Accounting: AR, Credit & Deductions Lead (Hybrid) - #1338815

Who We Are

Yamamotoyama U.S.A. stands as a testament to the art of traditional Japanese green tea and nori seaweed products, upholding a commitment to unparalleled quality since 1690. Our culture is enriched by diverse backgrounds, all striving to find their unique voice in a harmonious blend. This spirit of unity in diversity extends to our portfolio, which includes the globally recognized Stash Tea Company, offering an expansive array of premium teas. In addition, we proudly present Ujido, a brand deeply rooted in the art and tradition of Japanese Matcha. Our dedication to excellence is not just in our products, but in the mosaic of voices that shape our legacy.

Purpose Of The Role

As the Credit, AR & Deduction Lead, you will be play a key role in the organization's credit and accounts receivable operations. This role involves researching and processing customer deductions, evaluating creditworthiness, proposing credit limits, monitoring AR balances, resolving disputes, processing customer payments, refunds, and month-end close responsibilities. Backup/support to the AR team.

Responsibilities

• Customer Deduction Tracking: Monitor deductions taken by customers and document the reasons for deductions. Research and process customer trade deductions by applying them to the appropriate trade account and matching to an open promotion within Exceedra, a sales promotion tracking software
• Deduction/Claims Resolution: Investigate and resolve deductions taken by customers, which may include verifying the validity of deductions, communicating with customers to resolve disputes, and collaborating with internal teams to prevent future inappropriate deductions. File and resolve freight damages or short claims with associated carriers.
• Credit: Assess and manage customer credit risk by reviewing credit limits, monitoring credit accounts, and ensuring credit policies are adhered to. Approve or deny credit applications adhering to company policies and make recommendations for credit limit adjustments.
• Accounts Receivable: Support the accounts receivable process, including accurate and timely invoicing, cash application, customer deduction processing and reconciliation of customer accounts. Monitor and collect outstanding balances to ensure timely payment.
• Customer Relations: Maintain positive and professional relationships with customers by addressing inquiries credit issues, and deduction disputes in a customer-focused and efficient manner.
• Reporting and Analysis: Generate reports related to credit, accounts receivable, and deductions, calculate sales broker’s commissions, and analyze data to identify trends and areas for process improvement. Provide insights and recommendations to enhance cash flow and reduce non-promotional deduction occurrences.
  
  

Month-End Close Responsibilities

• Report and calculate broker’s sales commissions.
• Reconcile credit card payments.
• Reconcile customer deductions and promos in trade software.
  
  

Core Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Commitment to strategic prioritization, involving strategically managing tasks and projects and making the most of available resources to achieve goals.
• Enterprise Mindset: Innate enterprise mindset, always thinking about the bigger picture and recognizing how financial decisions impact overall objectives.
• Effective Communication: Ensuring messages are clear, concise, and appropriately delivered to all relevant stakeholders.
• Time Management: Using time efficiently to prioritize and complete projects/tasks ahead of schedule when possible, including monitoring deadlines and managing workload effectively.
• Influence: Solid people skills and listening skills, with ability to build trust, resolve conflicts and influence team members and customers to achieve team goals and drive organizational priorities. Composed, confident and flexible with the ability to work in a collaborative and cooperative team environment.
  
  

Core Behaviors

• Ambition: Demonstrated willingness to develop technical skills, core skills, and key behaviors needed to be successful in your role.
• Adaptability: Highly adaptable and flexible, ready to embrace financial and organizational changes, leading direct reports, projects, and key stakeholders through department and enterprise-wide transformations within your scope of responsibility.
• Change Readiness: Enthusiasm for adopting new processes and systems, keeping up with industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Accountability: Strong sense of accountability and willingness to own work outside of your remit as necessary. Demonstrated self-awareness, including the ability to own mistakes and learn from them.
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills with a positive, supportive and team-oriented attitude,understanding others’ motivations and displaying interest in building rapport with team members both in and outside of the Accounting department.
  
  

Requirements

• 3-5 years of credit and accounts receivable experience, including strong knowledge of credit evaluation, accounts receivable processes, and financial regulations.
• 3+ years of experience processing customer trade deductions, preferably in the Grocery industry
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel. Sage X3 experience a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
  
  

Physical Requirements

For the role of Credit, AR & Deductions Lead, the physical requirements are generally minimal due to the office-based nature of the job. However, some physical demands may include:

• Regularly required to sit for extended periods.
• Frequently required to use a computer, including typing and viewing a monitor.
• Regularly required to talk and/or listen in conversations with customers and team members, both in-person, and over the phone.
• Occasionally may need to lift and move small office supplies, up to 25 lbs.
• Occasional travel may be required for trade shows or meetings, which could involve standing for long periods, walking long distances, and transporting light materials.
• Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment such as computer keyboards, monitors, copiers, and scanners.
  
  

Note: The above physical requirements are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pay And Benefits

The annual pay range for this full-time position is $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 . Our pay ranges are guided by the discipline, level, and experience required. Within the range, individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including your specific location, desired skills/ technical competency, relevant experience, and advanced education/ training.

Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, LTD, EAP, Wellness Stipend + 401(k) with Safe Harbor Contribution. In addition, we offer our employees discounts on our product, tuition reimbursement, continuing education support, and more!