Specialist, Accounts Payable

Finance & Insurance
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, or Finance, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of four years of accounts payable experience in an automated environment.
  • Experience with purchase order processing.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
  • Experience with business process-driven ERP systems, especially Workday.
  • Familiarity with automation technologies like OCR is preferred.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Manage end-to-end invoice processing through ERP platforms, ensuring accurate coding and timely payments.
  • Prioritize high-volume transactions and ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Serve as the primary contact for accounts payable inquiries, providing timely responses.
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and vendor satisfaction.
  • Perform invoice reconciliation activities, including matching purchase orders and invoices.
  • Contribute to vendor data management and audit employee expense reports for compliance.
  • Maintain audit trails for all accounts payable transactions and assist in monthly and year-end close processes.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with company match and FINRA-funded retirement contributions.
  • Generous paid time-off program with 15 days PTO, 5 personal days, and 9 sick days.
  • Two volunteer service days annually to support community involvement.
  • Additional benefits include tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, and wellness programs.
Full Job Description
The Specialist, Accounts Payable in FINRA's Finance department is responsible for the accurate and timely processing, tracking, and management of supplier invoices, expense items and payment activities for FINRA. This position works closely and interacts frequently with internal stakeholders and external parties, taking primary responsibility for assigned invoice processing workflows, supplier relationships, and process improvement initiatives.

Essential Job Functions:

Invoice Processing & Reconciliation
  • Complete end-to-end invoice processing through automated systems and ERP platforms (Workday), ensuring accurate GL coding, streamlined approval routing, and timely payment.
  • Manage workflow queues and prioritize high-volume transactions based on payment terms, cash flow considerations, and early payment discount opportunities while ensuring compliance with organizational policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
  • Serves as a point of contact for accounts payable inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, delivering timely and professional responses.
  • Proactively identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce cycle times, strengthen controls, and improve vendor satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives, system upgrades, and automation projects.
  • Perform invoice reconciliation activities, including three-way matching of purchase orders, receipts, and invoices.
  • Identify and resolve discrepancies, payment blocks, and system exceptions by partnering with procurement, finance, and other stakeholders to prevent payment delays and ensure SLAs are consistently met or exceeded.


Vendor & Expense Management
  • Contribute to vendor master data management, including vendor setup, maintenance, updates, and tax compliance validation (W-9/W-8).
  • Audit and approve employee expense reports through designated expense management systems, ensuring policy compliance, appropriate documentation, and accuracy while providing guidance on policy interpretation and best practices.


Compliance, Audit Support & Financial Reporting
  • Maintain comprehensive audit trails and documentation for all accounts payable transactions, ensuring compliance with internal controls and retention policies.
  • Contribute to month-end and year-end close processes, including accrual preparation, account reconciliations, aging analysis, and variance reporting, supporting accurate financial statement reporting and audit requests.


Additional Responsibilities
  • Demonstration of FINRA's values.
  • Collaboration, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA's mission of investor protection and market integrity.


Education/Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, or Finance, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Minimum of four (4) years of accounts payable experience in an automated environment with exposure to various ERP financial systems.
  • Experience with purchase order processing.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
  • Experience with business process-driven ERP systems (Workday experience preferred).
  • Familiarity with automation technologies, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), or similar automated AP systems is highly desirable.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills with ability to respond professionally to inquiries.
  • Ability to multitask effectively and shift priorities based on business urgency.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned responsibilities.


Work Conditions
  • Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.
  • Fast-paced environment with high volume of invoice processing and supplier interactions.


For work that is performed in CO, FL, TX, IL, PA, MA, MD, VA, Washington, DC, NY and NJ, please refer to the chart below for the salary range for the corresponding location. FINRA complies with all state and local pay transparency laws and regulations requiring the disclosure of salary ranges for the position. In addition to location, actual compensation is based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate's skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations.

