Accounts Payable Processor (Temporary Position)

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Processor to provide day‑to‑day AP support. You will handle invoice processing, vendor inquiries, and reporting within the Accounting and Contracts Division, contributing to timely payments and compliance.

This temporary role, up to 36 months, reports to the Group Supervisor of Accounts Payable Operations and involves collaboration across a dedicated team to ensure accurate, efficient processing.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with 6+ years related experience or Associate/Bachelor degree with related experience.
• Broad knowledge in Accounting, Accounts Payable, or Procure to Pay.
• Independent worker who can collaborate in a team.
• Strong initiative and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with ERP systems (Oracle) and Procure‑to‑Pay platforms.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary point of contact for vendors and internal departments.
• Respond to invoice status inquiries and resolve discrepancies.
• Reconcile vendor statements and follow up on outstanding items.
• Manage the full invoice processing cycle from receipt to payment.
• Verify invoice header information and PO line matching.
• Ensure supplier invoices comply with PO/subcontract terms and resolve discrepancies.
• Apply state and federal tax withholding policies to applicable invoices.
• Compile data and prepare AP reports.
• Support airfare charges on the Corporate Travel Card.

Skills

Detail oriented

Independent worker

Communication skills

Customer service

MS Office proficiency

ERP systems knowledge

Education

High School Diploma

Associate’s degree in Business/Accounting

Bachelor’s degree in related discipline

Tools

Oracle ERP

Procure-to-Pay platforms

Job description

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

The Payment and Travel Services Section is seeking an experienced, detail‑oriented, and customer‑focused Accounts Payable Processor. In this role, you will provide essential day‑to‑day support across a variety of Accounts Payable functions, ensuring timely and accurate processing while delivering exceptional service to both internal teams and external partners.

As an Accounts Payable Processor, you will report to the Group Supervisor of Accounts Payable Operations and work as part of a collaborative team dedicated to processing invoices promptly, accurately, and efficiently to ensure on‑time payments to suppliers.

This role is part of the Accounting and Contracts Division (ACD), which supports the exploration and innovation of the laboratory's missions by performing professional accounting work. Our Division ensures that the finance and accounting policy and procedures of the laboratory are efficient, effective and compliant with relevant regulations.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors and internal departments, addressing inquiries, resolving accounts payable issues, and ensuring timely, accurate communication.
• Respond to vendor and internal inquiries regarding invoice status, payment timing, and account discrepancies
• Reconcile vendor statements and follow up on outstanding items.
• Manage the complete invoice processing cycle, including receiving an invoice, reviewing it, approving it, establishing a remittance date and paying the invoice.
• Verify accuracy of invoice header information and PO line matching.
• Ensure supplier invoices comply with purchase order and subcontract terms and conditions, resolving discrepancies to support accurate and timely payment processing.
• Resolve moderately complex invoice holds (i.e. price/quantity variance, tax withholding).
• Apply state and federal tax withholding policies to applicable invoices.
• Compile data and prepare a variety of Accounts Payable reports.
• Support the assignment and reconciliation of airfare charges on the Corporate Travel Card, ensuring accuracy and proper allocation.
• Perform ad hoc duties as assigned.
• Participate in strategic goal teams.

Note:

As a temporary position, this assignment may last up to 36 months in duration with approvals based on 6 to 12‑month assignments. However, please note that you are not under any employment contract and your temporary employment status can be terminated at any time, with or without notice.

Qualifications:

• Requires a High School Diploma with a minimum of 6 years of related experience, or an Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related discipline desired with a minimum of 1 year of related experience or a Bachelor’s degree in related discipline.
• Broad knowledge in one or more related fields of the following areas: Accounting, Accounts Payable, or Procure to Pay.
• Self‑starter that thrives working independently and in a team environment.
• Intellectually curious. The ideal candidate takes initiative and ownership of their work and possesses an improvement mentality.
• Strong proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite of applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong understanding of IT solutions, including ERP systems (such as Oracle) and Procure‑to‑Pay platforms, with the ability to leverage technology to enhance process efficiency.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication and presentation skills. Able to effectively tell a story.
• Strong customer service skills.

Desired skills:

• Knowledge of applicable Laboratory and/or NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations and exposure to JPL’s Institutional business processes and architecture.
• Broad knowledge of Federal Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
• A critical thinker, curious, and pro‑active.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and complete multiple assignments independently.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work‑life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$61,880 - $76,128

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.