Accounts Payable and Tax Specialist

The East-West Center (EWC) promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1960, the Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options.

Our Finance team is currently seeking an Accounts Payable and Tax Specialist. This position provides strategic guidance and manages critical functions including vendor payments, student and employee reimbursements, and other outbound financial transactions. Additional duties include the supervision and training of staff, managing workflows and deliverables with our established financial systems, and partnering with internal and external stakeholders to support financial integrity and service excellence.

• Reviews documents for conformance with purchasing policies and procedures, participant policies, travel regulations, federal and State of Hawaii tax laws, award terms and conditions, and other requirements to ensure accuracy, supporting documentation, and correct use of accounts.
• Assists other voucher examiners in processing payment documents for reimbursement, travel, contract, and other disbursement documents, auditing for accuracy, proper use of account and classification codes, and compliance with applicable Center policies.
• Determines which payments are exceptions to policies and ensures appropriate approvals are obtained before payment.
• Generates and reviews disbursement checks, verifies batches for accuracy and completeness.

• Determines taxability of participant awards, ensuring correct tax treaty exemption or taxability.
• Ensures correct amount of taxes withheld or computed on taxable payment documents and other expenditure transactions.
• Obtains necessary tax exemption forms for Center files.
• Reconciles tax withholding summary report and prepares payment requests for federal withholding tax deposits.
• Maintains ledgers of withholding taxes for consultants and participants; prepares calendar year‑end tax reports (e.g., Form 1042‑S) and distributes tax forms.

• Reviews and submits cancellation forms to health providers.
• Coordinates semester payment requests, processes insurance payments, and ensures proper distribution of premium costs.
• Answers enrollment policy and procedure questions.

• Develops work methods, procedures, and schedules for timely and accurate payment of participant‑related expenditures.

• Assists supervisor with system specifications, design of input and output documents/reports, testing, training materials, and implementation of computer systems affecting this position.
• Performs entry (encumbrance payments) and pre‑audit approval of payment documents on an online accounting system.

• Maintains up‑to‑date vendor code listing.

• Maintains files of participant awards, stipend requests, insurance enrollment premium payments, and mitigates aging encumbrances.
• Follows up with programs, vendors, and requisitioners to obtain missing documentation or information.

This position may perform other duties as assigned.

• High‑school diploma or equivalent training and experience with a combined total of five (5) years of full‑time work experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.

• Plans, organizes, prioritizes, and coordinates work involving a wide variety of tasks and materials.
• Works independently and cooperatively, maintains high accuracy with numbers, and interprets internal and external policies.
• Communicates effectively verbally and in writing, manages confidential information, and works under pressure of deadlines.
• Uses Microsoft Excel with advanced knowledge of formulas and data manipulation.

• Office practices and procedures; correct English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word usage; office machines and equipment.

• Knowledge of regulations and procedures related to federal award expenditures and payments to non‑US persons or entities.

• Competitive salary starting at $57,231.55 per year with an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement savings with generous company match, and paid time off.
• Career growth opportunities within the organization.
• Supportive work environment fostering communication, collaboration, and resources for success.

As required under Title IX, the East-West Center does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities it operates, including admissions and employment. This is a full‑time, in-person role that requires the desired candidate to physically reside in Oahu, Hawaii.