Accounts Payable Specialist

Job Description

Accounts Payable Specialist | Tompkins Bank & Trust

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at Tompkins Bank & Trust, located in Ithaca, NY. Tompkins Bank & Trust operates as a community bank, providing financial services and trust management to its clients as part of a 707-person organization. This role is essential for ensuring the bank’s financial operations run smoothly, accurately, and in compliance with all relevant standards. The Accounts Payable Specialist directly contributes to maintaining strong vendor relationships and supporting the overall financial health of the institution.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person Ithaca, NY
• Pay: $20–$22 hourly
• Mission: To ensure the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of all accounts payable activities and vendor payments for the bank.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word), accounting and ERP systems (preferred)

What You’ll Actually Do
• Invoice Processing and Verification: Accurately review, verify, and process all vendor invoices, ensuring completeness, appropriate approvals, and correct accounting coding by matching them to purchase orders, contracts, and receiving documentation. This includes timely entry into the accounting system and monitoring workflow for payment.
• Vendor Payment and Management: Prepare and execute vendor payments, including checks, ACH, and wire transfers, in accordance with established terms and schedules. This involves maintaining precise vendor records, resolving payment issues, and responding to vendor inquiries promptly.
• Account Reconciliation and Month-End Support: Reconcile vendor statements and the accounts payable ledger, investigating and resolving discrepancies such as outstanding balances or duplicate payments. Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing activities through accrual preparation, account analysis, and preparing relevant accounting entries.
• Internal Controls and Audit Compliance: Uphold stringent adherence to established accounts payable procedures and internal controls, maintaining proper documentation and audit trails for all transactions. Assist with internal and external audit requests, helping to prevent payment errors, fraud risks, and policy violations.
• Process Improvement and Project Contribution: Actively identify opportunities and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and service levels within payment processing and vendor management practices. Participate in departmental projects, supporting system implementations, workflow enhancements, and other accounting and finance initiatives.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Entry-Level. High School Diploma/GED required, along with knowledge of accounts payable processes, accounting principles, and financial recordkeeping practices.
• Experience: Minimum 6 months of accounts payable or related accounting experience, specifically processing invoices, vendor payments, and account reconciliations.
• Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, effective written and verbal communication, and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Bonus: Experience with accounting and ERP systems is preferred.