Accounts Payable Specialist

Job Title:

Accounts Payable Specialist Job Description

Join a leading manufacturer of innovative lab supplies and instruments, renowned for its colorful, functional, and cutting-edge products. Since its founding in 1996, the company has quickly become an industry leader in lab supplies and instrumentation. We are seeking an Accounts Payable Specialist to maintain accurate product costing and manage the accounts payable process. This role supports monthly close activities, ensures timely vendor payments, maintains precise financial records, and collaborates with the operations team to enhance cost efficiency.

The ideal candidate will excel in a fast-paced environment and possess strong problem-solving skills.

• Process vendor invoices for accuracy, documentation, and approvals.

• Ensure timely and accurate payments to suppliers while maintaining positive vendor relationships.

• Resolve invoice discrepancies with vendors and internal departments.

• Manage vendor inquiries and effectively resolve billing issues.

• Process checks, ACH, wire, and online payments.

• Maintain AP aging reports to ensure prompt payments and avoid late fees.

• Assist with AP reconciliations and accruals.

• Maintain financial records and ensure compliance with policies and regulations.

• Support audits by providing necessary documentation and responding to inquiries.

• Maintain standard costs and perform cost rollups.

• Analyze material, labor, shipping, and overhead variances.

• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities.

• Analyze product profitability and manufacturing costs.

• Collaborate with production and purchasing on cost improvement initiatives.

• Bachelors degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

• Experience in accounts payable or a similar financial role.

• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial controls.

• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and financial transactions.

• Effective communication skills and ability to build relationships with vendors and internal teams.

• Experience in a manufacturing and distribution environment is a plus.

• Experience in Business Central (Microsoft 365) or any Microsoft ERP is a major plus.

• Costing experience, including pre-pay vs accrual, amortization, asset vs expense, and applying indirect costs across products.

• Comfort with credit card transactions.

• Knowledge of accounts receivable is beneficial for backup support.

The team consists of three members: you, the Accounting Manager, and the AR/Collections specialist. This position requires onsite work initially, with the potential for remote flexibility after 90 days. Enjoy a small, close-knit, family-like atmosphere with lots of freedom. Employees benefit from $1500 per year for professional development, medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a 401(k) with discretionary matching.

A 5% bonus potential is also available. The company values individual success and offers a supportive, caring environment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vernon Hills, IL.

The pay range for this position is $31.00 - $33.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Vernon Hills,IL.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would…