Associate Finance Analyst, Accounts Payable

The Associate Finance Analyst, Accounts Payable position is responsible for aiding internal personnel, external vendors, and cross-division customers to support their use of on-line systems (Oracle, Cloud, Coupa, SW Invoicing, MMS, etc.). Correspondence may be directly related to payment status information and timely problem resolution for invoices in our US, Canadian, and Jamaican operations. Analysts are expected to develop a good business relationship with the vendors and internal customers to minimize unexpected issues or delays due to non-payment. This role will provide expertise to improve departmental operations through observing trends present in departmental reporting. Additionally, this position will provide support to SBS (Sherwin Business Services) Accounts Payable team members and to divisional accounting with report analysis and accurate financial reporting.

Because this role involves access to confidential financial information, the Company has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and to provide similar protections for its clients and potential investments.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Route invoices for various Purchase Order categories:

  • Manage invoices in email boxes

  • Manage paper mail and emails

  • Route invoices through proper computer systems and sub-systems

  • Research invoices with pricing, receiving, quantity and other discrepancies and resolve from processing through to payment

• Report Review and Analysis:

  • Analyze various invoice discrepancy reports including but not limited to Hold reports, Open receipt reports and Debit balance reports. Identify any recurring mistakes and reach out to proper parties to provide solutions.

  • Perform aging analysis over open payables and work towards proper and timely resolution.

  • Analyze process improvement project statistics and success rate over time, informing management of any trends in the data.

• Serve as first line of communication and develop positive relationships with internal and external vendors/customers:

  • Provide phone and/or email support for invoice inquiries to resolve processing and submission issues

  • Provide phone and/or email support to internal users of AP systems to ensure proper use of systems, invoice hold resolution, and payment status inquiries.

  • Provide prompt and effective communication with suppliers regarding invoice payment status. Resolve issues as needed to avoid payment delays.

  • Develop positive business relationships with vendors and internal customers using a proactive approach to minimize unexpected issues or delays in shipment due to non-payment.

  • Work effectively with global team members including but not limited to Global Supply Chain Accounting, IT, Business Process Improvement, Purchasing teams, divisional accounting and field personnel.

  • Analyze and correct invoice records for accurate financial impact and payment.

• Manage other Accounts Payable processes, including, but not limited to:

  • Create chargebacks; request refunds.

  • Preparation/review of data loads.

  • Vendor statement reviews

• Perform balance sheet account reconciliations.
  • Identify accounting concerns within accounts payable systems and aid in the resolution of reconciling items.
  • Perform aging analysis on balance sheet accounts and maintain proper age in accordance with departmental policies.

• Perform other projects as assigned:

  • Provide expertise on process improvements using analytical abilities, measurement tools, and continuous improvement concepts to suggest ways to achieve greater efficiencies and lower total costs.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

FORMAL EDUCATION:

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Knowledge of mathematics and its application
• Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Preferred:

• Progressive accounts payable experience within a large manufacturing and/or retail sales environment.

TECHNICAL/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

Required:

• Microsoft Office products Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Clear and concise communication in verbal and written form
• Organizing, planning and prioritizing work
• Detail-oriented, flexible
• Team-oriented
• Ability to work independently

Preferred:

• Adapt easily to technological advancements in a fast-paced environment
• Use experience and knowledge to improve and lean processes
• Using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Oracle
• OnBase
• Coupa

Travel: 10%