Improper Payments Manager (Accounting)

Improper Payments Manager (Accounting) 

Location: Alexandria, VA (Hybrid – Onsite Mon–Thurs, Remote Fridays)
Work Authorization: Must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder
Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week)
Compensation: Salary is open and commensurate with experience

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Improper Payments Manager to lead the design and implementation of a scalable improper payments program. This role focuses on identifying, preventing, and reducing payment errors and risks through analytics, process improvement, and internal controls across accounts payable operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement a comprehensive improper payments program with a risk-based approach
• Analyze accounts payable data to detect duplicate, inaccurate, or unauthorized payments
• Conduct stakeholder interviews and document end-to-end payment processes and controls
• Perform gap assessments and evaluate internal controls (preventative vs. detective)
• Develop risk assessment frameworks and classify payment risks (low/medium/high)
• Build analytics and testing routines to identify anomalies and payment irregularities
• Develop statistical sampling methodologies for payment reviews and audit support
• Identify root causes of improper payments and recommend corrective actions
• Create dashboards, reports, and metrics to monitor program effectiveness
• Support quarterly reviews and ensure repeatable, scalable processes
• Lead documentation, training, and knowledge transfer to internal teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Active CPA required
• Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience, including 2+ years at a manager level
• Strong background in Accounts Payable processes and internal controls
• Experience developing or implementing improper payment or audit programs
• Advanced data analysis, querying, and reporting skills
• Experience with ERP systems and understanding of data structures
• Knowledge of risk assessment, compliance, and fraud detection methodologies

Nice to Have

• Experience with predictive analytics or statistical sampling techniques
• Public sector or large enterprise environment experience