What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounts Payable Specialist position at Gensler?
Description
At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We’re not just designers. We’re tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators, and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring new ideas to solve the world’s most challenging problems, like designing a more resilient, inclusive, and equitable future for our communities and cities.
Our people-centered, “People First” culture and “One Firm-Firm” motto promotes integrated teams that unite to shape the future of cities. Gensler’s vision is to “Create a Better World through the Power of Design,” and we do that by our deep commitment to our clients and by fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive environment that enables our people to create impactful solutions together.
Your Role
We are seeking a Firmwide Accounts Payable Specialist to support our accounting team by delivering accurate, timely, and compliant payment processing for vendors and employees. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and brings strong accounting, organizational, and communication skills. You will play a key role in ensuring smooth AP operations while partnering closely with colleagues across the firm.
**based in Gensler's Oakland office 5 days a week**
What You Will Do
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.
We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.
At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We’re not just designers. We’re tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators, and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring new ideas to solve the world’s most challenging problems, like designing a more resilient, inclusive, and equitable future for our communities and cities.
Our people-centered, “People First” culture and “One Firm-Firm” motto promotes integrated teams that unite to shape the future of cities. Gensler’s vision is to “Create a Better World through the Power of Design,” and we do that by our deep commitment to our clients and by fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive environment that enables our people to create impactful solutions together.
Your Role
We are seeking a Firmwide Accounts Payable Specialist to support our accounting team by delivering accurate, timely, and compliant payment processing for vendors and employees. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and brings strong accounting, organizational, and communication skills. You will play a key role in ensuring smooth AP operations while partnering closely with colleagues across the firm.
**based in Gensler's Oakland office 5 days a week**
What You Will Do
- Review, code, and process vendor invoices in Coupa, ensuring accurate project and general ledger coding, sales tax compliance, required approvals, and complete supporting documentation, including global payments in accordance with country‑specific regulations
- Record payroll, tax, and automated bank transactions accurately and on a timely basis
- Ensure all transactions comply with GAAP and provide support during internal and external audits
- Communicate effectively with executive leadership while managing time-sensitive and confidential transactions
- Manage return payments and ensure transactions are accurately voided and resolved in a timely manner, supporting efficient and smooth financial operations
- Audit employee expense reports and P‑Card transactions to ensure compliance with firm policies and internal controls
- Perform monthly accounts payable reconciliations and resolve discrepancies identified during bank reconciliation reviews
- Support regional AP teams by preparing reports, responding to ad hoc inquiries, and leading monthly AP calls
- Manage full-cycle accounts payable processes, including month-end and year-end close activities
- Prepare and file Form 1099s in compliance with IRS and applicable non-U.S. requirements
- Assist in documenting and maintaining AP policies, procedures, and internal controls
- Proactively identify process improvement opportunities, resolve escalated vendor or payment issues, and collaborate on special projects that support business objectives
- 3 years of related accounts payable experience required
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field preferred; or substantial accounts payable experience will be considered
- Proven experience in a high‑volume accounts payable environment, with ownership of end‑to‑end AP processes
- Hands-on experience with Coupa and Deltek Vantagepoint strongly preferred
- Strong understanding of project‑based accounting methodologies
- Experience with global AP processes with multi-currency is a plus
- Exceptional attention to detail, with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and accounting systems.
- Ability to work independently, while collaborating effectively with cross‑functional teams.
- Willingness to cross‑train, share knowledge, and support team members within the AP function. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- The base salary is estimated between $75k-$85k plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.
We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.