Accounts Payable Specialist

Accounts Payable Specialist

Protora is formerly C Speed. We build radar and surveillance systems that give military and government customers eyes on their airspace, borders, and critical sites. Our name draws from the Praetorian Guard, elite soldiers whose job was to watch and protect. That history shapes our mission today: we take first watch, so the people we protect don't have to. We are a growing company with a new brand and a clear direction.

Protora is hiring an Accounts Payable Specialist. Reporting to the Controller, this is a hands-on individual contributor role responsible for managing the full accounts payable cycle, resolving discrepancies, maintaining vendor records, supporting month-end close, and serving as the primary point of contact for AP matters across the organization.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable independently managing AP priorities while partnering with Finance, Purchasing, Operations, and other internal teams.

What You'll Do

• Manage the end-to-end accounts payable process, from invoice receipt through approval and payment, including three-way matching of invoices against purchase orders and receiving documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance prior to payment.
• Review invoices and supporting documentation for accuracy, authorization, coding, and compliance with company policies.
• Coordinate and process scheduled payment runs, including ACH, checks, wires, and other payment methods.
• Monitor AP workflow and aging to ensure accurate and timely processing.
• Research and resolve invoice discrepancies, payment issues, and vendor inquiries.
• Set up and maintain accurate vendor records and support vendor onboarding and changes in accordance with established controls.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve outstanding balances and discrepancies.
• Review employee expense reports to verify proper receipt documentation and ensure all charges are accurately coded in accordance with company policy and applicable accounting standards.
• Manage corporate credit card reconciliations and ensure charges are properly coded and supported.
• Partner with Purchasing, Operations, Finance, and other teams to resolve purchase order, receiving, invoice, and payment issues.
• Support month-end and year-end close, including AP reconciliations, accruals, reporting, and annual 1099 processing.
• Maintain accurate AP documentation and support internal and external audit requests.
• Maintain established internal controls and identify opportunities to improve AP processes, workflows, and system utilization.
• Prepare AP reports and other financial information as requested by the Controller.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

What You Bring

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience considered.
• 4+ years of progressive accounts payable or related accounting experience.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing the full accounts payable cycle.
• Strong knowledge of AP practices, general accounting principles, and internal controls.
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems, electronic payments, and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience applying accrual accounting concepts to accounts payable processes.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently manage competing priorities and deadlines in a high-volume environment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with vendors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, engineering, government contracting, or a similarly complex environment.
• Experience with purchase orders, three-way matching, month-end close, and financial audits.
• Experience improving or documenting accounts payable processes and controls.
• Familiarity with NACHA file processing for batch ACH payments.
• Familiarity with government contracting charge codes and compliance coding requirements (OH, G&A, direct).
• Experience with Unanet GovCon.

Compensation | Benefits | Location

• Hourly Rate: $22.60 - $25.48 per hour (commensurate with experience).
• Benefits: Health, Dental & Vision Insurance | Paid Time Off (PTO) | Retirement Plan Package.
• Location: Norfolk, VA (On-site) | This is an on-site position based in Norfolk, VA. Temporary remote work may be permitted until the new facility is operational, depending on the hiring timeline and facility readiness.

Why Join Protora

• Be part of the mission. Your work helps keep the financial operations behind Protora's critical systems and programs running effectively.
• Own your function. This hands-on role provides direct responsibility for the accounts payable process and opportunities to improve how the work gets done.
• Work across the business. Partner with Finance, Purchasing, Operations, and other teams in a growing organization.

Ready To Join the Mission?

Protora is always looking for talented professionals who want to do meaningful work with a team that treats every challenge like a mission.