Job Type:
Finance/Accounting
Employment Category:
Full Time (40 hours/week)
Location:
HHMI Headquarters
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Job Number:
005422-004
Posted On:
04/15/2013
Reports To:
Manager, Accounts Payable
Job Summary:
At the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), creativity and excellence are fundamental to our success. As one of the world's largest philanthropies, HHMI is a major force in advancing biomedical research and science education in the U.S. and beyond. We have an opportunity for an Accounts Payable Lead to join our Accounts Payable department at our Headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD.
The Accounts Payable Lead is a key member of the Accounts Payable team and is primarily responsible for timely payment of properly approved and accurate invoices. We are looking for an Accounts Payable Lead to assess, recommend and implement system improvements; test in multiple environments including Ariba and PeopleSoft; document processes and perform special projects that require in-depth analysis. The Accounts Payable Lead is a subject matter expert and insures the accuracy and efficiency of all AP processes by reviewing procedures and trends, analyzing problems, recommending solutions and assisting in the implementation of new processes.
The position requires high-level analytical and computer skills to achieve the overall development of the department as well as innovation and creativity for unique one-time projects. This position may often support multiple ongoing initiatives simultaneously in addition to routine duties.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Perform special projects, system improvements and in-depth analysis to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Accounts payable departmental operations. Provide input to IT and Procurement on projects to assist in developing specifications and functionalities for multiple systems, including PeopleSoft financials, Ariba, and Cognos.
- Ensure accuracy and efficiency of the AP processes by reviewing procedures, analyzing problems and trends, recommending solutions to problems and documenting accounts payable operations and procedures. Document process flows for PO, AN, and Non-PO invoices as well as exception handling.
- Maintain and utilize various databases and spreadsheets, provide innovative advice on how to best utilize data for various department analysis needs, advise AP Manager on significant changes or trends, prepare monthly analysis and ad hoc reports, and periodically audit computer outputs to ensure data accuracy.
- Create and maintain reports to assist the Accounts Payable Manager in effectively monitoring key performance levels (e.g., average time from receipt through payment, total discounts taken, late fees paid, average terms on payment, etc.) including dash boards and accounts payable reports for the HHMI community and senior management. Reports may come from various sources, including PeopleSoft, Ariba, and Cognos. Support the refinement of analytical tools and methodologies for accounts payable data, with full understanding of end-to-end cycle of procure to pay. Work with IT, Procurement, and AP staff to develop report specifications for AP metrics and dashboard requirements.
- Serve as departmental liaison to Procurement and IT to resolve systems and application requirements and issues. Accountable for managing assignments to deliver on time, accurate work.
- Represent Accounts Payable on the Ariba user task team to ensure that AP maximizes the functionality available to it from the system.
- Create and maintain procedural user and systems manuals. Provide user/staff training on Ariba and PeopleSoft systems. Serve as backup to other positions within AP and perform duties as required and necessary.
- Develop strong, dynamic relationships with internal and external customers and provide a high level of customer service.
- Investigate, interpret and resolve complex matters in a timely and efficient manner.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
- Minimum eight or more years of hands-on AP experience in high-volume, automated environment.
- IOFM Accounts Payable certification preferred; PMP certification preferred.
- Experience with e-invoicing or other electronic processes preferred.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of PeopleSoft and Ariba and related operational systems preferred. Experience running Cognos reports and experience with various other analytical tools desirable.
- Proficient with MS office. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required. Experience with Visio preferred.
- Excellent organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet and anticipate frequent deadlines in a timely manner and manage situations from start to finish.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively express ideas and use careful listening skills; ability to build relationships and effectively interact with all levels of HHMI management and staff as well as vendors.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to help identify critical issues with ease and deliver knowledge and information in an intuitive, informative, and well-organized manner to HHMI management and internal and external customers.
- Highly attentive to details.
- Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and manage tight deadlines and schedules. Must be self directed and demonstrate initiative.
Additional Information:
HHMI is an intellectually exciting organization with excellent salaries and benefits. Interested candidates should email a resume, salary requirements and a brief (one page limit) cover letter highlighting elements of your experience, skills, or personality that make you a good fit for the position to jobs@hhmi.org.
Interested internal candidates must apply by COB, Monday, April 22, 2013
Please include the job title in the subject line.
Principals Only
Application Deadline:
Open Until Filled
