Accounts Payable Specialist

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for an AP Specialist at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement, based in our Evanston, Illinois, office.

This is a hybrid position onsite (Tuesday & Thursday) at our Evanston, IL office.

The Accounts Payable (AP) Specialist manages and processes vendor invoices, employee expense reports, and other payable transactions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) policies and relevant regulations. The AP Specialist works with vendors, employees, and internal departments to support efficient payment processes, resolve discrepancies and payment-related inquiries, maintain accurate financial records, and drive continuous improvement in accounts payable operations.

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

At UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk, created new safety standards and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge.

What you’ll learn and achieve:

As the AP Specialist, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Review, audit, and process vendor invoices and employee expense reports for accuracy, completeness, required approvals, and compliance with company policies and procedures.

• Verify invoice and expense report details, including coding to the appropriate general ledger accounts and cost centers, receipts, business purpose, payment terms, and supporting documentation.

• Process vendor payments and employee reimbursements accurately and within established service level expectations.

• Reconcile vendor statements, payment transactions, and corporate credit card activity; investigate and resolve discrepancies, outstanding items, and unmatched transactions.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor and employee inquiries related to invoices, expense reports, reimbursement status, payment details, and expense system functionality, resolving issues in a timely and professional manner.

• Maintain accurate financial records and electronic documentation for accounts payable and expense transactions, including employee profiles, approval workflows, and records retention in accordance with company policies.

• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities by preparing accruals, account reconciliations, financial reporting, and expense analysis.

• Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation, explanations, reports, and analysis while ensuring compliance with accounting principles, regulatory requirements, and company policies.

• Collaborate with Finance, Payroll, Procurement, Human Resources, managers, and other departments to resolve accounts payable and expense-related issues and improve cross-functional processes.

• Identify opportunities to improve accounts payable and expense management processes, strengthen internal controls, and enhance operational efficiency and the employee experience.

• Performs other duties as directed.

What you’ll experience working at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement:

For the organizations across the UL enterprise, corporate and social responsibility isn’t new. We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.

• People: Our people make us special. You’ll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today’s global challenges require.

• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what’s on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You’ll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.

• Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.

• Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.

• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.

What makes you a great fit:

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

• Strong knowledge of accounts payable processes, expense management, accounting principles, and industry best practices.

• Proficiency with ERP systems and financial software; experience with Workday or similar systems preferred.

• Experience with expense management platforms such as Concur or similar applications preferred.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to use spreadsheets and other business applications effectively.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships and provide responsive customer service to internal and external stakeholders.

• Knowledge of applicable accounting standards, internal controls, regulatory requirements, and company policies.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• High school diploma or equivalent. Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting or finance preferred.

• Minimum of 4 years of experience as an Accounts Payable Specialist or similar role.

• Workday experience preferred.

About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.

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