Accounts Payable Advisor

Role Overview

As an Accounts Payable Advisor at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and compliance of the university’s financial operations. This position requires a detail-oriented professional with strong analytical skills and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to process invoices, verify payments, and resolve discrepancies while adhering to institutional policies and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Invoice Processing and Verification: Accurately review, validate, and process vendor invoices, ensuring compliance with purchase orders, contracts, and KAUST’s financial policies. Reconcile discrepancies and obtain necessary approvals to facilitate timely payments.
• Payment Execution: Prepare and execute payments through the university’s financial systems, maintaining meticulous records of transactions. Coordinate with the Treasury team to ensure funds are disbursed efficiently and in accordance with budgetary constraints.
• Vendor Management: Serve as a primary point of contact for vendors, addressing inquiries related to payment statuses, invoice clarifications, and resolution of payment delays. Foster strong relationships to ensure smooth financial interactions.
• Financial Reporting and Compliance: Assist in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports related to accounts payable activities. Ensure adherence to KAUST’s internal controls, audit requirements, and external regulatory standards, including GAAP and local financial regulations.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline accounts payable workflows, reduce processing times, and enhance accuracy. Recommend and implement best practices to optimize efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with procurement, accounting, and departmental teams to resolve payment-related issues and support financial transparency. Provide guidance on accounts payable policies and procedures to internal stakeholders.
• Audit Support: Assist internal and external auditors by providing access to relevant documentation, explanations, and supporting evidence for accounts payable transactions. Address audit findings promptly and effectively.

Qualifications and Skills

To excel in this role, you must possess a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. A minimum of three years of progressive experience in accounts payable or a similar financial role is required, with proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms. Strong attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment are essential.

Candidates should demonstrate a deep understanding of financial compliance, including tax regulations, internal controls, and audit requirements. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, is mandatory. Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of Arabic is a plus. The ideal candidate will exhibit a proactive approach, a commitment to continuous learning, and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, international academic environment.

Why Join KAUST?

KAUST is a world-leading, international graduate-level research university dedicated to advancing science and technology through interdisciplinary research, education, and innovation. As an Accounts Payable Advisor, you will contribute to groundbreaking research initiatives while benefiting from a dynamic, multicultural work environment. KAUST offers competitive compensation packages, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in a state-of-the-art campus setting.