Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc., Analytical Solutions Division is seeking a motivated and dynamic full-time Accounts Payable Specialist. Desired work site location will be at our Crystal City office in Arlington, VA however this is flexible. This position will be responsible for all or segments of the general accounting functions for Division. The ideal candidate will have previous experience with an accounting system, preferably CostPoint, and previous experience submitting invoice vouchers for payment, as well as using an accounting system to run reports. The successful candidate will possess outstanding organization and listening skills, with a strong attention to detail. Must possess the ability to perform detail-oriented work, manage multiple competing priorities, be a proactive problem solver, critical thinker and work independently. If you’re interested in working for a great company, with great opportunities and are enthusiastic about filling this role, please don’t hesitate to apply. We’re anxious to meet you!

Responsibilities:

• Monitors the AP Mailbox and ensure appropriate processing times and resolution of issues; follows up on discrepancies, ensure all internal/ external vendor invoice inquiries are handled timely
• Enter AP/PO vouchers and Journal Entries into the CostPoint accounting system
• Process employee reimbursements for payment in a timely manner
• Act as a liaison between vendors and internal departments to facilitate timely payments and ensure an accurate AP aging
• Responsible for maintaining division purchase cards (P-card); to include submission of all necessary documentation to reconcile monthly transactions.
• Set up new vendors and manage vendor changes

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Requires High school diploma or its equivalent, and 4 to 5 years of experience are required
• Advanced skills in various Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong problem-solving skills, basic accounting principles knowledge, documentation skills, research and resolution skills, data analysis and multi-tasking skills
• Thorough knowledge of applicable accounts payable/general ledger systems and procedures, financial chart of accounts and corporate procedures
• Organized individual, with excellent attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and able to change priorities quickly and work effectively under deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills; with the ability to establish effective working relationships
• Possess strong organizational and time management skills
• Must be a team player, build relationships and work collaboratively with team members.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Experience with Deltek CostPoint System and COGNOS.
• Experience with General Ledger Codes
• Experience with Journal Entries
• Experience with budgets and forecasting
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 1200 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Accounts Payable Specialist position.

Experience

• 4 - 5 years: Relevant work experience

Education

• High School or better

Behaviors

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Motivations

• Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
• Financial: Inspired to perform well by monetary reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)