable payment requests. This position ensures compliance with procurement policies, financial procedures, and applicable legislation while maintaining the accuracy and integrity of financial records.<br><br><strong>Examples of Duties<br><br></strong>Under administrative direction, is responsible for assisting with duties related to completion of projects, programs, or initiatives for a City division or department. Serves as the specialist to the supervisor or manager of projects, programs or initiatives. Provide administrative support, schedule meetings and ensure deadlines are met. Assist in creating schedules, timelines, and maintain project budgets. Provides reports, presentations, communications and correspondence as required. Performs other related duties as required.<br><br><strong>Minimum Qualifications<br><br></strong>High School Diploma or GED required. Associate or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited two year or four-year college or university in Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences, or closely related field preferred. One year of full-time paid experience in government or private industry required. Substitution: Completion of a fellowship program, apprentice program, or other similar program; OR completion of a certification program, i.e., Project Management, Human Resources, etc. Must be able to lift and carry thirty (30) pounds. Valid State of Ohio Driver's License or State-issued identification card. Must be proficient utilizing all Microsoft Office products.<br><br><strong>Supplemental Information<br><br></strong><strong>Duties And Responsibilities<br><br></strong><ul><li>Perform encumbrance The AP Project Specialist is responsible for reviewing, processing, and reconciling financial transactions related to the decertification of funds, contract retainage releases, and accounts payable payment requests. This position ensures compliance with procurement policies, financial procedures, and applicable legislation while maintaining the accuracy and integrity of financial records.</li><li>Encumbrance and pre-encumbrance decertification of funds by reviewing and reconciling financial transactions.</li><li>Analyze transactions to ensure balances are accurate and identify discrepancies requiring corrective action.</li><li>Process requests for the release of contract retainage by reviewing submitted documentation for completeness and compliance with established requirements.</li><li>Verify the accuracy of retainage calculations and ensure all supporting documentation is appropriate before processing.</li><li>Review accounts payable payment requests for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with procurement policies and financial procedures.</li><li>Ensure financial transactions adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.</li><li>Collaborate with procurement, finance, and city-wide staff to resolve issues and facilitate timely payment processing.</li><li>Maintain accurate records and documentation of all reviews, approvals, and financial transactions.<br><br></li></ul><strong>Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities<br><br></strong><ul><li>Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve financial discrepancies.</li><li>Knowledge of procurement principles, policies, and procedures.</li><li>Ability to understand and connect financial, procurement, legislative, and accounts payable processes.</li><li>Excellent attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy when reviewing financial documents and calculations.</li><li>Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.</li><li>Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments. </li><li>Proficiency with financial systems and standard business software applications is preferred<br><br></li></ul><strong>Required<br><br></strong><strong>Education and Qualifications<br><br></strong><ul><li>Associate degree (two-year degree) from an accredited college or university<br><br></li></ul><strong>Preferred:<br><br></strong><ul><li>Bachelor's degree (four-year degree) from an accredited college or university.</li><li>Coursework or a degree with an emphasis in mathematics, science, accounting, finance, business administration, or a related analytical field is highly desirable.</li><li>Experience in procurement, accounts payable, governmental finance, or financial reconciliation is preferred.<br><br></li></ul>The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.