Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) Sector of Applied Research Associates, Inc. is looking for a detail-oriented Accounts Payable Specialist who is interested in joining a company that values dedication in the workplace, your professional growth, and appreciates the importance of creating an optimal work-life balance. If this sounds like you, we would like to talk to you about joining our team and becoming the point of contact for all accounting functions within the division.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience with an accounting system, preferably Costpoint, and prior experience reconciling company assigned purchase cards, submitting invoice vouchers for payment and using an accounting system to run reports. The successful candidate will possess outstanding organization and listening skills, with strong attention to detail.  Must possess the ability to perform detail-oriented work, manage multiple competing priorities, be a proactive problem solver, and critical thinker, and work independently. This is an on-site position, and the candidate is expected to reside in the Raleigh, NC area to be able to come into the office. The opportunity for hybrid work schedule will be dependent upon team dynamics and the employee’s performance.

What you’ll do as an Accounts Payable Specialist at ARA:

Provide outstanding customer service to internal ARA teams while investigating and providing feedback on accounting inquiries. Main functions of this role are below but other duties may be assigned as needed.

Accounts Payable Responsibilities:

Manage accounting mailbox to track incoming requests as needed. Enter AP vouchers and Journal Entries into the Costpoint accounting system. Act as a PO receiver backup as needed. Accounting duties as needed.

Travel Coordination Responsibilities:

Serves as help desk point of contact for travel and expense-related inquiries. Coordinate with employees on relocation reimbursement process.  Books domestic and international travel including flights, lodging accommodations, transportation, and other travel-related service.

Purchase & Expense Responsibilities:

Support all IMS units as a purchase card reviewer & reconciler. Reconcile all assigned company credit card accounts monthly, reviewing monthly bank statements to ensure that all transactions listed match transactions in Concur and are balanced by end of recording period. 

Requirements of an Accounts Payable Specialist:

Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information requirements include being a U.S. citizen. High School Diploma plus 5-6 years of relevant experience. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel. Willingness to learn new programs and policies. Must be able to work independently and take ownership of individual tasks. Excellent analysis, critical thinking and time management skills. Must be a team player, build relationships and work collaboratively with team members.

Accounts Payable Specialist Preferences:

Associates degree or higher with 4 or more years of related experience. Experience with Concur & Costpoint 7. Experience with SharePoint. Experience with Accounts Payable & P-Card Reconciliation. Experience with General Ledger coding and Journal Entries.

About Us:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We employ over 2,271 professionals and continue to grow. ARA offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software, and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides ourselves on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets, so we give our employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. The company realizes employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. We are also very proud of our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.

To find out more about the Integrated Mission Systems Sector visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/raleigh/