Accounting Associate

Exponent•Phoenix, AZ

44d•Hybrid

About The Position

Exponent is seeking an Accounting Associate to join our Finance/Accounting team at our Phoenix, AZ office. In this position, you’ll collaborate closely with colleagues to process accounts payable transactions and manage expense reports. You’ll serve as the main point of contact within the Finance/Accounting group for a diverse range of vendors and employees from various engineering and corporate departments. Your role will also involve reviewing vendor accounts and payments, preparing Excel templates for data imports, supporting external audit activities, and participating in key financial projects that contribute to the department’s goals. We’re looking for sharp, motivated individuals eager to make an impact in a fast-paced environment. You’ll work alongside our team of experts to deliver exceptional service and help fulfill our vision as a leading engineering and science consulting firm.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or progress toward a degree in a related field; alternatively, substantial professional experience in finance within an office environment
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail in data management
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Outlook, Excel, and Teams
Thorough understanding of the disbursements process and its impact on financial controls
Capability to succeed in a high-volume, fast-paced setting
Willingness and ability to develop subject matter expertise and provide training and support to colleagues
Cooperative team member exhibiting a positive attitude and eagerness to learn
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize deadlines and manage multiple tasks
Capacity to work independently and collaborate across various consulting and corporate teams
Ability to maintain a hybrid work schedule, requiring at least three days per week in the office

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with databases is advantageous
Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint and FMIS is a plus

Responsibilities

Process accounts payable transactions efficiently and accurately.
Ensure expenses are properly coded and allocated to appropriate cost centers.
Analyze vendor accounts and payments for accuracy and compliance.
Create and maintain data import templates using Excel.
Assist during external audits and other departmental financial initiatives.
Managing accounts payable transactions, including: Accurately coding invoices and allocating them to appropriate cost centers Matching invoices with Purchase Orders (POs) and entering invoice data into the corporate accounting system Importing or manually entering non-PO invoices and directing them to relevant parties for approval Run reports to verify entry accuracy
Overseeing the A/P email and physical mail to ensure prompt processing of vendor invoices
Communicating with vendors across multiple industries to obtain account statements and resolve outstanding balances
Providing timely responses to vendor and internal client inquiries regarding payment status and accounts payable matters
Assessing use tax on applicable invoices
Maintaining and updating vendor master files, ensuring correct vendor information, including W-9 documentation and 1099 reporting
Supporting weekly check runs as required
Processing expense reports, which involves: Reviewing submitted expense reports for compliance with corporate policy and receipt documentation Addressing employee questions about expense report procedures, reporting guidelines, and payment status Ensuring proper coding and allocation of expenses Routing reports to designated approvers
Managing special requests such as manual checks, wire payments, and audit samples
Handle ACH and Wire bank verifications
Participating in special projects as assigned including cross-training
Encourage and support team growth and positive culture