**Description** Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) Sector of Applied Research Associates, Inc. is looking for a detail-oriented Junior Accounting Specialist who is interested in joining a company that values dedication in the workplace, your professional growth, and appreciates the importance of creating an optimal work-life balance. If this sounds like you, we would like to talk to you about joining our team and becoming the point of contact for all accounting functions within the division. The ideal candidate will have previous experience working with AP mailbox and/or ticketing system. Previous experience with an accounting system, preferably CostPoint, and prior experience submitting invoice vouchers for payment and using an accounting system to run reports. The successful candidate will possess outstanding organization and listening skills, with strong attention to detail. Must possess the ability to perform detail-oriented work, manage multiple competing priorities, be a proactive problem solver, and critical thinker, and work independently. Candidates for this role will need to be located within a reasonable driving distance to the Raleigh, NC, Arlington or Alexandria, VA offices as this is an on-site/hybrid position, candidates must be able to come into the office during the training period and for meetings. Once the training period is over there is an opportunity for remote work, but approval is dependent upon team dynamics and the employee’s performance. **What you’ll do as a Junior Accounting Specialist at ARA:** + Provide outstanding customer service to internal ARA teams. + Manage AP accounting mailbox daily. + Update Sharepoint daily. + Receive Purchase Orders (PO) against invoices for voucher entry. + Review and follow up on assigned invoices for payment in a timely manner in compliance with ARA policies. + Enter AP vouchers and Journal Entries into the CostPoint accounting system. + Provide solutions to accounting issues as they arise. + Investigate and provide feedback on accounting inquiries. **Requirements of a Junior Accounting Specialist:** + **Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; requirements include being a U.S. citizen.** + High School Diploma plus 5-6 years of relevant experience. + Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Outlook and Excel. + Must be able to work independently and take ownership of individual tasks. + Excellent analysis and critical thinking skills. + Excellent time management skills. + Must have the ability to adapt quickly to changing demands of the department. + Must have experience with SharePoint or similar system. **Junior Accounting Specialist Preferences:** + Associates degree or higher. + 2 or more years of related experience. + Experience with Accounts Payable. + Experience with CostPoint 7. + Experience with General Ledger Codes. + Experience with Journal Entries. + Experience with AP mailbox or ticketing system. + Willingness to learn new programs and policies. **About Us:** Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We employ over 2,316 professionals and continue to grow. ARA offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software, and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. ARA also prides ourselves on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets, so we give our employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. The company realizes employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. To find out more about the Integrated Mission Systems Sector visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/raleigh/ **Qualifications** **Education** **Preferred** + Associates or better + Bachelors or better **Experience** **Required** + 5-6 years: Relevant Work Experience Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.