Junior Accountant- Accounts Payable Specialist

Job Summary: 

The primary mission of the Junior Accountant/Accounts Payable Specialist is to be a key member of the accounting and finance team. This position plays a crucial role in the timely and accurate processing of vendor payments and maintaining financial records related to accounts payable using the National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) software. The Junior Accountant/Accounts Payable Specialist will collaborate with various departments and vendors to ensure the efficient management of accounts payable functions. 

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Invoice Processing: Receive, review, and process invoices in accordance with VEC’s policies and procedures using the NISC software. Match invoices with purchase orders and verify accuracy of billing details, pricing, and payment terms.
• Vendor Management: Maintain positive relationships with vendors and respond to inquiries regarding payment status, discrepancies, and billing issues promptly and professionally.
• Payment Processing: Prepare and process payments for approved invoices, including checks, electronic funds transfers (EFTs), and Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions through the NISC software.
• Data Entry and Coding: Accurately enter data related to accounts payable, including invoice details, expense allocations, and general ledger coding, ensuring proper classification and accurate financial reporting.
• Reconciliation: Regularly reconcile accounts payable transactions with vendor statements and resolve any discrepancies or outstanding items.
• Month-end Close: Assist in the month-end closing process by ensuring all accounts payable entries are accurately recorded and financial records are up to date.
• Compliance: Adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies related to accounts payable, data protection, and financial transactions.
• Documentation: Maintain organized and complete records of accounts payable transactions, invoices, and payment documents.
• Reporting: Prepare periodic reports on accounts payable status, aging analysis, and cash flow projections to support management decision-making.
• Process Improvements: Identify opportunities for process improvements within the accounts payable function, streamline procedures, and suggest enhancements to the NISC software.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments, to ensure smooth coordination of payment processes and resolve any payment-related issues effectively.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Prior to Entry
  • High School diploma or GED required.
  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is preferred.
  • Relevant work experience in accounts payable can be considered in lieu of formal education.
  • Proven experience in accounts payable processes, preferably within an electric cooperative or utility company.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Familiarity with NISC software or similar accounting software is highly advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record-keeping
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, for data manipulation and analysis.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with vendors and internal stakeholders effectively.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Understanding of financial regulations and compliance standards to accounts payable.
• Must believe in, be sympathetic with, and be interested in furthering the Cooperative’s objectives.
• Must understand the need for and be willing to work erratic hours and under pressure to meet various deadlines.
• Be willing to accept changes brought about by new regulations.
• Possessing the highest degree of integrity, pleasant disposition, tact, and the ability to work with all levels of cooperative personnel are essential. 
• Handle confidential information with judgement and discretion.
• Exhibit and promote the Seven Cooperative Principles.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The following requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities (some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees).

• Must be able to occasionally lift 10 to 20 pounds.
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity to enter and verify data in the computer.
• Interacts with outside agencies and auditors.
• Listens and communicates orally with employees, auditors, and outside agencies.
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to:
  • Sit, stand, and walk to enter and verify data.
  • Bend, stoops, squats, and lifts to retrieve supplies, file, etc.
  • Cycled work activities on a repetitive basis.

SUPERVISON EXERCISED

• None

(Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. VEC reserves the right to revise or change the job responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.)

(Volunteer Energy Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. EOE/Drug Free Workplace

If interested in applying, please email your resume, in pdf format, to hrdepartment@vec.org or by fax at (423) 334-7102, no later than Friday, October 2, 2026. If you are emailing your resume, please indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line of the email.