Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.

Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.

We are seeking an Accounts Payable (AP) Lead to supervise the task loads and operations for the team of 5 responsible for vendor invoice processing, vendor payments, vendor management, expense report processing and related activities. Reporting to the P2P (procure to pay) Manager you will help to ensure high quality standards are met and you will be key to improving AP processes, helping the team transform their practices as we update the current systems and introduce new tools. Bringing a professional skill set, a can-do attitude and breadth of thinking from a range of experience you will help our team meet these challenges and support the program of operational improvement with high visibility to Accounting leadership.

Responsibilities:
•    As AP functional lead, perform reviews and controls over transactions and ensure the team create and maintain the required accounting records, including appropriate supporting documentation.
•    AP and expenses closing and reporting requirements including 1099 reporting and escheatment, in conjunction with Tax and Treasury teams. 
•    Support all audit tasks under the lead of the P2P Manager, preparing required items, investigating findings and proposing recommendations as applicable. 
•    Assist with producing weekly/monthly operational metrics (KPIs) and analytics, and ensure all issues are addressed on a timely basis.
•    Mentor and develop the AP staff fostering a collaborative environment.
•    Assist with change implementation while maintaining organizational cohesiveness and meeting near-term operational goals.
•    Demonstrate sound business acumen and the ability to think analytically and distill root cause.
•    Exemplify an ownership mindset through initiative, accountability, continuous improvement and collaborative problem-solving. 

Basic Qualifications:
•    Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
•    8 years of experience in a medium to large Government contracting AP and/or Accounting environment.
•    Experience with Deltek CostPoint Accounts Payable module.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    CPA and/or MBA.• Superior understanding of team operations and process controls in an Accounts Payable (AP) environment.
•    Working knowledge of FAR and CAS relevant to AP.
•    Experience leading a function with annual transaction volumes in excess of 100,000 per year.
•    Deep knowledge of internal controls, especially relating to Accounts Payable and employee expenses.
•    Experience with project management and process improvement implementations.
 

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Eligible employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Holiday Leave
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

 

Protecting the health and safety of our employees and survey participants is a top priority for Westat. As a federal government contractor, Westat will require Westat staff, regardless of work location, to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon hire and to follow all safety protocols, subject to approved accommodations under applicable law.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.