Accounts Payable Technician

Information about the organization

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a federally chartered, nonpartisan institution that was created by the US Congress to serve as America’s national memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and an educational institution dedicated to the history and lessons of the Holocaust. The Museum seeks to educate Americans from all 50 states and all walks of life as well as international audiences. The Museum has three areas of expertise: Holocaust remembrance, Holocaust scholarship and education, and genocide prevention.

In carrying out its important memorial and educational mission, the Museum is guided by its institutional values for our workplace: Honor the memory of the victims; carry out our work with dignity, humility, integrity and respect for others; and strive for excellence through teamwork, rigor, and a culture of continuous learning. Consistent respect for others is the foundation for trust, collegiality and inclusion.

Information about the role

This position is located in the Accounting Operations unit of the Office of Finance at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The Finance Office is responsible for management and control of the Museum's financial resources, and includes budget, accounting, payroll, travel, procurement, investments, financial reporting and management reporting for both federal (appropriated) and donated/private (non-appropriated) funds.

Accounting Operations unit has responsibility for transaction processing, reporting, policies and procedures and internal controls associated with federal and non-appropriated payroll, accounts payable, petty cash, credit card programs and travel.

The primary purpose of this position is to perform accounts payable functions working closely with accounting management and staff, vendors, contractors and Museum departments. The position reports directly to the Accounting Operations Manager.

This is a full-time donated position (non-Federal) paid with the Museum’s private funds. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Duties, and Responsibilities for the role

The Accounts Payable Technician performs accounts payable functions for both federal (appropriated) and donated/private (non-appropriated) funds, processes requests for payment in accordance with the Museum’s policies and procedures, and troubleshoots issues as they arise.

• Payment processing: Processes requests for payment.
• Analyzes, investigates and reconciles invoices and statements to documents and receiving reports.
• Prepares approval vouchers and obtains appropriate approval signature.
• Enters invoice data into databases and general ledger(s) and ensures accuracy and efficiency in transactions.
• Forwards documents to the disbursing agent for payment.
• Assures the legality and control of bills against appropriated and non-appropriated funds for accounts payable expenditures.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of payment policies and procedures. Notes payment terms and expedites processing to take advantage of discounts.
• Researches and follows up on past due balances.
• Monthly close: Prepares and reconciles monthly accounts payable accruals. Assists with monthly reconciliations of accounts payable and other general ledger accounts as required. Responsible for identifying errors and proposing correcting journal entries.
• Reporting: Prepares reports of accounts payable activity, including aging reports, and distributes them as requested. Prepares other financial reports, statements and analyses as directed. Assists with 1099 preparation and research at calendar year end.
• Point of contact: Serves as a point of contact and source of information to vendors and contractors, the accounting systems managers and Museum offices. Responds to inquiries and correspondence regarding status of vendor accounts. Troubleshoots and resolves differences and problems.
• Administration: Makes copies, scans documents and maintains records.
• Other: Participates in special projects and performs additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications for the role

• College degree desirable, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum two years of experience processing financial or accounting transactions in an automated accounting system, or other equivalent transaction processing experience.
• Demonstrated ability to:
• Basic knowledge of accounting and accounts payable procedures.
• Automated accounting systems experience (PeopleSoft is preferred).
• Microsoft Office programs, email, Internet and database management software to efficiently and securely accomplish work.
• Demonstrated ability to:
• Plan and handle high volume with close attention to detail, outstanding numerical accuracy and meticulous follow-through, with commitment to continuous process improvement.
• Conduct research, analyze data and solve problems.
• Work effectively – both independently and as a team member – with multiple projects, shifting priorities and deadline pressures.
• Work with a wide range of clients (effective interpersonal skills).
• Speak and write clearly, and communicate technical information to non-technical staff.
• Self-manage (excellent time management and organizational skills).
• Use sound business judgment and the ability to handle confidential information with complete discretion

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)