Accounts Payable Specialist

About the Role:

Help keep Baird’s financial operations running accurately and efficiently as an Accounts Payable Specialist. In this role, you will support timely invoice, payment, vendor and expense-report processing while serving as a trusted resource for associates, vendors and Finance partners. You will manage assigned work queues, validate documentation and coding and resolve routine discrepancies in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

You will also have opportunities to strengthen processes, support finance system enhancements and contribute to the controls that protect the firm. Your attention to detail, client-service mindset and ability to recognize and escalate potential risks will help ensure reliable financial operations.

The Impact You’ll Make:

• Monitor assigned accounts payable work queues and process invoices, payment requests and expense reports accurately and within established service expectations
• Review transactions for completeness, appropriate documentation, account and cost center coding and required approvals in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Validate vendor, tax identification and banking information and prepare new-vendor setup documentation for review and approval
• Monitor outstanding approvals and aging invoices, prioritize time-sensitive business needs and follow up with appropriate internal partners
• Serve as the primary accounts payable contact for assigned business units, providing clear and timely responses to invoice, payment and expense inquiries
• Educate associates on invoice-submission requirements, account coding, documentation standards and expense-reporting processes in Concur
• Research and resolve routine invoice, payment, expense and vendor discrepancies by coordinating with associates, vendors and Finance partners
• Audit expense reports for compliance with corporate travel and expense policies and escalate exceptions, suspected errors or control concerns as appropriate
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support efficient payment processing, audit readiness, policy compliance and internal controls
• Partner with Finance Systems to troubleshoot processing issues and support testing, upgrades, enhancements and implementation of new functionality
• Identify recurring issues and recommend practical improvements to processes, controls, user guidance or system functionality
• Contribute to team, department and business initiatives that improve service, accuracy, efficiency and operational performance

What You’ll Bring to Baird:

• Minimum of 1 year of accounts payable or relevant transactional finance experience
• Working knowledge of accounts payable processes, invoice and expense documentation, vendor records, payment controls, account and cost center coding and corporate travel and expense requirements
• Familiarity with Concur and related finance systems
• Accurate transaction review and data-entry skills with strong attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with an emphasis on Excel
• Ability to research routine discrepancies, recognize exceptions or potential control concerns and escalate issues appropriately
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to provide clear, professional service to associates, vendors and Finance partners
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently within assigned responsibilities and collaborate effectively with internal and external partners
• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in accounting, finance, business or a related field or equivalent experience preferred

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation and bonus are commensurate with experience, performance and/or firm profitability
• You’ll have the opportunity to advance your career while enjoying our comprehensive benefits designed for your life, career and future.

Baird is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status.

Note to External Recruiters / Search Firms: Baird does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not compensate for any placement resulting from such submissions. Any unsolicited resumes received will not be treated as valid applications.

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Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.