Accounts Payable Specialist
About The Position
The Accounts Payable Specialist supports accurate and timely invoice and payment processing in a high-volume finance environment. The role focuses on clearing accounts payable reconciliation backlogs, maintaining accurate vendor records, reviewing financial transactions, and supporting month-end accounting activities. The specialist works closely with accounting and finance colleagues and vendors, helps resolve discrepancies and other account issues, and contributes to process improvements and the integrity of financial data. The position is based in Bethesda, Maryland, with a hybrid arrangement that typically includes approximately two days per week in the office, with flexibility available. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. This is a two-month contract with potential extension based on performance and business needs. The pay range is $25.00 to $30.00 per hour.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
- At least 2 years of Accounts Payable and/or Accounts Receivable experience.
- Experience assisting with reconciliations and invoice processing in a high-volume environment.
- Experience working in an accounting or finance environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, basic formulas and functions, and data organization and analysis.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in financial transactions.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
- Strong work ethic and willingness to learn and contribute to team goals.
- Ability to work with multiple screens and systems simultaneously.
- Experience with accounting or ERP systems such as JAMIS, Deltek, or similar platforms.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with JAMIS, Deltek, or other accounting/ERP systems.
- Experience assisting with reconciliations and invoice processing in a high-volume environment beyond the minimum requirements.
- Prior experience supporting finance or accounting teams within nonprofit organizations.
- Prior experience supporting finance or accounting teams within government contracting environments.
- Prior experience supporting finance or accounting teams within research organizations.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary finance team.
- Demonstrated initiative in identifying process improvements within accounts payable or related functions.
Responsibilities
- Process and enter invoices accurately into the accounting system in a high-volume environment.
- Assist with clearing accounts payable reconciliation backlogs and streamlining AP processes.
- Review financial transactions for completeness and accuracy, ensuring proper documentation and coding.
- Reconcile vendor statements, identify discrepancies, and follow up to resolve issues.
- Research and resolve invoice, payment, and account issues in coordination with internal stakeholders and vendors.
- Maintain accurate vendor records and supporting documentation in accordance with organizational policies.
- Support month-end accounting activities, including reconciliations and preparation of AP-related reports as needed.
- Collaborate with accounting and finance team members to complete accounts payable processes on time.
- Work with multiple screens and systems simultaneously to manage invoices, reconciliations, and vendor data.
- Perform other accounting and administrative duties as assigned to support the broader finance function.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Voluntary life and AD&D insurance for the employee and dependents
- Short- and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time off/leave, including PTO, vacation, or sick leave
