Accounting Specialist – Accounts Payable

Department: Administration / Accounting
Reports To: Controller
Location: Remote, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, or Costa Rica
Employment: Full-Time
Schedule: Must be able to work substantially aligned with U.S. Eastern Time business hours

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Accounting Specialist – Accounts Payable to support our U.S.-based accounting operations from Latin America.

This position is responsible for accounts payable processing, vendor management, reconciliations, expense report review, journal entries, month-end support, and maintaining accurate financial records in accordance with company policies and U.S. GAAP.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently in a remote environment, analyzing financial data, identifying discrepancies and trends, and communicating regularly in English with employees, vendors, and U.S.-based colleagues.

Experience with a Big 4 or other public accounting firm, advanced English proficiency, NetSuite ERP, data analysis, and AI-enabled business tools is preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Process vendor invoices accurately and on time, including reviewing supporting documentation, coding, approvals, and payment requirements.
• Verify invoice details and resolve discrepancies with vendors and internal departments.
• Maintain accurate accounts payable records and vendor information.
• Monitor the Accounts Payable shared mailbox and respond to vendor and internal inquiries.
• Reconcile vendor statements and investigate outstanding or unmatched transactions.
• Review AP aging and resolve items requiring correction or follow-up.
• Prepare and process vendor payments according to established schedules, controls, and authorization requirements.
• Review employee expense reports for accuracy, documentation, approvals, and compliance with company policy.
• Assist with general ledger reconciliations and account analysis.
• Prepare recurring and manual journal entries as assigned.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing activities.
• Maintain supporting documentation for accounting transactions and audit requirements.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests.
• Analyze accounting data to identify discrepancies, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Use Excel and other available tools to organize, analyze, and communicate financial information.
• Identify opportunities to improve AP processes, controls, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Maintain appropriate internal controls and follow established accounting policies and procedures.
• Protect confidential financial, employee, vendor, and company information.
• Provide additional accounting support as business needs require.

Required Qualifications

• Professional experience in Accounts Payable or a closely related accounting role.
• Working knowledge and practical experience with U.S. GAAP.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger transactions.
• Ability to investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies independently.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience using accounting or ERP systems.
• English proficiency of B2 or higher on the CEFR scale, including the ability to participate effectively in business meetings and communicate through email and written documentation.
• Ability to work effectively and independently in a remote environment with a U.S.-based team.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, prioritization, and follow-through.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Experience working for a Big 4 accounting firm or other public accounting firm.
• C1 or higher English proficiency.
• Experience using NetSuite ERP.
• Previous experience supporting a U.S.-based organization.
• Experience with month-end close and financial statement support.
• Experience working in manufacturing, distribution, technology, or a related business environment.
• Data analysis skills, including the ability to interpret financial information, identify trends and exceptions, and clearly communicate findings.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled business tools and an interest in using AI appropriately to improve productivity, research, analysis, and routine accounting workflows.
• Experience identifying or implementing accounting or AP process improvements.

Core Competencies

Accuracy and Attention to Detail
Produces accurate work and identifies discrepancies before they become larger issues.

Analytical Thinking
Uses financial and operational data to investigate problems and identify meaningful trends or exceptions.

Problem Solving
Researches discrepancies, determines root causes, and develops practical solutions.

Communication
Communicates clearly and professionally with employees, vendors, and colleagues across a remote, cross-cultural organization.

Organization
Manages competing priorities and deadlines while maintaining accurate records and documentation.

Technology Adaptability
Learns new systems and tools and identifies practical ways technology can improve work.

Judgment and Confidentiality
Handles sensitive financial and business information appropriately and exercises sound judgment.

Continuous Improvement
Looks for opportunities to simplify processes, strengthen controls, reduce manual work, and improve accuracy.

Teamwork
Collaborates effectively with accounting and operational teams across locations.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred.

Equivalent relevant accounting experience may be considered in place of a degree.

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position varies based on the employee's country of employment:

• Colombia: COP $72,000,000–$80,000,000 annually
• Mexico: MXN $440,000–$540,000 annually
• Panama: USD $24,000–$29,000 annually
• Costa Rica: CRC ₡11,400,000–₡13,800,000 annually

Final compensation within the applicable range will be based on relevant experience and job-related qualifications, including accounting experience, U.S. GAAP knowledge, English proficiency, systems experience, and other relevant skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.