Finance & Accounting Administrator 3

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Richland (WA); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Telehealth

Wellness coaching

Retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a Finance & Accounting Administrator to support Accounts Payable in BSD’s Financial Operations Division. You will review supplier invoices, verify details, and ensure timely, compliant payments while collaborating with Contract Professionals and internal partners.

Ideal candidates have a strong attention to detail, excellent customer service, and the ability to interpret policies and contracts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED with 6 years relevant work experience or AA with 4 years.
• Preferred: AA degree in accounting or business.
• Experience in bookkeeping, accounting support, or related financial role.
• Demonstrated customer service experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication; attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, contractual requirements, and business rules when reviewing and processing transactions.
• Ability to research issues and escalate issues when appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Review supplier invoices against contracts, PO, and supporting documentation to determine validity and payment eligibility.
• Verify invoice information including supplier details, amounts, periods, and requirements.
• Identify missing or inconsistent information and resolve with Contract Professionals, approvers, and suppliers.
• Review invoices for compliance with AP policies, procedures, contractual requirements, and internal controls.
• Route invoices through review and approval processes and monitor outstanding items for timely payment.
• Communicate with invoice approvers and Contract Professionals regarding invoices needing review or correction.
• Research invoice and payment status and respond to questions from suppliers and internal customers.
• Provide timely, accurate, and professional customer service while explaining AP requirements.
• Maintain documentation to support AP transactions and decisions.
• Use Excel and financial systems to review, process, and research AP transactions.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Organization

Problem solving

Education

AA degree in accounting or business

High school diploma/GED

Tools

Excel

Accounting software

Job description

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management.

The Business Services Directorate (BSD) provides crucial financial, procurement and sales, and project management services to PNNL, as required under our management and operations contract for operating the Lab on behalf of the Department of Energy. Our goal in offering these services is to ensure efficient, effective, and compliant business operations that enhance PNNL's scientific impact.

BSD presents exciting opportunities for financial professionals seeking career growth. We foster a dynamic environment where individuals can develop their skills, take on leadership roles, and contribute to high-impact projects. By working with multidisciplinary teams, professionals have the chance to broaden their expertise, engage in continuous learning, and advance their careers while contributing to the groundbreaking scientific work at PNNL.

Responsibilities

This Finance & Accounting Administrator position supports Accounts Payable within the Financial Operations Division of BSD and reports to the Manager, Payable Services. This position is responsible for reviewing and processing supplier invoices and other Accounts Payable transactions to help ensure payments are accurate, timely, appropriately authorized, and compliant with contractual and organizational requirements.

The Finance & Accounting Administrator works closely with Contract Professionals, invoice approvers, suppliers, and other internal customers to resolve invoice questions and discrepancies and facilitate invoices through the review and approval process. The successful candidate will bring strong attention to detail, customer service, organization, and the ability to interpret and apply established requirements when reviewing financial transactions.

Responsibilities include:

• Review supplier invoices against applicable contracts, purchase orders, and supporting documentation to determine whether invoices are valid, accurate, and appropriate for payment.
• Verify invoice information, including supplier details, amounts, billing periods, contract or purchase order requirements, and other supporting documentation.
• Identify missing, incomplete, or inconsistent information and work with Contract Professionals, approvers, suppliers, and other business partners to resolve issues prior to payment.
• Review invoices for compliance with established Accounts Payable policies, procedures, contractual requirements, and internal controls.
• Route invoices and other transactions through the appropriate review and approval processes and monitor outstanding items to support timely payment.
• Communicate with invoice approvers and Contract Professionals regarding invoices requiring review, additional information, correction, or approval.
• Research invoice and payment status and respond to questions from suppliers, employees, approvers, Contract
• Professionals, and other internal customers.
• Provide timely, accurate, and professional customer service while helping customers understand Accounts Payable requirements, processes, and procedures.
• Research and resolve routine and moderately complex invoice and payment issues using established procedures, system information, contractual documentation, and professional judgment.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and records to support Accounts Payable transactions and payment decisions.
• Use financial systems and other business applications to review, process, track, and research Accounts Payable transactions.
• Use Excel and other tools to organize and review transactional information as needed to support assigned
• Accounts Payable activities.
• Manage a high volume of transactions and customer inquiries while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and established service expectations.
• Prioritize assigned work to meet payment deadlines and respond to time-sensitive invoice and customer service needs.
• Escalate unusual, complex, or higher-risk transactions and issues to the appropriate Accounts Payable Professional or Manager when necessary.
• Collaborate with Accounts Payable team members and business partners to support effective and compliant
• Accounts Payable operations.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Contract Professionals, approvers, suppliers, and other internal and external customers.
• Seek collaborative opportunities and contribute to team and organizational objectives.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED and 6 years of relevant work experience -OR-
• AA or higher and 4 years of relevant work experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• AA degree in accounting or business related.
• Experience in bookkeeping, accounting support, or a related financial administrative role.
• Demonstrated customer service experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with a variety of customers and business partners.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply established policies, procedures, contractual requirements, and business rules when reviewing and processing transactions.
• Ability to research issues, exercise sound judgment within established guidelines, and seek guidance or escalate issues when appropriate.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable.

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [e-mail].

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $24.66/Hr.

Maximum Salary

USD $35.14/Hr.