Accountant, Accounts Payable

Overview Job Title: Accountant, Accounts Payable  Department: Finance  Reports To: Senior Director, Finance Job Band: 4 FLSA Status: Exempt Location: Washington, DC | Hybrid Schedule: Full-Time Overview: The Accounts Payable Accountant (AP Accountant) owns the full accounts payable cycle—from invoice receipt and verification through payment processing—ensuring vendor obligations are accurate, compliant, properly documented, and paid on time. The position processes approximately 400 invoices per month across three weekly payment runs and serves as a key financial control point within the Finance team. The role requires strong attention to detail and sound judgment in applying contracts, purchase orders, project and grant codes, approval requirements, and payment controls. The AP Accountant plays an important role in protecting organizational funds, maintaining federal award compliance, supporting audit readiness, and developing strong vendor relationships. Responsibilities Key Responsibilities Invoice Processing and Compliance Receive and review invoices for accuracy, completeness, supporting documentation, and required approvals. Confirm invoices are supported by an appropriate contract, purchase order, or other authorized documentation. Perform two-way and three-way matching for purchase order invoices, verifying quantities, pricing, and receipt of goods or services. Identify and resolve duplicate invoices, discrepancies, unsupported charges, and missing documentation before payment. Code and enter invoices into Deltek Costpoint , ensuring accurate GL, grant, project, and other accounting codes. Apply organizational policies and applicable federal award requirements when determining appropriate coding. Post invoices and credit memos and ensure credits are properly applied or resolved. Escalate transactions that cannot be properly supported or coded rather than compromising compliance. Ensure AP activity complies with applicable  GAAP, GASB, federal requirements, grant requirements, and organizational policies . Payment Processing and Controls Prepare and process weekly vendor payments, including off-cycle payments as needed. Confirm required approvals and documentation are complete before payment release. Verify vendor banking information and ACH/wire instructions before payment setup or changes. Review invoice due dates and submit payment files within established timelines. Perform payment-file and control-total verification before release. Vendor Management and Reconciliation Reconcile purchase orders, invoices, payments, and outstanding vendor balances; investigate and resolve discrepancies. Prepare monthly vendor reconciliation reports and follow up on outstanding items. Maintain accurate vendor records, including W-9s, banking information, contracts, and supporting documentation. Respond professionally and promptly to vendor and internal payment inquiries. Audit and Financial Support Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready AP documentation. Support internal and external audits by providing payment records, reconciliations, and supporting documentation. Assist with month-end and year-end close activities, including AP reconciliations and accruals. Perform other Finance duties as assigned by the Director, Finance. Qualifications Required Qualifications Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered. Minimum 3 years of full-cycle accounts payable experience, preferably in a nonprofit, government-funded, or regulated environment. Minimum 2 years of voucher processing experience, including purchase order vouchering and two-way/three-way matching. Experience applying grant, project, and accounting codes within an ERP or accounting system. Understanding of the compliance implications of inaccurate coding on federally funded awards. Experience managing high-volume AP, including multiple weekly payment runs. Strong knowledge of payment controls, banking verification, duplicate-payment prevention, and payment authorization. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Preferred Qualifications Direct experience with Deltek Costpoint is highly preferred.  Knowledge of GAAP and GASB as applicable to nonprofit and government-funded organizations. Experience with federal grants, grantee reporting, or federal award financial management. Familiarity with 1099 vendor tracking and year-end filing processes. Experience supporting month-end/year-end close and audits. Experience with PeopleSoft or another ERP in addition to Costpoint. Experience in an international development, NGO, nonprofit, or U.S. government contractor environment. Core Competencies Compliance Ownership: Maintains high standards for documentation, coding, approvals, and internal controls; knows when to resolve and when to escalate. Accuracy and Investigation: Verifies information, identifies discrepancies and duplicates, and researches issues before posting. Ownership and Follow-Through: Tracks outstanding items and takes responsibility through resolution. Reliability Under Deadlines: Consistently meets weekly payment and financial reporting deadlines without compromising accuracy or controls. Initiative and Problem Solving: Identifies issues early and proposes practical solutions or appropriate escalation. Interpersonal Judgment: Communicates professionally and effectively with vendors and internal stakeholders and remains calm under pressure. Physical Requirements / Working Conditions This is a full-time, exempt position based in Washington, DC. This position is hybrid, with three days in-office and two days remote weekly. Work is sedentary, performed at a desk using standard office equipment,