Accounts Payable Analyst

About JumpStart Inc.

JumpStart is a nonprofit venture development organization dedicated to unlocking the full potential of entrepreneurship to transform communities. We work to create inclusive economic outcomes by supporting diverse entrepreneurs, strengthening ecosystems, and accelerating innovation. Our team is collaborative, mission-driven, and focused on delivering measurable impact.

Position Summary

The Accounts Payable Analyst supports core accounting operations with an emphasis on accounts payable analysis, grant accounting, vendor management, and general ledger accuracy. This role combines ownership of day-to-day accounts payable activities with financial analysis, reconciliation, issue resolution, audit-ready documentation, and the use of technology and AI tools to improve accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls.

The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in accounting principles, a proactive and analytical mindset, and the ability to interpret financial activity, identify trends and exceptions, resolve issues, and contribute to continuous process improvement.

Essential Job Functions

Grant Accounting & Compliance

• Review and validate expenses for allowability under State and Federal grant guidelines

• Assist in the preparation of reimbursement requests with complete and accurate supporting documentation

• Maintain audit-ready records and support grant audits and reporting

• Ensure proper classification of expenses across funding sources and restrictions

• Partner with program teams to improve financial accuracy, documentation quality, and compliance

• Identify inconsistencies or risks in grant-related activity and escalate as appropriate

Accounts Payable & Expense Accounting

• Own the full accounts payable cycle including vendor onboarding, invoice review, coding, and

• payment processing

• Ensure accurate GL coding across multiple account segments (fund, department, location)

• Review transactions for accuracy, completeness, and policy compliance

• Identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies, coding issues, and variances

• Analyze AP aging and payment activity; proactively investigate and escalate past-due items, unusual balances, duplicate payments, credits, and other exceptions

• Reconcile vendor statements and AP-related general ledger accounts; research differences and support accruals where applicable

• Support 1099 preparation, year-end reporting, and AP-related audit schedules

Vendor Analytics & Management

• Analyze vendor activity, invoice volumes, payment trends, aging, credits, and exceptions to identify discrepancies, inefficiencies, or cost-saving opportunities

• Monitor vendor performance, including timeliness, accuracy, and adherence to contractual terms

• Investigate and resolve complex vendor issues using data analysis and cross-functional collaboration

• Support vendor onboarding and due diligence with a focus on risk mitigation and documentation integrity

Technology & AI Utilization

• Leverage AI-enabled tools to enhance efficiency in invoice processing, data validation, and financial research

• Utilize technology to analyze datasets, identify anomalies, and improve accuracy in coding and reconciliations

• Apply automation and AI solutions to streamline workflows and reduce manual effort

• Stay current on emerging tools and recommend practical applications to improve Finance operations

General Accounting & Close Support

• Prepare and support monthly account reconciliations (AP, prepaid expenses, accruals, clearing accounts, etc.)

• Assist with month-end and year-end close processes

• Post or support preparation of journal entries (accruals, reclasses, corrections)

• Perform variance analysis and investigate unexpected fluctuations in account activity

• Identify patterns, trends, and anomalies in financial data and recommend corrective actions

• Support financial reporting, AP metrics, audit schedules, and internal schedule preparation

• Collaborate with Finance and Operations to improve processes and strengthen internal controls

• Assist with ad hoc analysis, reporting, and special projects

• Identify process improvement opportunities and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

Required Qualifications

Education, Training, and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree with a major in accounting, finance, or business

• 2+ years of accounting experience, with nonprofit accounting experience a plus

• Experience with Accounting software and third-party payment systems; knowledge of Sage Intacct and/or Ramp a plus

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong spreadsheet and data-analysis skills and a firm understanding of Microsoft Office - particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint - are required. Must be proficient in a Windows environment and computerized accounting software.

• A basic knowledge of theory, concepts, and practices of accounting with a willingness to apply knowledge to a broad range of assignments.

• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive materials.

• Professional appearance and well-developed communication skills - both oral and written.

• Ability to meet multiple deadlines and work under pressure with minimal supervision.

• Detail-minded and accurate.

• Must work well with others following JumpStart's objectives and established procedures and meet all quality standards.

• Customer service attitude

• Excellent time management

JumpStart's Core Values and Key Cultural Behaviors

• Accountability: Act to deliver on commitments and generate results, and if expectations aren't clear, ask

• Entrepreneurial: Embrace opportunity, continuous improvement, and change, and contribute to the solution as we evolve

• Equity: Committed to corrective action regarding historically underserved and underrepresented populations through entrepreneurship and innovation

• Energy: Address our work with focus, grit, and enthusiasm

• Collaboration: Collaborate with others to play our most helpful role(s) and to increase effectiveness

• Humility: Balance self-assurance with listening to understand, having an open mind, and demonstrating patience

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the job. It is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of JumpStart. Since no position description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties, and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.