Accounts Payable & Finance Support Associate

 SEVCA's mission is to empower and partner with individuals and communities to alleviate the hardships of poverty, provide opportunities to thrive, and eliminate root causes of poverty in southeastern Vermont. Our core values serve as the foundation for how we work with our communities and each other. 

Respect & Kindness: We treat everyone with dignity and compassion 

Accountability: We do what we say we will do 

Equity & Justice: We strive for fairness and celebrate diversity 

Learning & Growth: We embrace change and invest in growth 

Collaboration: We work together – across SEVCA and with our community 

Service Excellence: We put people and community first 

Position Summary 

The Accounts Payable & Finance Support Associate is responsible for ensuring that SEVCA's purchasing policies and procedures are followed and that accounts payable invoices are accurately and timely paid. This position is primarily focused on the accounts payable function, with the flexibility and willingness to take on additional finance department support responsibilities — particularly payroll backup — as capacity allows and as assigned by the Finance Director. 

SEVCA is in the midst of a significant finance systems transformation, including a migration to Sage Intacct, that is expected to streamline core AP tasks over time. As these efficiencies take hold, this role is expected to grow into a more dynamic position with a broader mix of finance department responsibilities. 

Primary Responsibilities 

Accounts Payable 

• Review accounts payable invoices for proper documentation, authorizing signatures, and correct coding. 
• Enter accounts payable invoices into the accounting software and process weekly check runs and EFT payments. 
• Reconcile monthly vendor statements. 
• Enter new vendors into the system; send requests for and track receipt of W-9 information. 
• Maintain and organize vendor information and a record of open invoices. 
• Maintain digital records of paid invoices by vendor. 
• Respond to vendor and employee inquiries regarding accounts payable and cash receipts. 
• Complete credit applications received from vendors. 
• Prepare and file annual 1099 reports with vendors and the IRS. 

Additional Finance Department Support 

As capacity allows and as assigned by the Finance Director, this position may also support broader finance department activities. The most significant of these is: 

• Serve as backup support for payroll processing and related payroll administration tasks. 

Additional support may include: 

• General backup and support to other accounts payable and finance department functions. 
• Assisting with periodic finance department projects such as the annual external audit, state and federal grant reviews, the agency's annual budget process, and updates to the Financial and Accounting Procedures manual. 
• Preparing and processing bank account deposits. 

Communications Expectations 

This position regularly communicates with vendors, employees, program managers, and finance department colleagues, often regarding invoice status, payment timing, or documentation needs. The Accounts Payable & Finance Support Associate is expected to: 

• Maintain composure and a professional, service-oriented tone with vendors and employees, including in stressful or time-pressured situations. 
• Respond to vendor and employee inquiries promptly and accurately, in writing and verbally. 
• Communicate proactively about payment timelines, documentation issues, or coding questions rather than letting them go unresolved. 
• Escalate unresolved or sensitive issues to the Finance Director in a timely manner. 
• Maintain a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach when coordinating with program managers and other departments. 

Other Functions 

• Assist?with other tasks and?projects?as?assigned, with the understanding that any substantive expansion of duties will be discussed and reflected in an updated job description. 

Job Standards / Accountability 

This position requires the ability to perform tasks in a timely and accurate manner, including under deadlines. Must ensure that SEVCA's purchasing policies and procedures are followed. Must maintain the integrity of operations by supporting an open and ethical department while keeping information confidential as appropriate. Given access to vendor banking details, EFT payments, and payroll information, this position requires strict confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive financial and personnel data. 

Working Conditions 

This is a full-time position based out of SEVCA's Westminster office, generally operating on a hybrid schedule combining in-person and remote work. The workload is heavier in the winter months due to the volume of fuel, utilities, and housing assists that must be processed and paid. Some physical effort is required for filing, scanning, and shredding documents. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

 Education & Experience 

• High school diploma required; 2+ years of accounts payable, bookkeeping, or related accounting experience strongly preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal accounting education. 
• Experience using computerized accounting software; willingness to learn SEVCA's accounting system, currently transitioning from AccuFund to Sage Intacct. 

Technical Skills 

• Intermediate proficiency (or greater) with word-processing and spreadsheet software, and comfort working in a Microsoft 365 environment (Outlook, Teams, Excel, SharePoint). 

Work Style & Communication 

• Ability to perform tasks accurately and under pressure, particularly during high-volume periods. 
• Professional, clear, and courteous communication with vendors, employees, and colleagues. 
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively with minimal direct supervision. 
• Willingness and aptitude to grow into broader finance department responsibilities, including payroll and fund/grant accounting concepts, as the role evolves. 

Working Environment 

• Access to reliable, secure home internet and a suitable home workspace, given the position's hybrid schedule. 
• Valid driver's license, favorable driving record, and access to dependable transportation. 

SEVCA is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to recruit a broad pool of candidates for open positions, and to hire and promote qualified individuals whose personal experiences, characteristics, and talents reasonably reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities. Qualifications for positions are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself.