Accounts Payable Processor (Temporary Position)

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health

Dental

Vision

Wellbeing

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning

Rideshare

Childcare

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Many more

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA seeks an Accounts Payable Processor to handle daily AP tasks, resolve vendor inquiries, and ensure timely payments. You will work with ERP systems like Oracle, review invoices, and maintain accurate records while supporting travel card allocations and ad hoc duties.

The role emphasizes accuracy, customer service, and collaboration within the Accounting and Contracts Division, with a temporary assignment up to 36 months.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of related experience with a high school diploma or 1 year with an associate degree.
• Broad knowledge in Accounting, Accounts Payable, or Procure to Pay.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills and IT/ERP system experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for vendors and internal departments on AP inquiries.
• Reconcile vendor statements and manage the full invoice processing cycle.
• Ensure compliance with PO/subcontract terms and accurate payment timing.
• Prepare AP reports and support airfare charges allocations.

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's degree in Business Administration/Accounting

Bachelor’s degree in related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Oracle ERP

Job description

Job Details 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

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

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.

Benefits and Perks

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique.

• health
• dental
• vision
• wellbeing
• retirement plans
• paid time off
• learning
• rideshare
• childcare
• flexible schedule
• parental leave
• many more

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

Salary

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

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

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.

History

Formed in 1936, the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federally funded research and development center managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech.) JPL joined NASA as an FFRDC when the agency was founded in 1958. JPL helped open the Space Age by developing America’s first Earth-orbiting science satellite, creating the first successful interplanetary spacecraft, and sending robotic missions to the solar system. Today JPL continues its world-leading innovation, implementing programs in planetary exploration, Earth science, space-based astronomy and technology development while applying its capabilities to technical and scientific problems of national significance. Above all, we are explorers. At JPL we promote collaboration, innovation, integrity, and excellence in distinct academic areas. We turn ideas for science investigation into the reality of groundbreaking space missions, partnering with our strategic business teams to guide JPL into the future.