CO/FL/TX: Minimum Hourly Rate $30.22, Maximum Hourly Rate $53.57

IL/PA: Minimum Hourly Rate $33.42, Maximum Hourly Rate $58.90
MA/MD/VA/Washington, DC: Minimum Hourly Rate $34.75, Maximum Hourly Rate $61.50

NY/NJ: Minimum Hourly Rate $34.75, Maximum Hourly Rate $64.27

#LI-Hybrid

To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work of the position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.

Please note: If the "Apply Now" button on a job board posting does not take you directly to the FINRA Careers site, enter www.finra.org/careers into your browser to reach our site directly.

Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Non-exempt employees are also eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal, state, or local law. As part of its dedication to employee wellness, FINRA provides comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance. Additional insurance includes basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental life, spouse/domestic partner and dependent life, and spouse/domestic partner and dependent accidental death and dismemberment, short- and long-term disability, long-term care, business travel accident, disability and legal. FINRA offers immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match and eligibility for participation in an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, and other benefits that support employee wellness, such as adoption assistance, backup family care, surrogacy benefits, employee assistance, and wellness programs.

Time Off and Paid Leave*

FINRA encourages its employees to focus on their health and wellness in many ways, including through a generous time-off program of 15 days of paid time off, 5 personal days and 9 sick days, unless otherwise required by law (all pro-rated in the first year). Additionally, we are proud to support our communities by providing two volunteer service days (based on full-time schedule). Other paid leave includes military leave, jury duty leave, bereavement leave, voting and election official leave for federal, state or local primary and general elections, care of a family member leave (available after 90 days of employment); and childbirth and parental leave (available after 90 days of employment). Full-time employees receive nine paid holidays.

*Based on full-time schedule

About Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Careers

Joining the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) presents a unique opportunity to become part of a dedicated team of professionals committed to fostering fair and honest financial markets. As the largest independent regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States, FINRA is at the forefront of the financial industry, offering unparalleled job opportunities in a dynamic environment.

Work You’ll Do

At FINRA, professionals work to protect investors and ensure the market's integrity through effective and efficient regulation of broker-dealers. Team members are engaged in a wide range of critical functions from market regulation to enforcement, and from legal compliance to dispute resolution. This variety ensures that employment at FINRA is not just a job, but a pathway to meaningful professional growth and career advancement.

Join a Leading Team

FINRA’s team is composed of highly skilled professionals who lead through innovation and steadfast leadership in the financial sector. With a commitment to diversity and inclusive culture, FINRA fosters an environment where every team member’s contribution is valued. Joining this team means collaborating on projects that enhance the security and integrity of the financial marketplace.

Innovative Work and Career Development

Professionals at FINRA are encouraged to take initiative and innovate within their roles. The authority offers a robust career development program that supports professional growth through training, workshops, and continued learning opportunities. This focus on professional development ensures that every employee has the tools and knowledge to advance their career.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

For those starting their career, FINRA offers a range of internship and entry-level positions that provide a solid foundation in financial regulation. Interns and new employees work alongside industry experts and gain invaluable hands-on experience. These positions are crucial stepping stones for building a career filled with leadership opportunities and professional advancement.

Benefits and Culture

FINRA is committed to supporting its employees’ well-being both inside and outside of the workplace. The company offers a competitive package of benefits that promote a healthy work-life balance. Employees enjoy comprehensive health benefits, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. Moreover, FINRA’s culture of ethics and leadership is reflected in its daily operations, making it a prime environment for personal and professional growth.

Explore Job Opportunities

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is continuously seeking passionate, curious, and skilled individuals to join its team. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests in the financial regulatory field. FINRA is hiring individuals who are driven to excel and ready to contribute to a team that values integrity, competence, and dedication.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from FINRA by following the careers blog. Gain insights from insiders, and stay informed about new job opportunities, networking events, and industry news that can help shape your career path.

Apply Now

Ready to take the next step in your career? Review open positions, prepare your resume, and apply through the FINRA Careers portal. Tailor your application to highlight your unique skills and experiences that align with the position you are interested in. The interview process at FINRA is designed to identify and recruit the most talented professionals in the industry.

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