Accounts Payable Specialist

We have an exciting opportunity for a Accounts Payable Specialist at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement based in our Evanston, IL office.

The Accounts Payable (AP) Specialist manages and processes all 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, internal departments, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth payment processes and resolve any payment-related issues.

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

• Receive and review vendor invoices, ensuring accuracy and completeness and verify invoice details such as prices, quantities, and payment terms coding invoices to appropriate general ledger accounts and cost centers.
• Obtain necessary approvals for invoice payments.
• Reconcile payment transactions with vendor statements to ensure accuracy and monitor and manage outstanding payments resolving any discrepancies or issues.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with vendors and respond to vendor inquiries regarding invoice status, payment details, and other payment-related matters resolving any billing discrepancies or disputes in a timely and professional manner.
• Review and process employee expense reports, ensuring compliance with company policies and relevant expense guidelines. Verify expense report details, including receipts, supporting documentation, and adherence to spending limits. Reimburse employees for approved expenses and record accurately in the financial system.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all accounts payable transactions to ensure proper filing and organization of invoices, payment receipts, and other relevant documentation.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities, including account reconciliations and financial reporting.
• Adhere to all applicable accounting principles, regulations, and company policies.
• Assist with internal and external audits, providing necessary documentation and explanations and prepare periodic AP reports and analysis, highlighting key metrics and trends.
• Performs other duties as directed.

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, principles, and best practices.
• Proficiency in financial software and systems (e.g., ERP systems, accounting software).
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficient in using spreadsheets and other relevant software applications.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.

Experience and Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent. Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting or finance preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as an Accounts Payable Specialist or similar role.
• Workday experience preferred.

• Mission: For UL, corporate and social responsibility isn’t new. Making the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place has been our business model for the last 128 years and is deeply ingrained in everything we do.
• People: Ask any UL employee what they love most about working here, and you’ll almost always hear, “the people.” Going beyond what is possible is the standard at UL. We’re able to deliver the best because we employ the best.
• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here as we eagerly anticipate the next innovation that our customers’ create. We’re inspired to take on the challenge that will transform how people live, work and play. And as a global company, in many roles, you will get international experience working with colleagues around the world.
• Grow & achieve: We learn, work and grow together with targeted development, reward and recognition programs as well as our very own UL University that offers extensive training programs for employees at all stages, including a technical training track for applicable roles.
• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagementare eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Additionally, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you can work with your manager on flexible working arrangements. We also provide employees with paid time off including vacation, holiday, sick and volunteer time off.

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.

Our wholly owned subsidiary, UL Solutions, advances our shared public safety mission. We fund our work through grants, the licensing of standards documents and the business activities of UL Solutions, which conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools for customers around the world.

To learn more, visit https://ulse.org