Accounts Payable Specialist

We are looking for an Accounts Payable/ Jr Accountant to join a team in Mount Prospect, Illinois on a contract basis with the potential for a permanent position. This role supports core accounting operations by ensuring invoices, payments, reconciliations, and financial records are handled accurately and on schedule. The ideal candidate brings strong accounts payable experience, sound judgment, and the ability to work closely with leadership while maintaining organized and compliant financial processes.

Responsibilities:

• Review vendor invoices against receiving documentation, secure internal approvals, and record transactions accurately to support timely payment processing.

• Coordinate recurring payment cycles by preparing check runs, vouchers, and related documentation for leadership review, signature, and prompt distribution.

• Process freight-related invoices using logistics reporting, investigate discrepancies, and work with internal contacts to resolve billing concerns.

• Maintain vendor records by updating master file details, collecting tax documentation, and validating identification information for compliance purposes.

• Sort incoming mail, separate vendor invoices from customer payments, and ensure payable documents are properly date-stamped and routed.

• Administer the corporate credit card process by monitoring transaction activity, managing downloads, and supporting accurate entry into accounting records.

• Assist with month-end and year-end accounting activities, including reconciliations, journal entries, audit support, and preparation of tax reporting data such as 1099 documentation.

• Reconcile vendor statements, bank activity, and general ledger accounts, clear outstanding items, and prepare entries needed to maintain accurate balances.

• Support broader accounting operations by managing petty cash, maintaining organized physical and digital files, backing up accounts receivable tasks when needed, and handling special projects assigned by the Controller.

• Experience in accounts payable with hands-on responsibility for invoice processing, payment coordination, and vendor account maintenance.

• Working knowledge of account coding, invoice coding, ACH transactions, and check run preparation.

• Ability to perform account reconciliations, support month-end close activities, and prepare journal entries with accuracy.

• Proficiency with spreadsheets and accounting systems, along with the ability to manage detailed financial data efficiently.

• Familiarity with compliance-related documentation, including W-9 collection, tax reporting support, and audit file preparation.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate discrepancies, resolve payment issues, and escalate complex matters appropriately.

• Effective organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and provide cross-functional backup support when needed.