Come join and be part of our accounting team at AURA’s Central Administrative Services group that supports the day-to-day operations for a $170 million division. AURA’s Centers enable the next decade of astronomical discoveries through world-class facilities and science.

The Accounts Payable Supervisor is an essential position within the CAS team responsible for supervising the day-to-day processing, compliance and problem solving of various types of procure to pay transactions including requisitions, purchase orders, invoices, credits, payment/check requests, and financial encumbrances. Prepares accounts payable for cash disbursements, cash management, and credit card processing. This position manages the timely and accurate month-end close process to ensure all transactions are recorded properly. Additionally, this role prepares and maintains the Accounts Payable desktop procedures to ensure adequate documentation and staff training. This position will also be assisting the Assistant Controller and/or Divisional Controller with accounting initiatives and special projects.

Essential functions:

• Supervise accounts payable staff and monitor workload to ensure invoices are processed timely and redistribute work if necessary
• Review accounts payable activity to ensure timely entry of supplier invoices, goods received not invoiced, management approval of purchase orders and non-PO supplier invoices before cash disbursement
• Approve weekly cash disbursements by verifying check amounts against invoices, authorizing checks, EFT payments, and wire transfers
• Manages all monthly credit card reconciliations
• Manages all travel expenses with regards to reimbursements and cost allowability
• Review accounting records on a regular basis to detect errors and/or internal control concerns. Recommend changes as appropriate to mitigate risk
• Provide resolution to inquiries and payment disputes with vendor contacts and effectively handle issues staff are unable to resolve
• Support the monthly close process and ensure transactions are coded to the correct month
• Support the cash forecasting process by preparing reports on disbursements and anticipated cash needs
• Perform year end reconciliation and prepare Form 1099’s in accordance with current IRS regulations
• Ensure proper record keeping to comply with audit request, tax reporting, corporate policies and procedures and federal regulations
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of processes and procedures; ensure adequate desktop procedures and staff training
• Ensure proper maintainence, filing, and storage of records in case of audits
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Mimimum 5+ years of experience in a high-volume accounts payable department
• Minimum 3+ years supervisory experience
• Knowledge of AP procedures in a construction or technology
• Knowledge of Government Travel accounting (Concur or similar)
• Strong knowledge of excel
• Knowledge of federal contracts and GAAP, and working knowledge of FAR, CAS, and DCAA requirements
• Demonstrated experience ensuring a strong internal control environment
• Experience using Deltek Costpoint specifically, and ensuring system controls are enforced
• Strong analytical, organizational, written, reporting, and presentation skills required. Ability to communicate with tact and discretion and prioritize matters of importance.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and ability to identify and resolve problems within tight timeframes
• Must be able to adjust to changing priorities

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Knowledge of accounting system multicurrency and intercompany functionality

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This work is mostly carried out in an office environment. Long periods of sitting may be required.

AURA offers a mix-model workspace (office & virtual) and stimulating environments for all.

We also offer an excellent benefits package and competitive salary. Highlights:

• Health Benefits – Start first on the month following hire
• Retirement Options:
• 401(a) Money Purchase Pension Plan / 10% Employer Contribution
• 403(b) / Your own retirement contribution
• Paid Time Off:
• Vacation / Accrual of up to 24 days per/yr.
• Paid Sick Leave / 8 hour per/mo.
• Holiday Time / 10 days per/yr.

And much more so please explore:

• Our benefits at: https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/
• All career opportunities through our website at: https://www.aura-astronomy.org/careers/

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity

TO APPLY: Share your experience by uploading a resume and completing an online application. Please list 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process) and attach a cover letter and CV or resume (PDF files preferred) to your application. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastnameDocname. Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org.

Direct Opportunity Link: https://bit.ly/3JHZYIw

COVID-19 Policy Update: AURA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy that requires all employees to be vaccinated including being up to date on boosters, unless qualified for an exemption based on medical or religious reasons. All new employees will be required to comply with this policy and will be required to present proof of full vaccination or submit a completed request (including supporting documents, if applicable) for an exemption at least five (5) business days prior to their start of employment. Individuals who fail to meet this deadline may have their employment start date delayed.

This is a requirement for all employees working onsite or from home (telework or hybrid remote work schedule). Currently the vaccination requirement does not apply to any future AURA employees working in Chile, regardless of their nationality or type of contract.

AURA currently offers a mix-model workspace (office & virtual) and stimulating environments for all, with most staff working virtually from home during the COVID-19 crisis. The safety of our staff and community is our top priority. We will continue to interview and screen candidates in this new virtual landscape and offers of employment can be extended and new hires will onboard virtually. Employees are required to be residents in their base job location within a limited time from their start date.

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and to qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation in Arizona.

Veterans, disabled individuals, or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org.

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and three international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the NSF’s NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.

IND1