Accounts Payable Specialist

About JumpStart Inc. JumpStart is a nonprofit venture development organization dedicated to unlocking the full potential of entrepreneurship to transform communities. We work to create inclusive economic outcomes by supporting diverse entrepreneurs, strengthening ecosystems, and accelerating innovation. Our team is collaborative, mission-driven, and focused on delivering measurable impact. Position Summary The Accounts Payable Specialist supports core accounting operations with an emphasis on accounts payable, grant accounting, and general ledger accuracy. This role goes beyond transaction processing to include financial review, analytical problem-solving, audit-ready documentation, and the use of technology and AI tools to improve accuracy and efficiency. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in accounting principles, a proactive mindset, and the ability to analyze financial activity, identify issues, and contribute to continuous process improvement. Essential Job Functions Grant Accounting & Compliance · Review and validate expenses for allowability under State and Federal grant guidelines · Assist in the preparation of reimbursement requests with complete and accurate supporting documentation · Maintain audit-ready records and support grant audits and reporting · Ensure proper classification of expenses across funding sources and restrictions · Partner with program teams to improve financial accuracy, documentation quality, and compliance · Identify inconsistencies or risks in grant-related activity and escalate as appropriate Accounts Payable & Expense Accounting · Own the full accounts payable cycle including vendor onboarding, invoice review, coding, and · payment processing · Ensure accurate GL coding across multiple account segments (fund, department, location) · Review transactions for accuracy, completeness, and policy compliance · Identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies, coding issues, and variances · Prepare and review AP aging; proactively identify and escalate risks or unusual balances · Reconcile vendor accounts and support accruals where applicable · Support 1099 preparation and year-end reporting Vendor Analytics & Management · Analyze vendor activity and payment trends to identify discrepancies, inefficiencies, or cost-saving opportunities · Monitor vendor performance, including timeliness, accuracy, and adherence to contractual terms · Investigate and resolve complex vendor issues using data analysis and cross-functional collaboration · Support vendor onboarding and due diligence with a focus on risk mitigation and documentation integrity Technology & AI Utilization · Leverage AI-enabled tools to enhance efficiency in invoice processing, data validation, and financial research · Utilize technology to analyze datasets, identify anomalies, and improve accuracy in coding and reconciliations · Apply automation and AI solutions to streamline workflows and reduce manual effort · Stay current on emerging tools and recommend practical applications to improve Finance operations General Accounting & Close Support · Prepare and support monthly account reconciliations (AP, prepaid expenses, accruals, etc.) · Assist with month-end and year-end close processes · Post or support preparation of journal entries (accruals, reclasses, corrections) · Perform variance analysis and investigate unexpected fluctuations in account activity · Identify patterns, trends, and anomalies in financial data and recommend corrective actions · Support financial reporting and internal schedule preparation · Collaborate with Finance and Operations to improve processes and strengthen internal controls · Assist with ad hoc analysis, reporting, and special projects · Identify process improvement opportunities and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives JumpStart's Core Values and Key Cultural Behaviors · Accountability: Act to deliver on commitments and generate results, and if expectations aren't clear, ask · Entrepreneurial: Embrace opportunity, continuous improvement, and change, and contribute to the solution as we evolve · Equity: Committed to corrective action regarding historically underserved and underrepresented populations through entrepreneurship and innovation · Energy: Address our work with focus, grit, and enthusiasm · Collaboration: Collaborate with others to play our most helpful role(s) and to increase effectiveness · Humility: Balance self-assurance with listening to understand, having an open mind, and demonstrating patience