Senior Accounts Payable Analyst

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy•Baltimore, DC

3h•Onsite

About The Position

AURA is hiring for a Senior Accounts Payable Analyst to be a key member of the Finance team, responsible not only for accurate and timely processing of vendor payments and travel reimbursements, but also for performing critical financial analysis to support compliance and operational decision-making. This role involves analyzing transactional data, identifying discrepancies, and ensuring alignment with federal regulations and internal policies. The ideal candidate brings strong attention to detail, a problem-solving mindset, and proficiency in accounting systems and Excel-based reporting. This position plays a vital role in maintaining financial integrity and supporting efficient workflows across the organization.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of 5 years of accounts payable or general accounting experience
Familiarity with accounting systems and Excel-based data analysis.
Knowledge of federal travel regulations
Understanding of travel allowable and unallowable costs
Strong organizational and time management skills.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to interpret and follow financial policies, procedures, and federal compliance guidelines.
Effective verbal and written communication skills

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience with Deltek Costpoint
Understanding of IRS 1099 reporting requirements and federal travel compliance standards
Experience with vendor banking and payment setup in accounting systems

Responsibilities

Process AP transactions, ensuring invoices and travel reimbursements are processed timely to meet critical weekly and month-end deadlines.
Works with Procurement and Internal managers to verify approval of invoices to ensure timely payment of vendor invoices.
Review approved travel requisitions for completeness and create purchase orders.
Travel expense report review for math accuracy, proper approval and receipts and adhering to federal compliance requirements.
Act as the point of contact for audit requests.
Responsible for efficiently performing assigned general accounting functions to include account reconciliations.
Receives, researches and resolves a variety of routine internal and external inquiries concerning account status, account discrepancies and follows through to resolution.
Run necessary accounts payable reports in Deltek Costpoint and utilize MS Excel to analyze data.
Performs general analysis and reconciliations of employee and non-employee travel advances, reimbursements and requests.
Participate in month-end accounts payable processes.
Understands requirements for 1099 vendors and assists with annual reporting for IRS 1099 preparation and reconciliations.
Maintains and distributes accounting documents, records and reports.
Communicate with vendors via phone or e-mail.
All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position.
Other duties as assigned.