Part‑Time APAR Administration Specialist – Vendor Managed Inventory Operations, Invoice Reconciliation, and Vendor Relations at brighthush

About brighthush

brighthush is a forward‑thinking logistics and supply‑chain powerhouse that partners with leading transit authorities and commercial vendors to deliver seamless, data‑driven inventory solutions. Our mission is to empower public transportation systems with the right parts, at the right time, and at the right cost. By leveraging cutting‑edge technology and a culture of continuous improvement, brighthush has earned a reputation as the go‑to partner for vendor‑managed inventory (VMI) in the transit market.

As part of our growth strategy, we are expanding our Chicago operations and inviting talented, customer‑centric professionals to join our team. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, love building relationships, and enjoy turning data into actionable insights, brighthush offers you the platform to grow, learn, and make a real impact on the transit ecosystem.

Why This Role Matters

The APAR Administration Specialist is the linchpin that keeps our vendor‑managed inventory engine running smoothly. By ensuring accurate invoicing, timely payments, and transparent communication with vendors, you help brighthush maintain its position as the #1 VMI partner for transit authorities. Your work directly supports the reliability of transit services, the satisfaction of our partners, and the financial health of our organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Invoice Processing & Reconciliation – Handle JDE vendor check and credit card invoices, reconciling them against the JDE P‑card system and ensuring all charges match the corresponding credit card statements.
• Vendor Payment Issue Resolution – Investigate and resolve discrepancies, credit card errors, and unvouchered purchase order quantities reported in the 2030 report.
• Vendor Communication & Follow‑Up – Maintain proactive, professional communication with vendors to clarify invoice errors, confirm payment status, and ensure timely resolution of any outstanding issues.
• Statement Review & Credit Management – Examine monthly vendor statements, identify outstanding invoices or credits, and coordinate with finance to close out balances accurately.
• Data Integrity & Reporting – Keep meticulous records of all transactions, generate regular reports for internal stakeholders, and flag trends or recurring issues for process improvement.
• Team Collaboration – Work closely with the finance, operations, and procurement teams to align on inventory needs, payment schedules, and vendor performance metrics.
• Continuous Improvement – Participate in process reviews, suggest automation opportunities, and help refine our VMI workflows to increase efficiency and accuracy.

Essential Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in accounts payable, invoice processing, or vendor management.
• Proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, especially JDE, and strong Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros).
• Exceptional organizational and time‑management abilities, with a proven track record of meeting tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of drafting clear, concise correspondence to vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical mindset, able to spot discrepancies, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
• Positive, customer‑focused attitude and a genuine desire to build lasting vendor relationships.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross‑functional team in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in the transit or public‑transportation sector.
• Knowledge of vendor‑managed inventory (VMI) concepts and best practices.
• Familiarity with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) or similar large‑scale transit operations.
• Previous exposure to the 2030 reporting framework or comparable inventory reconciliation processes.
• Project management experience, including the ability to lead process‑improvement initiatives.
• Multilingual capabilities, especially in Spanish or other languages common in the Chicago area.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Attention to Detail – Precision in data entry and reconciliation is critical to avoid costly errors.
• Customer Service Excellence – Treat vendors as valued partners, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed promptly.
• Problem‑Solving – Quickly diagnose invoice anomalies and devise effective solutions.
• Communication – Clear, professional communication across all levels, from vendors to senior finance leaders.
• Adaptability – Thrive in a changing environment, adjusting priorities as new challenges arise.
• Team Collaboration – Work seamlessly with finance, operations, and procurement to achieve shared goals.
• Technology Savvy – Comfortable learning new software tools and automating repetitive tasks.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At brighthush, we believe in nurturing talent and providing clear pathways for advancement. As an APAR Administration Specialist, you will:

• Gain exposure to end‑to‑end VMI processes, positioning you for future roles in supply‑chain management, procurement, or finance leadership.
• Participate in cross‑functional training programs, including advanced ERP modules, data analytics, and vendor relationship management.
• Take part in mentorship initiatives, pairing you with senior leaders who can guide your professional development.
• Access a robust learning library, covering industry trends, regulatory updates, and best practices in inventory and vendor management.
• Be considered for internal promotions based on performance, initiative, and commitment to brighthush’s values.

Work Environment & Company Culture

brighthush fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative workplace. Our core values—Integrity, Customer Focus, Continuous Improvement, and Teamwork—guide every decision we make. You can expect:

• A supportive team that values open communication and constructive feedback.
• Flexible scheduling options for part‑time roles, designed to accommodate your personal commitments.
• A culture that celebrates diversity and encourages diverse perspectives.
• Regular team‑building events, knowledge‑sharing sessions, and community outreach initiatives.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art tools and technology that streamline your daily tasks.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

While specific compensation details are tailored to experience and role responsibilities, brighthush offers a competitive hourly rate for part‑time positions. In addition, we provide:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance options for full‑time employees and a stipend for part‑time employees.
• Paid time off, including holidays and sick leave, with accrual based on tenure.
• Employee assistance programs, including mental health resources and financial planning tools.
• Opportunities for overtime and additional hours during peak periods.
• Employee discount programs for transportation, technology, and local services.

How to Apply

If you are ready to bring your analytical rigor, customer‑service mindset, and passion for logistics to a dynamic, growth‑oriented organization, we encourage you to apply today. Click the link below to submit your application and join the brighthush family.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

brighthush is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.