Accounts Payable Specialist

Description

Position Summary: The Contract Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of non-payroll payments to vendors, suppliers, and other entities. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage a high volume of transactions in a fast-paced environment. The role also involves frequent collaboration with internal departments and external vendors to ensure smooth payment operations and compliance with established policies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure all disbursements follow established payment policies and performance standards
• Verify invoices against accruals and resolve discrepancies prior to payment
• Accurately code invoices and charge to appropriate accounts and cost centers
• Secure proper approvals in line with delegation of authority before processing payments
• Reconcile vendor statements, investigate payment issues, and resolve discrepancies
• Monitor and apply debit balances, refunds, and adjustments as needed
• Prepare and execute weekly check runs, including wire transfers and electronic funds transfers (EFTs)
• Generate and distribute payment reports and statistics to relevant stakeholders
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy of all financial and vendor records
• Apply cash discount policies to ensure timely payment and cost savings

Requirements

 Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 1–3 years of accounting experience, preferably in accounts payable
• High accuracy and attention to detail in data entry and reconciliation tasks
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting
• Solid analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Experience working with ERP systems 

Preferred:

• Experience in project management or process improvement within accounts payable
• Ability to adapt quickly to new software systems
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and ability to prioritize tasks
• Capacity to perform well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Familiarity with financial and procurement policies and procedures