Accounts Payable Specialist

Job Description

At UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement, we know why we come to work.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Accounts Payable Specialist at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement, based in our Evanston, Illinois, office. The Accounts Payable Specialist supports the accounts payable function within the finance department. The Accounts Payable Specialist is part of the financial team, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices, payments, and maintaining vendor relationships. The Accounts Payable Specialist works closely with the Director of Procure to Pay; the Accounts Payable Specialist contributes to the continuous improvement of process and the implementation of best practices with the accounts payable function.

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

At UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk, created new safety standards and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge.

What you'll learn and achieve:

As the Accounts Payable Specialist, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Review, verify, and process all incoming vendor invoices and expense reports, ensuring adherence to company policies and accounting principles. Matches invoices to purchase orders and receipts, resolving discrepancies as needed.

• Maintain positive relationships with vendors, addressing inquiries and resolving payment issues as needed.

• Regularly reconcile accounts payable accounts and statements, identifying and resolving discrepancies to maintain accurate financial records.

• Assist in the month-end closing process by preparing relevant reports, accruals, and journal entries related to accounts payable.

• Identify opportunities to improve the accounts payable process, supporting initiatives for streamlining and automation to increase efficiency and accuracy.

• Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and internal controls related to accounts payable, supporting internal and external audits as required.

• Assist in ensuring vendor records are accurate and up to date.

• Review, approve, and audit employee expense reports to ensure accuracy, policy compliance, and regulatory adherence, using strong problem-solving skills to resolve discrepancies and provide support as needed.

• Collaborate with payroll to reconcile employee receivables and provide accurate reconciliation of international employee payments for processing.

• Monitor and review delinquent or overdue expense reports; follow up with employees and escalate unresolved issues to management as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you'll experience working at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement: For the organizations across the UL enterprise, corporate and social responsibility isn't new. We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.

• People: Our people make us special. You'll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today's global challenges require.

• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what's on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You'll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.

• Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.

• Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.

• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.

What makes you a great fit:

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

• Experience with accounting software and ERP systems, such as Workday, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, etc.

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal controls.

• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other Office applications.

• Advanced skills in Excel with knowledge of how to use VLOOKUP, SUMIF and pivot tables.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with vendors, colleagues, and team members.

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.

• Knowledge of tax regulations related to accounts payable (sales tax, 1099 reporting, etc.) is a plus.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Accounts Payable Professional - CAPP) are a plus.

• Minimum 4 years of experience in accounts payable roles, demonstrating a solid understanding of accounts payable principles and processes.

• Experience with Workday is preferred.

About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

Our wholly owned subsidiary, UL Solutions, advances our shared public safety mission. We fund our work through grants, the licensing of standards documents and the business activities of UL Solutions, which conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools for customers around the world.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.

Salary Range:

Pay type: