Specialist, Vendor Risk & Compliance

Overview

The Vendor Risk & Compliance Specialist will conduct due diligence for all new and existing vendors and will be responsible for vendor activation readiness. This position reports to the Senior Manager of Accounts Payable and works closely with the Accounts Payable, Procurement, Property Management, Legal, and IT teams.

• Own vendor compliance and risk assessment processes across Yardi Pay Scan, Vendor Shield, and Vendor Cafe.
• Perform enhanced due diligence on new and existing vendors, including fraud risk analysis and legitimacy verification.
• Review and validate W-9s, tax classifications, banking documentation, insurance certificates, licenses, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and flag high‑risk vendors, suspicious activity or control gaps to leadership.
• Review and approve new vendor setups and changes in accordance with internal controls.
• Serve as the primary decision maker for vendor activation readiness.
• Maintain ongoing monitoring of vendors for changes in ownership, banking, tax status or compliance standing.
• Maintain and audit vendor master data to ensure accuracy and compliance with internal controls.
• Enforce segregation of duties and change‑management controls for vendor updates.
• Support SOX, internal and external audits related to vendor governance.
• Design and enhance vendor onboarding, vetting and compliance workflows.
• Develop documentation, policies and standard operating procedures.
• Analyze trends in vendor risk, duplicates and fraud attempts; recommend mitigation strategies.
• Serve as liaison between AP, Procurement, Property Management, Legal and IT for vendor‑related matters.
• Train AP staff and business users on vendor compliance standards and system workflows.
• Respond to vendor inquiries related to account status, documentation and system access.
• Identify process improvements to enhance vendor data quality and operational efficiency.

• 2+ years of accounts payable or administrative support experience.
• Vendor management or procurement operations experience is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data management.
• Familiarity with ERP, procurement or vendor management systems.
• Familiarity with SOX compliance and internal controls.
• Working knowledge of vendor onboarding and compliance processes.
• Experience supporting audits or financial reviews preferred.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or similar data tools (vlookups, pivot tables).
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Problem‑solving mindset with ability to work cross‑functionally.

This role operates in a fast‑paced setting, often with tight deadlines due to financial close or audits. Primary work is conducted in an office setting; employees sit at a desk or workstation for extended periods and may also stand when needed. The position is hybrid, requiring occasional in‑person days at Essex’s corporate offices in Woodland Hills. Minimal travel may be required for meetings, training or conferences.

Must work Monday through Friday.

Compensation: $67,000.00–$80,000.00 per year, commensurate with experience. Eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. Health benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401(k) employer match, wellness programs and more. Paid holidays, PTO and other benefit packages apply. Eligible for a 20% housing discount.