Accounts Payable Specialist

The Cato Institute seeks qualified candidates for the Accounts Payable Specialist position. The Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for the full cycle accounts payable process at the Cato Institute. As the main point of contact for all payables and expense reporting, this position is highly visible and customer service-focused. The Accounts Payable Specialist processes a high volume of activity, the accuracy of which is essential to Cato's financial reporting.

This role requires a high level of integrity, strict confidentiality, and prudent judgment when managing financial data. In collaboration with the Finance team, the Accounts Payable Specialist plays a key role in safeguarding the Institute against fraud, managing risks, and ensuring the responsible stewardship of donor funds. This role interfaces across all departments and engages with all of Cato's activities, people, and products.

The Accounts Payable Specialist will report to the Accounting Manager.

This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC. headquarters.

The projected salary range for this role is $45,000 - $70,000 per year.
Compensation is based on the successful candidate's educational background, experience, and skills.

About Cato 

The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization—a think tank—dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.

Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato's Letters, a series of essays published in 18th-century England that presented a vision of a society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. And the simple, timeless principles of that revolution — individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace – animate Cato's research to this day.

The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Key Responsibilities

• Vendor management: establish new vendor records in the NetSuite accounting system
• Process vendor invoices, payment requests, and expense reports, reviewing for accuracy and proper authorization
• Collaborate with staff responsible for vendor relationships
• Support Cato employees using NetSuite to submit invoices for processing
• Process payments, including weekly ACH batch and check printing as needed
• Assist the Finance team in managing the corporate credit card program
• Monitor and record corporate purchasing card activity
• Support Cato employees using Emburse Professional to account for corporate credit cards and out-of-pocket expenses
• Prepare 1099 reporting using the Yearli filing program
• Support annual financial audits, providing supporting documentation as requested
• Assist the Finance team in internal reporting and budgeting processes
• Maintain confidentiality of financial information and help ensure compliance with internal controls, guarding the organization against fraud
• Support process improvements and increase automation

Requirements

Education/Experience

• 3+ years accounts payable experience; nonprofit experience preferred
• Associate degree or advanced coursework in accounting preferred
• Experience with accounting software, Microsoft Office, and proven proficiency in Microsoft Excel required

Skills

• Detail-oriented, adherence to deadlines, and effective communicator
• Customer service skills (in person, email, and other virtual communication methods)
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, able to manage time-sensitive responsibilities effectively
• Discretion, integrity, and confidentiality in handling financial and other PII data
• Collaborative team player with a proactive, adaptable approach
• Problem solver who looks to improve operational controls

Benefits

All Cato employees are provided with:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Generous vacation and sick days
• Paid parental leave
• Employer-provided life and disability insurance 
• 401(k) employer match
• Transit/ Parking benefits 
• Pet discount plan

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.