Accounts Payable Clerk

SARA; Cypress (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Generous PTO

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible work schedules

Discretionary Bonuses

401(k) match/profit sharing

ESOP

Job summary

SARA in Cypress, CA is seeking an Accounts Payable Clerk to join its defense-focused accounting team. You will handle vouchers, vendor payments, and reconciliations across locations.

Bachelor's in Accounting or equivalent experience, 2–4 years, GAAP knowledge, and strong communication are required. On-site role with competitive benefits and opportunities for growth.

Application deadline: October 17, 2026. US citizenship with ability to obtain DoD security clearance may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent experience.
• 2–4 years of accounting-related work experience.
• Understanding of US GAAP.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with MS Office tools (Excel, Teams, Word, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat.

Responsibilities

• Enter 2-way and 3-way vouchers into the Accounting System.
• Communicate with employees across locations regarding orders and vendor requests.
• Manage shared Accounts Payable email inbox.
• Create and process vendor payments and employee reimbursements via checks and ACH/EFT.
• Reconcile vendor statements.
• Coordinate with AP team, Buyers, and Shipping/Receiving departments.
• Manage and reconcile multiple company credit cards.
• Build rapport with employees and vendors.
• Create and maintain electronic accounting files.
• Assist with other accounting projects as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Typing 35 WPM+

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Alternative experience considered

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems; partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

Are you looking for an opportunity to apply accounting principles to a real-life business situation? Do you enjoy honing your skills? Are you hungry for new challenges? If so, SARA has an Accounts Payable Clerk opportunity for you that will provide exposure and training in accounting disciplines that will help you excel in your future career path at our Cypress, CA location or our Colorado Springs, CO location.

Core Responsibilities:

• Enter 2-way and 3-way vouchers into Accounting System
• Communicate with employees in multiple locations regarding orders and vendor requests
• Manage shared Accounts Payable e-mail inbox
• Create and process vendor payments and employee reimbursements via printed check and ACH/EFT
• Reconcile vendor statements
• Communicate and coordinate with Accounts Payable team, Buyers, and Shipping/Receiving Departments
• Manage and reconcile multiple company credit cards
• Build and maintain rapport with employees and vendors
• Create and maintain electronic Accounting files
• Other accounting projects as assigned

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting (additional experience will be considered in lieu of degree)
• 2 - 4 years of experience in Accounting-related work
• Understanding of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Research and problem-solving skills
• Quick learner and ability to juggle multiple tasks
• Organization skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Work well in a team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Excel, Teams, Word, Outlook and Adobe Acrobat
• Ability to type 35 WPM or greater
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
• May require light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 15 pounds
  • Sit for extended periods of time likely, including at a computer
• Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated

Preferred Qualifications:

• 4 7 years of experience in Accounting-related work
• Proficiency in Deltek Costpoint
• Understanding of sales and use taxes
• Knowledge of Government Cost Accounting

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $20 to $28 (hourly USD). Pay rates are also dependent on location. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA's total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: October 17, 2026

SARA is an equal employmentopportunity employer.