Accounts Payable Associate

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.

We are committed to engaging multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower our clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team!

Key statistics:

• 1,100+ Team members
• 950+ Consultants
• 640+ Ph.D.s
• 90+ Disciplines
• 30+ Offices globally

Exponent is seeking an Accounting Associate to join our Finance/Accounting team at our Phoenix, AZ office. In this position, you’ll collaborate closely with colleagues to process accounts payable transactions and manage expense reports. You’ll serve as the main point of contact within the Finance/Accounting group for a diverse range of vendors and employees from various engineering and corporate departments. Your role will also involve reviewing vendor accounts and payments, preparing Excel templates for data imports, supporting internal and external audit activities, and participating in key financial projects that contribute to the department’s goals.

• Process accounts payable transactions efficiently and accurately.
• Ensure expenses are properly coded and allocated to appropriate cost centers.
• Analyze vendor accounts and payments for accuracy and compliance.
• Create and maintain data import templates using Excel.
• Assist during internal and external audits and other departmental financial initiatives.

We’re looking for sharp, motivated individuals eager to make an impact in a fast-paced environment. You’ll work alongside our team of experts to deliver exceptional service and help fulfill our vision as a leading engineering and science consulting firm.

• Process vendor invoices and payments through Accounting System, ensuring accurate coding, supporting documentation, approvals, and internal control compliance.
• Review employee expense reports for appropriate documentation, coding, business purpose, approvals, and policy compliance.
• Support vendor onboarding and maintenance, including W-9s, payment information, ACH/wire verification, and 1099 reporting requirements.
• Support purchasing and procurement activities such resolution of PO/invoice discrepancies.
• Monitor approval workflows, research exceptions, and follow up on outstanding approvals or processing issues.
• Communicate with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve invoice, payment, reimbursement, and account inquiries.
• Support payment processing, including ACH, wires, checks, and special payment requests, and assess use tax when applicable.
• Maintain accurate AP records and supporting documentation for month-end close, reconciliations, audits, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Partner with Accounting, Purchasing, project teams, and approvers to support efficient and timely procure-to-pay processes.
• Support system testing, process documentation, training, cross-training, and continuous process…