Director, Accounts Payable

Job Description

The Opportunity

The Director of Accounts Payable provides strategic leadership, governance, and executive oversight of the University’s accounts payable, expense reimbursement, and payment operations. This role is responsible for establishing institutional policies, internal controls, and operational standards to ensure the accurate, timely, and compliant disbursement of funds while safeguarding University assets.

This position reports to the Vice President and University Controller and leads the Accounts Payable function, including oversight of a team of 12, with indirect support to the University’s Prescott, AZ campus. The Director serves as the primary authority for complex or sensitive payment matters and partners with stakeholders across the University to drive financial stewardship, risk management, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and set the vision and direction for accounts payable operations
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and University policies; develop new policies and procedures and enhance existing ones
• Oversee financial stewardship, including risk management, fraud prevention, and internal controls
• Lead organizational planning, staffing strategy, and team development for accounts payable
• Drive system enhancements, automation, and process improvements; serve as the Workday functional lead and technical expert for Supplier Accounts, Banking and Settlement, and Expenses, including application implementations and integrations
• Apply foundational knowledge of procure-to-pay processes and related accounting, including prepayments and encumbrances
• Serve as the primary liaison for audits, regulatory reviews, and compliance matters
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders across Finance, Treasury, Procurement, IT, and other departments
• Oversee Forms 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, and 1042 reporting and withholding requirements, as well as the application of sales tax to expenses
• Drive a culture of customer service excellence
• Lead responses to pre-audit and post-audit requests and findings
• Supervisory Responsibilities
• Provide executive oversight of the Accounts Payable team, including direct supervision of leadership staff
• Lead workforce planning, performance management, and succession planning efforts
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Promote team morale and support the professional growth and development of team members

About us

For over 100 years, Embry-Riddle has been the world's leading aviation and aerospace university, educating more than 30,000 students across residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona, as well as through a global network of Worldwide locations and online programs. With more than 165,000 alumni around the world, our impact reaches every corner of the aerospace, aviation, defense and technology industries.

Today, our faculty, researchers and professional staff are advancing innovation across aviation, space, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, autonomous systems and next-generation engineering. Working alongside industry leaders, government agencies and innovators, they are solving real-world challenges and shaping the technologies that will define tomorrow.

Whether you are an educator, researcher, administrator, technologist or industry professional, your work at Embry-Riddle will contribute to something bigger than a job. Join a community driven by discovery, purpose and excellence—and help shape the future of aerospace.

Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle!

Health Benefits:   Experience comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships. Our flexible spending and health savings accounts simplify managing healthcare costs. Join a workplace that prioritizes your health—because your journey to wellness should be rewarding! Buckle up for a healthier, happier you!

Tuition Coverage:   Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.

Retirement Contributions:   ERAU contributes an annual 6% gift of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution, with no vesting period.

Generous Time Off:   Enjoy up to 18 days of paid leave in your first year, including 3 days granted upon hire and 15 days accrued throughout the year. You'll also receive 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.

Qualifications

• Required Education and Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• 5-10 years of relevant experience in accounting or finance
• Strong knowledge of accounts payable operations, accounting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams in a complex environment
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment
• Experience with ERP systems (Workday required) and process improvement initiatives
• Accounts Payable certification preferred
• Ability to continuously reprioritize responsibilities to meet the evolving demands of the position
• Work Environment & Expectations
• Typical office environment
• Ability to work extended hours during peak periods or fiscal close
• Occasional travel between campus locations
• Application process/requirements
• To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the   Embry-Riddle Career Site   and search for requisition number   R311365 . Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include:
• Cover letter
• Full Resume
• Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process)
• Current Embry-Riddle employees:   Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday.
• Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry-Riddle makes employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment — based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities. Embry Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit our   website .
• Embry-Riddle is not seeking assistance from staffing or recruitment agencies. All agencies are directed to contact eraujobs@erau.edu and should not reach out to hiring managers or staff.