Accounts Payable Specialist

Job Type Full-timeDescriptionThe 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 ResponsibilitiesVendor management: establish new vendor records in the NetSuite accounting systemProcess vendor invoices, payment requests, and expense reports, reviewing for accuracy and proper authorizationCollaborate with staff responsible for vendor relationshipsSupport Cato employees using NetSuite to submit invoices for processingProcess payments, including weekly ACH batch and check printing as neededAssist the Finance team in managing the corporate credit card programMonitor and record corporate purchasing card activitySupport Cato employees using Emburse Professional to account for corporate credit cards and out-of-pocket expensesPrepare 1099 reporting using the Yearli filing programSupport annual financial audits, providing supporting documentation as requestedAssist the Finance team in internal reporting and budgeting processesMaintain confidentiality of financial information and help ensure compliance with internal controls, guarding the organization against fraudSupport process improvements and increase automationRequirementsEducation/Experience3+ years accounts payable experience; nonprofit experience preferredAssociate degree or advanced coursework in accounting preferredExperience with accounting software, Microsoft Office, and proven proficiency in Microsoft Excel requiredSkillsDetail-oriented, adherence to deadlines, and effective communicatorCustomer service skills (in person, email, and other virtual communication methods)Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, able to manage time-sensitive responsibilities effectivelyDiscretion, integrity, and confidentiality in handling financial and other PII dataCollaborative team player with a proactive, adaptable approachProblem solver who looks to improve operational controlsBenefits All Cato employees are provided with: Medical, dental, and vision insuranceEmployer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)Generous vacation and sick daysPaid parental leaveEmployer-provided life and disability insurance 401(k) employer matchTransit/ 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.

Created: 2026-04-02