Travel and Expense Specialist (Contract)

Our client, a blue chip organization in downtown Chicago, is looking for a Travel & Expense (T&E) Specialist on temporary (and possibly temp-to-hire). This will primarily involve the accurate processing of expense reports, administration of travel & expense management software, and general customer support inquiries related to T&E Department processes. This role also supports the Shared Services accounting team to ensure all transactional activity is properly recorded timely while supporting the month-end close process.

Essential Functions:

• Audit expense reports to ensure compliance with corporate policies, procedures, and internal control requirements, and provide recommendations for policy updates as needed.

• Assist in the administration of corporate credit card program, supporting cardholders with ad hoc analysis and guidance on individual accounts.

• Provide clear and confident customer service to users in order to resolve issues or questions.

• Report on and assist employees in resolving delinquent expenses. Assist in the collection and resolution of amounts owed by employees for non-business-related credit card transactions.

• Perform ad-hoc analysis, reporting and special projects. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Provide backup to team members and ensure sufficient backup responsibilities and duties are communicated and performed as needed.

Education/Experience/Skills:

• 1-3 years’ experience in T&E, Accounting, or Finance preferred.

• Experience within a mid to large corporate T&E or AP department in a Procure to Pay environment with process, policy, and procedure implementation experience preferred.

• Experience in expense report audits, accurately recording transactions in the general ledger, and assisting with T&E Department monthly close cycle. Demonstrated timely and efficient transactional processing experience, including proper classification of expenses and ability to resolve customer inquiries (internal and external), on a priority basis, is required.

• Excellent organization skills with the ability to effectively manage time, prioritize tasks/initiatives, multitask responsibilities simultaneously, and meet established deadlines

• Demonstrate superior customer service skills with a stakeholder focus to build and strengthen relationships with business partners.

• Thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining an emphasis on problem solving, analytical skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, and quality of work/deliverables.

• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate at all levels of the organization.

• Ability to work well with others in team environment with strong teamwork attitude, as well as independently. Ability to follow instructions and take direction.

• Intermediate Microsoft Excel and proficient use of applicable technology (Microsoft Office suite). • Experience and knowledge of Concur Expense or other expense platforms a plus