Travel and Expense Accountant

REPORTS TO:

Travel and Expense Accounting Manager

SALARY RANGE:

$50,000-$65,000 based on relevant experience and qualifications

LOCATION

90% Remote; 10% In Office; In or within 1 hour of Knoxville, TN

DESCRIPTION

IACMI – The Composites Institute managed by Collaborative Composite Solutions Corporation is a national leader and collaborative partner for advanced composites design, manufacturing, technical innovation, and workforce solutions. We bring together a 180+ member community of industry, academia, national laboratories, and government agencies to grow the production capacity of composites, strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, and elevate workforce training and job creation across the U.S. composite industry.

The successful candidate will provide support to the CCS accounting department at the headquarters of a national public-private partnership in Knoxville, Tennessee. This person will be required to have strong organizational skills, demonstrate excellent attention to detail, and have the ability and initiative to manage tasks from start to finish once training is completed. This role supports the organization’s travel and expense accounting processes by reviewing and processing expense reports, researching and coordinating travel arrangements, reconciling travel-related charges, and serving as a key point of contact for travelers. They also work closely with travelers to ensure travel plans and expense submissions align with organizational policies and traveler needs, and to assist with unexpected travel changes. The Travel and Expense Accountant reports to the Travel and Expense Accounting Manager, works closely with CCS headquarters functional area teams, and must be able to balance multiple activities with competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Identify travel and expense compliance risks and process improvement opportunities and proactively recommend corrective actions.
Daily review, oversight, and processing of expense reports in Costpoint.
Ensure consistent application of travel and expense policies and procedures across the organization.
Research travel options and provide recommendations that align with budget expectations, policy requirements, and traveler needs.
Book travel for participants in the IACMI Comprehensive Travel Support Program and maintain supporting documentation in accordance with organizational requirements.
Manage corporate travel PCard activity, including monthly coding, reconciliation, and review of all travel-related expenses, including prepaid travel expenses.
Prepare monthly reconciliations for the prepaid travel account and research and resolve outstanding items and variances.
Must understand and be able to apply all CCS/IACMI policies and procedures as applicable, specifically in regard to grants and contracts such as US Government Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR Part 31) guidance.
Monitor and respond to the expense email inbox daily, providing timely guidance on expense reporting, travel policies, and supporting documentation requirements.
Analyze travel and expense data to identify trends, variances, and potential misstatements; prepare supporting schedules and ensure accurate general ledger reporting, accruals, and compliance with GAAP and FAR cost principles.
Coordinate closely with accounting and project teams to meet month-end closing deadlines; track and identify when expense reports have not been received and follow up with travelers as appropriate; mark off assigned tasks in task management software upon completion in a timely manner.
Assist with audit requests by compiling and providing supporting documentation for travel and expense transactions.
Assist with special projects and ad hoc reporting as needed.
Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associate’s degree in Accounting/Finance preferred
2+ years of experience in travel and expense, accounting support, accounts payable, or a similar role is strongly preferred.
Experience reviewing travel documentation and processing expense reports in accordance with policy and documentation requirements.
Familiarity with airline, hotel, and car rental companies’ procedures and policies.
Ability to identify, research, and resolve routine travel and expense discrepancies and related issues.
Working knowledge of accounting principles and practices as they relate to travel and expense.
Proven knowledge of general corporate travel requirements such as documentation requirements, visas, etc.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel skills for reconciliations, data review, and reporting.
Experience with Deltek Costpoint or other accounting software.
Excellent customer service skills with employees and management teams via phone, email, or direct communication.
Willingness and ability to complete an exercise to show the candidate’s ability to follow instructions and perform basic functions in Excel.
Ability to learn and understand complex general ledger coding, project account structures, and expense allocation requirements.
Experience with government contractors is preferred.
Valid U.S. driver’s license.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

BENEFITS

· Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance

· Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements

· Professional development opportunities

· Collaborative and supportive work environment fostering growth and innovation