Jr Accounts Payable & Financial Operations Specialist

Jr Accounts Payable & Financial Operations SpecialistLocation: Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (*Onsite – local candidates only)Duration: 3–6 month temp-to-perm (based on performance)Pay Rate: $38–43/hr + Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)Schedule: Onsite Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (flexibility with start/end times)About the RoleOur client is a cutting-edge research lab focused on building, understanding, and responsibly deploying foundation models. They are globally focused University offering market-relevant AI degrees that prepare future leaders to apply cutting-edge research to real-world challenges. The team is seeking a hands-on Finance Operations Specialist to support day-to-day financial operations in a fast-paced, startup-style environment. This will be the first dedicated finance-focused hire on the team, supporting a growing organization where many financial processes are still manual and still being built out. The ideal candidate will be comfortable rolling up their sleeves, handling day-to-day financial operations, and helping create more structure as the organization scales.This is a highly operational, detail-oriented role focused heavily on:Accounts payableInvoice processingExpense tracking and reimbursementsBudget tracking and financial reportingSpreadsheet management and financial documentationThe team is looking for someone who is adaptable, proactive, collaborative, and comfortable working in a small but growing environment where processes are still evolving.Key ResponsibilitiesAccounts Payable & Expense ManagementProcess vendor invoices, payments, and employee expense submissions accuratelyTrack invoices and payments using Excel spreadsheets and internal trackersReview invoices and reimbursement requests for accuracy, approvals, and supporting documentationMaintain organized accounts payable records and supporting financial documentationProcess employee reimbursements including travel and out-of-pocket expensesMaintain vendor payment records and finance-related documentationFinancial Operations & ReportingMaintain and update financial spreadsheets for budget tracking and reportingSupport monthly planned spend vs. actual spend reportingAssist with financial reporting, reconciliation activities, and expense trackingMaintain organized, audit-ready financial records and documentationSupport basic accounting and finance operational activitiesBanking & Payment SupportAssist with transaction tracking, payment records, and banking-related documentationSupport company credit card expense tracking and reconciliationMaintain accurate records for vendor payments and financial transactionsProcess & Operational SupportSupport a highly manual, spreadsheet-heavy finance environmentHelp improve and organize finance processes as the company growsMaintain organized systems for invoices, vendor documentation, and financial recordsCollaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth financial operationsRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)2–5 years of experience in Accounting/ finance operationsMust have hands-on experience with: Accounts payable , Invoice processing, Expense tracking and reimbursements and financial documentation and reportingStrong experience in Microsoft Excel and spreadsheet managementUnderstanding of basic accounting principles (GAAP)Comfortable and experience working in a manual spreadsheet-heavy environmentExposure to payroll reimbursements or finance-related payroll coordination (Not HR payroll, finance related payroll)Experience supporting budgeting, financial tracking, and/or expense reportingComfortable working onsite five days per week in SunnyvaleExperience working in a small growing company, startup, or fast-paced environmentHumble, collaborative mindset with a willingness to support different teamsComfortable working closely with researchers, scientists, and cross-functional teamsNo-ego, can do attitude and willingness to take ownership of tasksAbility to adapt to evolving processes in a growing organizationExperience using collaboration tools such as: Microsoft Teams Outlook Zoom SlackPreferred / Bonus QualificationsExperience working in startup, AI, biotech, or research lab, orFamiliarity with modern banking platforms such as Brex or MercuryExposure to shadow payroll or international payroll processesExposure to phantom stock or equity-related trackingAdditional InformationThis is a highly operational role supporting a small but growing teamMany processes are still being built, so the ideal candidate must be comfortable helping create structure and organization*This role is intended to convert to permanent based on performance – a brand-new role created for the right candidate!Team culture values collaboration, flexibility, adaptability, and ownership