Accounts Payable Specialist at Meruelo Enterprises, Inc. in compton, California

Accounts Payable Specialist

At Meruelo Enterprises, we're building more than infrastructure, we're building communities, careers, and a better tomorrow. Founded in 1986 and proudly minority-owned, we've grown into one of California's leading construction and engineering firms, serving major utility, transportation, and telecom clients across the West Coast. With a talented team of over 2,500 professionals and a family of top-tier subsidiaries, we deliver innovative, high-impact solutions in gas, electric, water, and more. From the ground up, we're committed to safety, quality, and integrity. If you're looking to be part of a fast-growing, mission-driven company making a real difference, welcome to Meruelo Enterprises.

About the Role:

The Accounts Payable Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of vendor and subcontractor invoices while supporting daily financial operations within Spectrum. In this position, you will help maintain strong financial controls, resolve invoice discrepancies, and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures. Your work directly supports smooth project execution and fosters strong, reliable relationships with our vendors and subcontractors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform day-to-day financial transactions, including verifying, classifying, computing, posting and recording accounts payable data.
• Verifies validity and resolves issues of account discrepancies by obtaining and investigating information from Purchasing and other departments.
• Compares vendor/subcontractor invoices to purchase orders of contracts to verify quantities, prices, payment terms, freight charges, extensions, etc. Computes discounts, makes sales/tax determinations and places invoices in line for payment
• Performs data-entry of vendor/subcontractor invoices and expense reports
• Maintains records on equipment rental, assists with invoice preparation, invoice distribution etc.
• Follows all requirements of the company safety program. Takes personal responsibility for the safety of the working environment. Promotes safety to peers
• Performs additional assignments per supervisors direction
• Process daily AP transactions in Spectrum, including verifying, coding, posting, and recording vendor and subcontractor invoices.
• Match invoices to purchase orders, contracts, and receiving documents to confirm quantities, pricing, terms, and tax/discount accuracy.
• Enter approved invoices and expense reports with correct GL codes, cost codes, job allocations, and retainage.
• Research and resolve invoice discrepancies by working with Purchasing, Project Management, Field Operations, and other teams.
• Communicate with vendors and subcontractors to obtain missing documents and resolve billing issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate equipment rental records, including rental periods, rates, and job?cost allocation.
• Assist with preparing and distributing invoices, statements, and related documentation.
• Follow company safety policies and promote a safe working environment.
• Maintain organized digital and physical AP files in line with audit and retention requirements.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Requires high school diploma or GED equivalent
• 2+ years of Accounts Payable experience; construction industry experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams while providing friendly, courteous, and tactful customer service to both internal and external partners.
• Ability to learn and apply company policies, accounting procedures, cash-protection practices, and required regulatory reporting.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to clearly support vendors, subcontractors, and cross-functional teams.
• Preferred experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook), including strong skills in spreadsheet creation, data entry, and document formatting.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to perform tasks with accuracy and efficiency.
• Maintains a high level of mental alertness to ensure precise, thorough, and timely completion of all work responsibilities.
• Requires the ability to sit for extended periods and operate standard office equipment, including computers, calculators, copiers, fax machines, and related technology.

At Meruelo, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and better business outcomes. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We actively encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.