Accounts Payable Specialist III

Institute for Defense Analyses; Alabama; On-site; USD 56,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Relocation reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

The Institute for Defense Analyses seeks an accounts payable professional to support day-to-day processing of expense reports and vendor invoices in line with IDA policies. You will verify documentation, code correctly, and ensure timely payments to vendors and employees.

The role emphasizes accuracy, discretion, and effective communication with internal teams and external vendors, with potential for guidance to junior staff and broader admin support.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree with four years of relevant experience, or equivalent combinations.
• Experience with computers and automated accounting systems.
• Clear written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and exercise discretion.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Security clearance may be required.
• Criminal background check completion is required.

Responsibilities

• Receives and reviews expense reports, vendor invoices, check requests and related documents for completeness and policy compliance.
• Matches original invoices with internal purchase orders or payment requests; determines payment schedules and amounts.
• Ensures invoices are coded correctly and costs allocated per policy.
• Enter voucher into the financial system through a preprocessor or manual entry.
• Processes vendor or employee payments by EFT or check.
• Updates vendor information in the financial system and handles tax/banking documents.
• Liaises between departments and vendors to resolve issues.
• May provide training and guidance to junior staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Discretion

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Associate’s degree with four years of relevant experience

High school diploma or equivalent with five years of relevant experience

Bachelor’s degree with three years of relevant experience

Tools

Automated accounting system

Electronic travel system

Job description

Overview

Under minimal supervision, performs a variety of routine to complex day-to-day operations that may involve independent investigation and problem resolution, in support to the administration of accounts payable in accordance with applicable IDA policies and procedures. Area of responsibility is either employee and consultant travel reimbursement or payment of IDA vendors for purchases or services provided. Duties include reviewing and verifying expense reports or invoices and related documents, responding to vendor inquiries, and providing direction and guidance to employees and consultants. May provide task-specific support and guidance to new and/or lower level/other accounts payable staff, as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Receives and reviews expense reports, vendor invoices, check requests and/or other related documentation for completeness and compliance with IDA financial policies, procedures and contractual requirements.
• Matches original invoices and requests for payment with internal purchase orders or payment requests; performs calculations to determine appropriate payment schedules and amounts, and makes modifications as necessary.
• Ensures invoices are appropriately coded and cost are appropriately allocated based on vendor invoice and company policy.
• Enter voucher into the financial system through a system preprocessor or manual entry.
• Processes vendor or employee payment by EFT or check if applicable
• Enters and updates vendor information in the financial system ensuring appropriate tax and banking documentation is received.
• Serves as liaison between departments and vendors on the resolution of administrative problems and inquiries
• May provide task-specific support, training and guidance to new and/or lower level accounts payable staff, as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree and four years of relevant experience; or high school diploma or equivalent and five years of relevant experience; or Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience
• Experience with computers, automated accounting system and/or electronic travel system.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to interact effectively with all levels of personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to accomplish tasks accurately and efficiently, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, meet regularly recurring deadlines and act with discretion.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance may be required.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.
  

Why Work at IDA?

• Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, 6 weeks 100% paid parental leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.
• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our Nation’s warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL).
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, partial telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
• Located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor, IDA's Potomac Yard facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, workspaces and gym.
• Easy access to local dining and shopping, the Potomac Yard Metro stop and the Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $300/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.
  

Compensation

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $56,254 - $90,007. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.