Accounting & Accounts Payable Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Column Technical Services is seeking an experienced Accounting & Accounts Payable Specialist (Part-Time) to join a respected nonprofit organization in Chicago, IL. This is an excellent remote opportunity for an accounting professional seeking a flexible, part-time role with meaningful responsibilities. In this position, you'll contribute to essential financial operations while working with a collaborative and mission-driven team. If this sounds like the right fit for you, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today!

Part-Time Accounting & Accounts Payable Specialist | MUST live in Chicago or near the Chicagoland Area

Schedule: Part-time, approximately 20 hours per week, with required onsite presence on Thursdays . Training will be provided through a combination of remote and in-person instruction.

Position Summary

The Accounting Specialist supports key accounting and financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable invoicing, mail processing, Purchasing Card (P-Card) administration, and monthly journal entries. This role plays an important part in ensuring accurate financial records, timely processing of transactions, and compliance with established accounting procedures and internal controls.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Accounts Payable

• Process and route accounts payable invoices through DocuPeak for approval, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and timely follow-up on outstanding approvals. Approximately 15-30 invoices per week.
• Coordinate and execute the weekly accounts payable payment cycle, including ACH and check payments. Onsite attendance required on Thursdays.
• Respond promptly and professionally to accounts payable inquiries from staff and vendors.

Mail Processing

• Process weekly incoming mail containing checks and cash receipts, including opening mail and logging receipts alongside another employee in accordance with established internal control procedures. Onsite attendance required on Thursdays.

Accounts Receivable & Invoicing

• Prepare recurring monthly and ad hoc accounts receivable invoices. Approximately 5-10 invoices per month.

Purchasing Card (P-Card) Administration

• Review and approve monthly Purchasing Card (P-Card) expense reports within Emburse, ensuring timely submission and compliance with organizational Travel, Meals & Entertainment and P-Card policies.
• Support approximately 28 cardholders.

General Ledger & Month-End Close

Prepare and record monthly journal entries in NetSuite, including:

• Purchasing Card (P-Card) activity (CSV uploads)
• Prepaid expense amortization (automated journal entry generation)
• Direct Mail expenses (two journal entries monthly)
• Direct Mail revenue
• Online revenue (CSV uploads)

Qualifications

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to carry out the essential responsibilities effectively. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimum of three (3) years of accounting experience, including hands-on responsibility for accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger functions.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Ability to follow direction , seek clarification when needed, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment.
• Commitment to maintain confidentiality and handling sensitive information responsibly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including intermediate-level Excel skills, NetSuite, and general internet-based systems.

We prioritize a culture of transparency and trust—where open communication is valued and every employee feels supported, heard, and empowered to grow.

Company Description

We prioritize a culture of transparency and trust—where open communication is valued and every employee feels supported, heard, and empowered to grow.