Staff Accountant - Accounts Payable

About the role

Column Technical Services is seeking a Staff Accountant - Accounts Payable to join a reputable organization in Chicago. This is an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional who enjoys ownership, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Responsibilities

• Manage the organization's Accounts Payable function, ensuring invoices are properly reviewed, coded, approved, and processed accurately and in a timely manner in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Cook up weekly payment processing, including checks, ACH transactions, and wire transfers, verifying accuracy, completeness, appropriate approvals, and compliance with vendor payment requirements and cash management guidelines.
• Research and resolve vendor inquiries, payment discrepancies, open items, credit balances, outstanding checks, and invoice-related disputes.
• Monitor AP workflows and address processing exceptions to ensure efficient and accurate transaction completion.
• Ensure adherence to organizational purchasing, travel, expense reimbursement, and Purchasing Card (P-Card) policies.
• Lead the annual Form 1099 reporting process through Yearli, including vendor record reviews, W-9 collection and maintenance, IRS TIN Match verification, issue resolution, and timely filing in accordance with IRS regulations.
• Prepare affiliate membership fee billings and other recurring or periodic accounts receivable invoices.
• Generate customer and affiliate account statements and follow up on outstanding balances as appropriate.
• Assist with cash application research, receivable analysis, and account reconciliation activities.
• Prepare and post monthly journal entries, including Purchasing Card activity, prepaid expense amortization, direct mail expenses, direct mail and online revenue, and other recurring or periodic accounting transactions.
• Perform monthly balance sheet account reconciliations, researching, resolving, and documenting reconciling items in a timely manner.
• Support month-end and year-end close activities through the preparation of account analyses, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Review financial transactions and identify unusual variances, trends, or accounting issues requiring further investigation.
• Maintain fixed asset records and supporting schedules, including asset additions, disposals, depreciation, and annual physical inventory verification.
• Support external audits and compliance reviews by preparing requested schedules, analyses, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Aid in the preparation of audit workpapers, year-end schedules, and documentation required for financial statement audits and Single Audits.
• Maintain documentation that supports internal controls, compliance requirements, and organizational policies.
• Identify opportunities to enhance accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and improve operational efficiency and accuracy within assigned areas.
• Aid in the development, documentation, and maintenance of accounting policies, procedures, workflows, and training materials.
• Assist in the development, documentation, and maintenance of accounting policies, procedures, workflows, and training materials.
• Participate in system implementations, upgrades, testing, and process improvement initiatives supporting AP, AR, Fixed Assets, P-Card, and other accounting functions.
• Provide guidance and training to employees regarding accounting processes, financial systems, policies, and procedures within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Serve as a financial resource for employees, affiliates, vendors, and other stakeholders by responding to inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Collaborate with Finance and cross-functional departments to support accurate financial reporting and efficient business operations.
• Aid in the preparation of special projects, financial analyses, and additional accounting responsibilities as assigned.
• Demonstrate commitment to Easterseals' mission, values, and ethical business practices.

Requirements

• Minimum of five years of progressive general accounting experience, including knowledge of general ledger functions, account analysis and reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and fixed assets.
• Bachelor's degree with a concentration in Accounting or Finance, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience with NetSuite ERP or similar ERP systems is strongly preferred.
• Ability to take direction, respond to inquiries clearly and professionally, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong ability to complete work accurately, efficiently, and within established deadlines.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make informed decisions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements and document procedures effectively.
• Advanced computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Internet applications).