Accounts Payable Specialist (Hybrid Schedule)

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists - even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between. The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

As the Accounts Payable Specialist, you will be an important member of the Accounts Payable team and ensure the accuracy and efficiency of routine invoice processing. In this role, you will perform various duties including responding to tickets received through the AskAP Help Desk, manage the AP mailbox, work with the Accounts Payable Manager to implement new processes, ensure accuracy and timeliness of all invoice entries, and support with other projects as assigned. The person in this position must maintain and utilize various databases and spreadsheets and create reports to assist in monitoring key performance levels. The Accounts Payable Specialist must have a solid understanding of all duties performed during the entire P2P cycle and the functionality of Kofax, Ariba and Workday within the cycle. As the Accounts Payable Specialist, you are a subject matter expert and must have strong communication skills and provide a high level of customer service to internal customers and suppliers.

In this role you will:

• Ensure accuracy and efficiency of routine invoice processing. Analyze problems and trends, recommend solutions to problems and work with internal and external customers to reduce exceptions.

• Responsible for responding to tickets received by the Jira system, a high-volume customer service environment, from internal customers and vendors in a timely and customer-friendly manner. Must research and resolve inquiries and ensure a prompt follow-up with the inquirer to provide status in a consistent manner, determining when to handle a request directly or escalate.

• Perform special projects and analysis to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Accounts payable departmental operations. Ability to provide input to IT and Procurement on projects to assist in developing specifications and functionalities for multiple systems, including Kofax, Ariba and Workday.

• Develop strong, dynamic relationships with internal and external customers and provide a high level of customer service.

• Investigate, interpret and resolve complex matters in a timely and efficient manner.

• Utilize various databases (e.g. Tableau), spreadsheets, and reports to assist the Accounts Payable Operations Analyst in effectively monitoring key performance levels (e.g., average time from receipt through payment, total discounts taken, late fees paid, average terms on payment, etc.) including dash boards and accounts payable reports for the HHMI community and senior management.

• Periodically audit computer outputs to ensure data accuracy.

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree in Accounting, Business or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred

• APS Accounts Payable certification through IOFM preferred

• Knowledge of accounts payable procedures

• Minimum one to three years of accounts payable experience

• Minimum one to three years' experience using automated accounts payable processing system; Kofax and Ariba preferred

• Experience with e-invoicing or other electronic processes preferred.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of Workday and Ariba and related operational systems preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient with MS office including Outlook, Word, and Excel required.

• Excellent organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet and anticipate frequent deadlines in a timely manner and manage situations from start to finish.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively express ideas and use careful listening skills; ability to build relationships and effectively interact with all levels of HHMI management and staff as well as vendors.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to help identify critical issues with ease and deliver knowledge and information in an intuitive, informative, and well-organized manner to HHMI management and internal and external customers.

• Highly attentive to details.

• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and manage tight deadlines and schedules Must be self-directed and demonstrate initiative.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as on a team.

• Demonstrated ability to create, deliver and maintain a high level of customer service and responsiveness.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our site to learn more.