The Accounts Receivable Analyst is responsible for the daily reconciliation of customer accounts. This position is also responsible for collecting the revenue associated with the sale of Russell Stover product, managing risk in such a way to assist with the overall profitability of Russell Stover Chocolates disputing of invalid deductions, timely and accurately processing of all valid deduction claims. AR Analysts should be passionate about their work and demonstrate ownership of their contribution to the team. They must be able to appropriately prioritize work to achieve goals and communicate effectively with internal and external customers. Job responsibilities include:

Collections

• Develop positive working relationships with internal and external customers to ensure timely payment of all invalid claims
• Utilize vendor portals where necessary to monitor payment status of invalid claims
• Responsible for making recommendations to management on any account that needs to be escalated
• Reconcile any unallocated cash
• Identify and validate all invoices that are not paid in full in a timely manner
• Make daily collection calls
• All collection efforts to be documented

Deductions

• Work with the customers to ensure deduction backup is received timely
• Utilize vendor portals where necessary to obtain initial or additional documentation as it relates to a customer deduction/claim
• Review and identify reason code for all new deductions and short payments within 3 business days
• Validate customers claims within 30 days
• Timely and accurately processing of all claims identified on the monthly aging report, once determined to be valid and all supporting documentation is gathered. Must meet targeted transaction clearly monthly. Minimum of 90% accuracy is required with 100% accuracy being the goal.
• Timely bill back of those claims deemed to be invalid
  • Work with sales to provide them the documentation they will need in order to discuss repayment with the buyer
  • Timely and continued follow-up with sales & customer on resolution. Minimum follow-up of twice per month
• Review other credits posted to the customer account and apply to the deductions where necessary. 100% accuracy is the goal. Minimum of 90% accuracy is required
• Timely validation and processing of all outdated candy credit deductions
• Investigate validity of unused credits
• Timely validation of all non- compliance fines

Short Payments

• Utilize vendor portals where necessary to obtain initial or additional documentation as it relates to a customer short payment
• Timely communication of root cause of short paid invoices to management and sales, and work towards resolution
• Timely bill back all invalid short payments and work through the appropriate channels for collections.
  • Work with sales to provide them the documentation they will need in order to discuss repayment with the buyer
  • Timely and continued follow-up with sales & customer on resolution. Minimum follow-up of twice per month
• Timely processing of valid claims against invoices for shortages, damages, unauthorized product, off invoice allowances and pricing
• Timely follow-up with sales on confirmation of item corrections at the customer level, to ensure invalid short payments will cease and invoices will be paid at the correct cost. Minimum follow-up of once per month.

Other Responsibilities

• Record and track all invalid claims, maintaining status of claim until resolution
• Month end reporting on the status of all remaining open claims on the invalid claims, credit balance, and aging reports.
• Communication and follow-up with sales on all unauthorized product claims to ensure the item is either removed as an item available to order, or the item is added to the customer’s data base. Minimum follow-up of once per month.
• Validation and timely processing of check requests. All check requests should be processed and submitted to AP within 3 business days of receipt of invoice
• Other special tasks or projects as assigned by management

TO BE CONSIDERED A CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST SHOW HOW YOU MEET THE BASIC QUALIFICATIONS AS OUTLINED BELOW

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of deductions, collections and general AR experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and Outlook

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years prior deductions, collections, and general AR experience
• College degree preferred in accounting or related field or equivalent work experience
• SAP experience
• Ability to meet assigned deadlines
• Must be able to perform with limited supervision
• 10-Key by touch
• Knowledge of basic data entry
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must be a positive team player
• Must have problem solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with customers, sales, and upper management

Company Description
Russell Stover Chocolates is a leader in the manufacturer of boxed chocolates. The company’s three brands – Russell Stover, Whitman’s and Pangburn’s - are sold in 20+ company-owned retail stores and 70,000 wholesale accounts. After nearly 100 years in operation the company manufactures approximately 100 million pounds of chocolate candies each year in its proud tradition of being “Made in America” and “Handcrafted in Small Batches”.

In September 2014, Russell Stover Chocolates was acquired by Lindt and Sprungli, the world leader in premium chocolates. This was the largest acquisition in the history of Lindt and Sprungli which has operations in over 40 countries across the globe. Russell Stover Chocolates joins sister companies Lindt USA and Ghirardelli to form a powerful confectionery triad in North America.

Employment by Russell Stover Chocolates is contingent upon I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, education verification, and satisfactory reference and background checks.
Russell Stover Chocolates is an EOE/MINORITY/FEMALE/VET/DISABLED employer. Principals only please.