Staff Accountant - Accounts Payable

Column Technical Services is seeking a skilled Staff Accountant - Accounts Payable to join a reputable organization in Chicago. This is an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional who enjoys ownership, collaboration, and continuous learning. In this role, you will contribute to key accounting functions, support financial reporting and compliance efforts, and partner with stakeholders across the organization. If you're looking to expand your expertise and advance your career with dynamic and mission-driven team, we encourage you to apply and start a conversation.


This is a hybrid position requiring candidates to reside in the Chicago/Chicagoland area and work from the office three days per week.

In this role you will be responsible for a broad range of accounting functions, including accounts payable processing and reporting, Purchasing Card (P-Card) administration, annual Form 1099 reporting, vendor maintenance, fixed asset accounting, balance sheet reconciliations, accounts receivable billing, and general ledger activities. This position supports timely month-end and year-end close processes, maintains key accounting schedules, and collaborates with internal departments and external stakeholders to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Accounts Payable & Vendor Management

• Manage the organization's Accounts Payable function, ensuring invoices are properly reviewed, coded, approved, and processed accurately and in a timely manner in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Coordinate weekly payment processing, including checks, ACH transactions, and wire transfers, verifying accuracy, completeness, appropriate approvals, and compliance with vendor payment requirements and cash management guidelines.
• Research and resolve vendor inquiries, payment discrepancies, open items, credit balances, outstanding checks, and invoice-related disputes.
• Monitor AP workflows and address processing exceptions to ensure efficient and accurate transaction completion.
• Ensure adherence to organizational purchasing, travel, expense reimbursement, and Purchasing Card (P-Card) policies.
• Lead the annual Form 1099 reporting process through Yearli, including vendor record reviews, W-9 collection and maintenance, IRS TIN Match verification, issue resolution, and timely filing in accordance with IRS regulations.

2. Accounts Receivable & Billing

• Prepare affiliate membership fee billings and other recurring or periodic accounts receivable invoices.
• Generate customer and affiliate account statements and follow up on outstanding balances as appropriate.
• Assist with cash application research, receivable analysis, and account reconciliation activities.

3. Mail Processing

• Serve as the primary administrator for weekly processing of incoming mail containing checks and cash receipts, including opening mail and logging receipts alongside another employee in compliance with established internal control procedures.

4. General Ledger & Month-End Close

• Prepare and post monthly journal entries, including Purchasing Card activity, prepaid expense amortization, direct mail expenses, direct mail and online revenue, and other recurring or periodic accounting transactions.
• Perform monthly balance sheet account reconciliations, researching, resolving, and documenting reconciling items in a timely manner.
• Support month-end and year-end close activities through the preparation of account analyses, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Review financial transactions and identify unusual variances, trends, or accounting issues requiring further investigation.

5. Fixed Assets & Asset Management

• Maintain fixed asset records and supporting schedules, including asset additions, disposals, depreciation, and annual physical inventory verification.
• Ensure fixed asset activity is accurately recorded and reconciled to the general ledger.

6. Compliance, Audit & Financial Reporting

• Support external audits and compliance reviews by preparing requested schedules, analyses, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with the preparation of audit workpapers, year-end schedules, and documentation required for financial statement audits and Single Audits.
• Maintain documentation that supports internal controls, compliance requirements, and organizational policies.

7. Process Improvement & Systems Support

• Identify opportunities to enhance accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and improve operational efficiency and accuracy within assigned areas.
• Assist in the development, documentation, and maintenance of accounting policies, procedures, workflows, and training materials.
• Participate in system implementations, upgrades, testing, and process improvement initiatives supporting AP, AR, Fixed Assets, P-Card, and other accounting functions.

8. Collaboration, Training & Customer Service

• Provide guidance and training to employees regarding accounting processes, financial systems, policies, and procedures within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Serve as a financial resource for employees, affiliates, vendors, and other stakeholders by responding to inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Collaborate with Finance and cross-functional departments to support accurate financial reporting and efficient business operations.
• Assist the Controller and Finance team with special projects, financial analyses, and additional accounting responsibilities as assigned.
• Demonstrate commitment to customer's mission, values, and ethical business

Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty effectively. The qualifications listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Minimum of five years of progressive general accounting experience, including knowledge of general ledger functions, account analysis and reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and fixed assets.
• Bachelor's degree with a concentration in Accounting or Finance, or equivalent work experience.

• Experience with NetSuite ERP or similar ERP systems is strongly preferred.
• Ability to take direction, respond to inquiries clearly and professionally, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong ability to complete work accurately, efficiently, and within established deadlines.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make informed decisions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements and document procedures effectively.
• Advanced computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Internet applications).