Contract Research Assistant Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Job Title:
Global Accounts Payable Analyst III
Location:
Charlotte, NC, Knoxville, TN
Job Summary and Description:
The Accounts Payable Analyst III is responsible for the accurate and timely processing, analysis, and reconciliation of vendor invoices, employee travel and expense transactions, and related accounts payable activities. This role serves as a subject matter expert in accounts payable operations, applying strong accounting knowledge to ensure compliance with internal controls, company policies, and accounting standards. The Analyst performs complex account reconciliations, supports month-end and year-end close activities, partners with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues, and leads initiatives to improve processes, system functionality, and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
• Analyze vendor invoices and supporting documentation, including contracts, purchase orders, and vendor terms, to ensure compliance with company policies and internal controls prior to payment.
• Process complex invoice transactions within the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, validating account coding, approvals, tax treatment, and accounting accuracy.
• Apply strong accounts payable and general accounting knowledge to ensure transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with accounting principles.
• Perform account reconciliations for accounts payable and related balance sheet accounts, researching and resolving outstanding items, discrepancies, and aged transactions.
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities through reconciliations, accrual analysis, journal entry support, and reporting.
• Prepare and review journal entries related to accounts payable activities and assist with general ledger reconciliation efforts.
• Review prepaid expense transactions and ensure appropriate accounting treatment for multi-period agreements.
• Maintain vendor master records, including banking and tax identification information, ensuring compliance with IRS reporting requirements and payment security standards.
• Research and resolve vendor inquiries regarding invoice status, payment issues, statement reconciliations, rejected payments, and other complex discrepancies while maintaining positive vendor relationships.
• Partner with Procurement, Legal, Accounting, and business units to resolve contract, purchase order, and payment issues efficiently.
• Monitor aging reports, invoice exceptions, goods receipts, parked invoices, and workflow queues to identify and resolve processing issues proactively.
• Perform weekly payment processing for vendors and employees, including reconciliation of payment files and confirmation of successful bank transmissions.
• Prepare weekly cash reporting and support cash forecasting activities as requested.
• Review and clear accounts payable general ledger accounts to ensure balance sheet accuracy and timely resolution of outstanding items.
• Participate in ERP enhancements by testing, validating, and supporting system changes and process improvements.
• Recommend and lead continuous improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, strengthen internal controls, improve reporting capabilities, and leverage automation where appropriate.
• Independently manage complex assignments and projects while collaborating effectively across departments.
Travel & Expense
• Serve as a secondary administrator for the corporate travel and expense program, ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable accounting requirements.
• Serve as the secondary resource for employee questions regarding travel, expense reporting, purchasing cards, and reimbursement policies.
• Deliver one-on-one support for employees using corporate credit cards and expense management systems.
Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or a related field is preferred, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of five years of progressive accounts payable and accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, accounts payable processes, account reconciliations, accruals, prepaid accounting, and general ledger activities is required.
• Experience preparing reconciliations, supporting financial close processes, and researching accounting variances is required.
• Experience working with ERP systems required; SAP experience is preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Outlook is required.
• Experience with online Travel and Expense Management systems is preferred.
Skills & Competencies
• Strong understanding of accounts payable accounting and subledger-to-general ledger reconciliation processes.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate and resolve complex accounting issues.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with a strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across Accounting, Procurement, Human Resources, and other business teams.
• Ability to identify opportunities for process improvements, automation, and enhanced internal controls.
• High degree of integrity, sound judgment, and confidentiality.
The salary range for this position is $65,000 USD to $75,000 USD annually.
This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including without limitation applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.
This role is eligible to participate in EPRI's annual incentive program. The amount of incentive varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.
This role is eligible to participate in EPRI's standard employee benefit programs, which currently include the following: medical, dental, vision, 401k, STD/LTD and paid family leave, life and accident insurance, paid time off (flexible vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay).
EPRI participates in E-Verify, an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). EPRI uses the system to check the work status of new hires by comparing information from the employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases.
EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/Disabled
Together . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.
www.epri.com