Sr. Specialist – Merch Payables

Position Overview

As a Sr. Specialist – Merch Payables, you will be responsible for reconciling store and distribution center (DC) invoices to ensure timely and accurate vendor payments. You will play a key role in delivering exceptional vendor and merchant support by researching, resolving, and negotiating invoice disputes, while safeguarding company assets.

Key Responsibilities

Invoice Reconciliation

• Reconcile store and DC invoices to ensure prompt and accurate payment.

• Research, track, and resolve invoice disputes in a timely manner.

• Maintain organized documentation of incoming, in-progress, and resolved disputes.

• Identify opportunities to improve invoice payment and reconciliation processes.

• Develop and maintain working knowledge of distribution, inventory, purchase orders, markdowns, transportation, and accounts payable systems.

Vendor Relations

• Provide exceptional customer service to vendors and merchants.

• Research disputes related to shortages, cost differences, markdown allowances, return discrepancies, A/P violations, pricing terms, discounts, and other vendor issues.

• Coordinate with Merchandising, Vendor Relations, and Transportation teams to validate and resolve deductions.

Process Improvement

• Identify recurring invoice and purchase order issues causing disputes or delays.

• Partner with supervisors and stakeholders to challenge existing processes and implement corrective actions.

• Focus on resolving issues related to Individual Performance Vendors (IPV).

• Follow up to ensure corrective actions are implemented and sustained.

Communication & Collaboration

• Maintain strong verbal and written communication with vendors and internal teams.

• Initiate, coordinate, and lead meetings involving vendors, Merchandising, and cross-functional partners.

• Build productive partnerships with Merchandising, vendors, and other business teams.

Team & Accountability

• Operate effectively in a team-oriented environment.

• Assist with training and knowledge sharing across the team.

• Provide coverage for team members as required.

• Support team goals and objectives in alignment with departmental and Accounts Payable standards.

Special Projects

• Participate in or coordinate special projects as assigned by SMEs, Analysts, or Managers.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent negotiation and dispute resolution abilities.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (4-year degree) or equivalent work experience.

• 1+ year of experience in accounting or accounts payable.

• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel; working knowledge of Access is an advantage.

• Experience working in shared services or retail finance operations is preffered.

Tagged as: MS Excel