Accounts Payable Specialist

We are looking for an Accounts Payable Specialist to join a government-focused finance team in Clearwater, Florida. This contract position with potential for a permanent role is ideal for someone who brings strong invoice processing experience, sound judgment, and a careful approach to public sector financial compliance. The person in this role will support accurate payment operations, review documentation thoroughly, and help maintain organized workflows in a high-volume environment.

Responsibilities:
• Review incoming invoices for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with purchasing documents, contract terms, and applicable funding guidelines before payment processing.
• Examine transactions to confirm the correct accounting treatment while supporting public sector financial practices, including fund and budget-based controls.
• Evaluate purchase order balances and department budget availability to verify that sufficient funding exists prior to approval.
• Help ensure expenditures meet legal standards and serve an appropriate public purpose when public funds are used.
• Process a large number of detailed payables transactions independently while balancing deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Enter, scan, and validate accounts payable records within the organization’s payment system to maintain accurate financial data.
• Use Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook to manage documentation, communication, and reporting related to daily accounts payable activities.
• Contribute to special assignments such as process reviews, user training support, system testing, and other finance-related initiatives as needed.• Hands-on experience in accounts payable, including invoice review, payment processing, and record accuracy.
• Working knowledge of Oracle or a comparable accounts payable or enterprise financial system.
• Familiarity with fund accounting principles and budget-controlled environments.
• Understanding of government grants, public sector spending rules, or other compliance-driven funding requirements.
• Ability to analyze financial details carefully and identify discrepancies before transactions are finalized.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage high-volume work and meet established deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, Word, and Outlook.