Description

Applied Research Associates, Inc., an employee-owned science and engineering firm, is seeking a customer service-oriented professional to serve as an Accounts Payable Assistant for our Southwest Division Office. In this dynamic role, you will play a key role in supporting our financial operations by handling a variety of accounting and purchasing tasks. You will collaborate with different departments to ensure smooth financial processes and excellent customer service.

As an Accounts Payable Assistant, you will be the point of contact for expense reports, employee reimbursements, company credit card reconciliation, journal entries, and other duties as assigned. You will leverage your accounting expertise and communication skills to ensure accurate records, manage purchasing operations, and collaborate with internal teams to drive efficiency. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in both accounting and purchasing functions while collaborate with engineers and the division administrative staff to provide customer service to our employees. In this critical role, you will contribute significantly to the smooth operation of our financial and purchasing processes.

What you’ll do as an Accounts Payable Assistant

• Process employee expense reports and reimbursements, verifying accuracy and adherence to company policies.

• May reconcile monthly bank statements and audit invoices.

• Submit payment vouchers following established procedures to ensure timely payments to vendors.

• Maintain a clear understanding of the company's travel and reimbursement policies.

• Proactively inform staff about any updates or changes.

• Complete monthly journal entries

• Reconcile company credit cards.

• Issue Micro Purchase Order (MPO) numbers following internal guidelines.

• Proactively communicate with suppliers to schedule or expedite deliveries, address shortages, and resolve any issues related to missed or late deliveries.

• Set up new vendor accounts according to company protocols.

• Perform additional duties as required to support the team and achieve departmental goals.

• Respond promptly and professionally to internal requests for purchasing information and procedures.

• Provides front desk coverage when needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Accounts Payable Assistant Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred (Bachelor's degree in Business is a plus).

• 1-2 years of prior work experience in a professional office environment.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Customer service orientation with a focus on providing positive experiences.

• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

• Ability to learn new systems and software quickly.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Strong understanding of accounting principles

• Proficient in Microsoft Office products including Outlook 365, Word, Excel, etc.

• Ability to obtain a security clearance, which includes US citizenship.

C ompany Information

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. ARA offices throughout the United States provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, and systems analysis.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is one where innovation and experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, visit our website at www.ara.com

ARA offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits including medical and dental coverage, 401(k) profit sharing, life and long-term disability insurance, performance bonuses, and professional development.

If this is the job for you, apply online at http://careers.ara.com and search by job reference code [ACCOU008364]. All applicants are required to include a cover letter as well as a resume to be considered.

Qualifications

Behaviors

Required

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

Required

• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help

Education

Preferred

• Bachelors or better in Business

Experience

Required

• 1-2 year: Relevant work experience

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)