Accounts Receivable and Payable Associate

About the role

The Accounts Receivable and Payable Associate will provide financial, administrative, and clerical services relating to the Accounts Receivable and Payable area for multiple companies (Americas, P2000, Canopia, & Mexico). This position works independently to complete assignments and contributes as a member of the Finance Team.

Responsibilities

• Receive assignments from the Credit Manager/Accounting Team Lead.
• Process cash applications for checks and wire deposits for multiple companies and update/clear customer accounts.
• Perform static credit checks for existing customers as needed as backup to Team Lead.
• Prepare weekly collection log for multiple companies and deposit log.
• Perform collection calls and follow-ups.
• Complete customer credit references.
• Retrieve invoice status from multiple customer portals.
• Process credit/debit memo requests.
• Keep all customer accounts clear and up to date.
• Reach out to customers to take open credit notes.
• Research A/R and collection issues related to billings/returns for all customer payments except HD Americas.
• Create disputes for invalid deductions as necessary for customers such as Lowes.
• Research shipments and obtain POD copies from shipping companies for QA department (Orgill) and unpaid invoices, particularly Lowes.
• Assist warehouse personnel to help identify returns without proper information.
• Calculate, obtain approvals, and process commissions monthly for outside representatives.
• Prepare monthly credit note file.
• Cover duties of ARA-HD and some duties of Team Lead when on vacation (cross-trained).
• Assist in month-end closing by pulling data from G/L for rebates and co-ops.
• Assist with year-end audit and other accounting assignments as necessary.
• Process invoices ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies.
• Participate in the payment run process (ACH, wires, and checks).
• Check and verify weekly payments to vendors.
• Research and resolve invoice discrepancies with internal contacts and outside vendors.
• Reconcile vendor statements and validate account balances.
• Produce accurate accruals during month-end close.
• Ensure compliance with internal control procedures.
• Review goods receipts to identify vendor deliveries that have not been invoiced.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience working in an accounting support position, specifically accounts receivable, invoicing, and/or collections.
• Associate degree in Accounting preferred; high school diploma required.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively manage high volumes of email communication.
• Self-starter with proven ability to work independently.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work effectively with others.
• Impeccable analytical and organizational skills.
• Prior experience working in an ERP environment (SAP preferred) and web-based customer portals.
• Familiarity with EDI customers and transactions is a plus.
• Attention to detail.
• Daily interface with multiple software/internet systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word and Excel).
• Ability to problem-solve and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.