Payables Manager

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: University Controller

About the Department:

The Finance Division provides leadership and fiscal stewardship for North Carolina State University. Managing public resources with high ethical standards, the Division establishes responsible financial practices that align with state and federal regulations, university policies, and industry standards.

The University Controller’s Office is a department within the Finance Division. The office has business units covering the following areas: general accounting, cash services, asset management, financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable, debt, and the university’s tax compliance.

The University Controller’s Office works to advance NC State as a leader in fiscal accountability and responsibility through a partnership with our campus community, strong partnerships with our peer groups, improvements in the University’s financial systems and internal controls, and efficient and effective business operations. The office continues its attention toward collaborative efforts and providing fiscal leadership, oversight, accounting, reporting, training, and outreach services that exemplify the highest standards of quality, performance, and service. Having professional staff and managers with imagination, knowledge, and people skills is paramount in the successful implementation of these goals.

The University Controller’s Office is responsible for fiscal accountability, accuracy, and reporting of the university, with a net position of approximately $2.0 billion, including timely and accurate payment of monthly and biweekly wages to over 18,000 staff, faculty, student workers, and temporary employees, over 117,000 vendor payments annually, and management of a $550 million external debt portfolio.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits:

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties:

As the Payables Manager, you will lead accounts payable operations for NC State University, overseeing purchase order invoice processing, foreign currency payments, and payment disbursements. Reporting to the Assistant Controller, you will supervise and develop the payables team, ensure accurate and timely payment processing, resolve complex accounting issues, and support compliance with university and state requirements. You will also drive process improvements, coordinate financial system enhancements, and serve as a key resource for campus partners and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable Operations and Financial Reporting

• Oversee payment file verification, approval, and release through Wells Fargo and PaymentWorks, and assist with daily reconciliation of the Cash Requisition Report.
• Support fiscal year-end close, reporting, and quarterly duplicate payment reports.
• Research and resolve duplicate payment claims identified through the State Controller’s Office annual audit, coordinating with vendors and the State to recover funds through the NCFS system.
• Use financial data and technical information to support departmental and university goals, procedures, and compliance requirements.

Team Leadership and Program Administration

• Manage the daily operations of five payables specialists and one payables accountant, including hiring, training, supervision, and ongoing guidance.
• Monitor service quality and productivity, address resource constraints, and support staff in delivering timely and accurate services.
• Oversee accounting processes, resolve complex operational issues, and maintain current resources, including websites, training materials, and desktop guides.

Financial Systems and Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve accounts payable processes, address operational bottlenecks, and develop training to support process changes.
• Coordinate with campus partners to recommend and implement modifications to existing financial systems and accounts payable procedures.
• Review system specifications, coordinate enhancements to the Financial System’s Accounts Payable module, and recommend improvements.
• Lead software testing in collaboration with the Systems team and campus partners to identify, track, and resolve defects and inconsistencies.

Communication and Issue Resolution

• Troubleshoot financial system issues, determine corrective actions, and proactively address potential problems.
• Interpret and communicate policies, procedures, and guidelines to campus personnel, providing recommendations for unique college or departmental situations.
• Respond to campus and supplier inquiries and coordinate with relevant stakeholders to resolve payment and accounting issues.

If you are a collaborative accounting professional who enjoys leading a team, solving complex problems, and improving financial processes, we welcome you to apply for the Payables Manager position at NC State University.

Other Responsibilities:

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s operations.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree with 12 credit hours of accounting coursework; or Associate’s degree in Accounting; or Associate’s degree in Business or related discipline with 12 credit hours of accounting coursework; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications:

n/a

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least five years of experience in accounting and accounts payable operations.
• Experience supervising or leading a team.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and the ability to interpret and apply state and federal policies, regulations, and guidelines to university operations.
• Familiarity with integrated accounting systems, internal controls, and the use of a chart of accounts within an accounts payable system.
• Ability to analyze financial and operational data, identify performance gaps and accounting errors, and recommend solutions to resolve system and process issues.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to audiences at different organizational levels.

Required License(s) or Certification(s):

n/a

Valid NC Driver’s License required: No

Commercial Driver’s License required: No

Job Open Date: 10/14/2026

Anticipated Close Date: 10/28/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Please provide contact information for at least 5 PROFESSIONAL references, 2 of which MUST be current or former direct managers or supervisors.

Position Number: 00109224

Position Type: EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.0

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID: 496001 - University Controller

EEO:

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.