The Director of Accounts Payable provides transformational leadership, operational oversight, and strategic direction to modernize Seton Hall’s AP function, driving efficiency, automation, and financial controls. This role enhances payment operations, risk management, and compliance by developing policies, optimizing workflows, and leveraging technology to streamline AP processes. The Director leads AP in strengthening process governance, implementing automation, and improving financial controls to enhance accuracy and efficiency. This position develops and executes a roadmap focused on increased automation as well as collaboration with Procurement, Treasury, and Finance to optimize vendor payments, reporting capabilities, and financial transparency. Aligning with Seton Hall’s Adapt ‘25 initiative, this role advances scalable automation, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. Through continuous process improvement and technology integration, the Director positions AP as a high-performing function supporting Seton
Hall’s long-term financial strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

40%: Strategic Leadership and Process Enhancement Champion:
• Develop and implement a long-term AP strategy focused on process efficiency, financial controls, and automation.
• Establish policies and workflows that enhance invoice processing speed while maintaining compliance with university and regulatory requirements.
• Lead automation initiatives, including EDI implementation, e-invoicing, and payment modernization, to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track payment cycles, vendor compliance, and process effectiveness, or other select metrics.
• Collaborate with Procurement and Finance to align invoice reconciliation, payment strategies, and vendor management efforts.
30%: Accounts Payable Operations Oversight:
• Oversee invoice processing, approvals, and vendor payments to maintain accuracy and timely financial transactions.
• Strengthen controls around vendor payments, expense reimbursements, and audit reporting to minimize risk.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies, payment disputes, and vendor inquiries, working with departments to address issues efficiently.
• Improve integration between Banner ERP, Unimarket, and financial systems to enhance payment workflows.
• Partner with Treasury to optimize payment terms, cash flow management, and financial forecasting.

20%: Team Leadership and Development:
• Builds a strong, collaborative team that supports institutional financial goals and adapts to changing business needs.
• Manage the AP Manager, AP Analyst/Specialist/Clerk, providing guidance on process improvements and professional development.
• Develop training programs to support staff growth in AP automation, compliance, and financial operations.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the AP team.
• Conduct performance evaluations and goal setting to align AP operations with institutional financial strategies.
• Implement knowledge-sharing initiatives to document and standardize AP procedures, reducing reliance on individual expertise.

10%: Stakeholder and Vendor Relationship Management:
• Strengthen relationships with campus departments, Procurement, and Finance to improve invoice processing and payment coordination.
• Work with vendors to streamline payments, increase ACH/EFT adoption, and enhance contract compliance.
• Support efforts to reduce vendor sprawl, improving financial oversight and supplier management.
• Provide data-driven insights to improve financial planning and optimize payment cycles.
• Establish AP as a strategic partner in financial decision-making and process optimization.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10-15 years of experience in accounts payable, finance, or related financial operations.
• Proven experience in process improvement, automation, and policy development.
• Strong background in vendor management, procurement coordination, and payment strategies.
• Experience leading teams and managing complex financial transactions in a high-volume environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (MBA, Finance, or Accounting) preferred.
• CPA, CMA, or related financial certification is a plus.
• Experience with AP automation tools, AI-driven invoice processing, or electronic payments (e.g., Unimarket)
• Familiarity with higher education, nonprofit, or public sector financial operations.
• Track record of leading AP transformations, including EDI implementation and vendor rationalization.

Salary Grade:

AD210 - Administrative

Exempt/Nonexempt: Exempt

Physical Demands: General Office Environment

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Seton Hall University is committed to programs of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and the principles of affirmative action.