Accounts Payable Specialist

Position Emphasis

Founded in 1857, the National Education Association (NEA) is America’s oldest and largest organization committed to advancing the cause of public education. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NEA proudly claims nearly 3 million members devoted to the following mission: to advocate for education professionals and to unite our members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education by preparing every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world. Our vision is a great public school for every student. The NEA is also the single largest labor union in the United States, advocating for the excellent and equitable public education system that all students, educators, and communities deserve.

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Accounts Payable Specialist to join our finance team. This role is essential to ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial operations. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical skills, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

In this role, you will:

• Process and verify payments for NEA entities, including invoice matching, vendor statement reconciliation, and disbursements via checks, ACH, and wires in accordance with internal policies and vendor terms.
• Analyze and reconcile financial data, preparing monthly account reconciliations for AP and select balance sheet accounts, identifying variances, providing analysis, and supporting financial close activities.
• Maintain vendor relationships by managing account records, resolving billing discrepancies, and responding promptly to inquiries from vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with NEA policies, GAAP, and internal controls by reviewing invoice coding, maintaining organized documentation, and supporting internal and external audits.
• Support financial systems by providing end-user assistance, contributing to system upgrades, and developing training materials and process documentation.
• Generate reports and documentation using query tools, and assist with audit preparation, 1099 processing, and year-end AP activities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with purchasing, receiving, and other departments to resolve issues and ensure timely, accurate processing of financial transactions.
• Drive process improvements by identifying automation opportunities, enhancing workflows, and participating in cross-functional teams and committees.

Minimum Education Requirement

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills is obtained. Broad knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Generally Accepted Auditing Standard (GAAS), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and federal, state, and local requirements. Continuing education in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline. Continuing education in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of three years professional accounting and financial management experience involving the full range of responsibilities such as general ledger, accounts payable, account and financial analyses, and financial statements development. Experience must include a full range of accounting and financial responsibilities, such as general ledger, accounts payable, account analysis, bank reconciliation, cash flow management, forecasting, and preparation of financial statements. Four years of professional experience providing technical expertise and support for business systems/applications using the full range of state-of-the-art financial management systems, such as PeopleSoft, SAP, or Oracle. People Soft, Oracle Financials, or similar systems.

Other Requirements

Intermediate skills in Microsoft Excel are essential with an emphasis on building new spreadsheets, analyzing large data sets, and using advanced functions such as Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, and IF statements. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). Advanced skills in using applications for developing presentations, creating complex graphs, or developing specialized financial reports. Candidates are encouraged to provide work samples (e.g. spreadsheets, financial statements, database, or presentation materials) at interview. Must be able to work extended hours on evenings and weekend during seasonal requirements such as fiscal year end, budget planning, and 4-month projections.

Selection Criteria:

Tier 1 (Essential):

• Proven superior customer service skills, providing financial support to end-users, developing and maintaining desktop procedures and documentation to ensure consistency with current processes.
• Excellent proactive communication (both written and verbal), planning, follow-up, prioritization, time management, and managing expectations.
• Demonstrated experience in general ledger, financial chart of accounts, financial statements, or demonstrated experience in all aspects of accounts payable functions, including entering and reviewing vouchers, and account analyses.
• Demonstrated experience adhering to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and federal, state, and local requirements.
• Demonstrated use of sound judgment for decision-making and ability to follow through on tasks with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.
• Successful references.

Tier 2 (Significant):

• Experience with reviewing and auditing transactions (i.e., travel and expense, fixed assets, vendor invoices, travel advances, journal vouchers, grants, and other payment requests) by policies, and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Proven ability to investigate financial records, write reports, and make presentations to senior management.
• Proven skill in being highly analytical, organized, and with superior attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively amongst individuals and groups at all levels of the organization.
• Proven flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple and complex tasks simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing conditions.
• Skill in developing financial training and presentations using applicable software.

Tier 3 (Desirable):

• Knowledge of NEA's financial and membership services environment.
• Proven skill in diversified accounting, financial management operations, and complex problem resolution.
• Certified Public Accountant, Certified Accounts Payable Professional, or similar designation(s).
• Experience with presentation software (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint) and productivity tools (e.g., Smartsheet, SharePoint, Teams, Zoom).

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem-solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

NEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. To apply for this position or to search for other openings, please go to our jobs page at Careers at NEA (myworkdayjobs.com)

NEA Participates in E-Verify. Read more here E-Verify Participation & Right to Work.

NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.