Accounts Payable Specialist

AP Specialist – UL Research Institutes & UL Standards & Engagement

Location:

Evanston, Illinois. Hybrid position onsite (Tuesday and Thursday) at the Evanston, IL office.

• Review, audit, and process vendor invoices and employee expense reports for accuracy, completeness, required approvals, and compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Verify invoice and expense report details, including coding to the appropriate general ledger accounts and cost centers, receipts, business purpose, payment terms, and supporting documentation.
• Process vendor payments and employee reimbursements accurately and within established service level expectations.
• Reconcile vendor statements, payment transactions, and corporate credit card activity; investigate and resolve discrepancies, outstanding items, and unmatched transactions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor and employee inquiries related to invoices, expense reports, reimbursement status, payment details, and expense system functionality; resolve issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain accurate financial records and electronic documentation for accounts payable and expense transactions, including employee profiles, approval workflows, and records retention in accordance with company policies.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities by preparing accruals, account reconciliations, financial reporting, and expense analysis.
• Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation, explanations, reports, and analysis while ensuring compliance with accounting principles, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Collaborate with Finance, Payroll, Procurement, Human Resources, managers, and other departments to resolve accounts payable and expense-related issues and improve cross-functional processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounts payable and expense management processes, strengthen internal controls, and enhance operational efficiency and the employee experience.
• Perform other duties as directed.

• Strong knowledge of accounts payable processes, expense management, accounting principles, and industry best practices.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and financial software; experience with Workday or similar systems preferred.
• Experience with expense management platforms such as Concur or similar applications preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite; ability to use spreadsheets and other business applications effectively.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to build effective working relationships and provide responsive customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of applicable accounting standards, internal controls, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Professional education and experience:
  High school diploma or equivalent;
  Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting or finance preferred; minimum of 4 years of experience as an Accounts Payable Specialist or similar role;
  Workday experience preferred.