Accounts Payable Specialist

Job description

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position This position process vendor invoices and payments using SAP, involving invoice processing, payment runs, account reconciliation, and vendor communication. Key responsibilities include entering and coding invoices, resolving discrepancies with purchase orders and vendors, ensuring accurate record-keeping, and providing support for month-end close activities for production, maintenance, chemical and all capex for the soybean crushing, Glycerin, Packaging, biodiesel and Lecithin plant. In addition, this role will act as a production reporting liaison between Operations and Accounting groups. Strong analytical, communication, and Microsoft Excel skills, along with solid AP knowledge, are essential for success in this role. Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions · Processing of vendor invoices and payments using SAP, involving invoice processing, payment runs, account reconciliation, and vendor communication. Key responsibilities include entering and coding invoices, resolving discrepancies with purchase orders and vendors, ensuring accurate record-keeping, and providing support for month-end close activities · Processes invoices for payment and wires; ensure invoices have the proper level of authorization for payment in compliance with the Company’s corporate invoice approval policy; proactively works with other departments to obtain required approvals if necessary; determines proper cost center allocations and correct general ledger (G/L) accounts; determines payment schedules; ensures prompt payment of invoices according to designated payment schedule; provides payment status details as requested; resolves discrepancies with individuals presenting invoices for payment; follows-up on any disputes. · Invoice Processing: Review, verify, and process vendor invoices within the SAP system, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies and regulatory guidelines. · Account Reconciliation: Reconcile vendor accounts and statements to identify and resolve discrepancies, maintaining accurate financial records. · Vendor Communication: Serve as a primary point of contact for vendors, responding to inquiries about payment status, invoices, and discrepancies. · Works with area managers and requestors to ensure the correct account codes and departments are being used upon submission. Verifies with department managers upon completion prior to approvals. · Data Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date vendor files and records within the SAP system. · Discrepancy Resolution: Research and resolve any differences between invoices, purchase orders, and receipts. · Reporting: Assist with month-end close activities and provide data for financial reporting and analysis. · Responsible for all plant related Accounts Payable accruals · Processes accounts payable include requisitions coding (Confirming and AP Review in ePac), invoice coding for production, maintenance, chemical and all capex for the soybean crushing, Glycerin · Provides telephone reception support for incoming calls on multiple lines; greets visitors and responds to questions in professional manner or refers them as appropriate; directs traffic flow through office; completes the safety orientation PowerPoint training for visitors when necessary. · Provides requested data for credit references daily and annual audits/reviews. Assists in the preparation of all Sales, Use, Excise, Feed Grains, Income and other tax reports. · Collates and labels incoming mail and newspapers each morning to ensure appropriate distribution. Responsible for filing and archiving in order to keep office organized. Updates the employee organization chart and phone list. · Addresses special requests/projects, such as collecting and organizing data, performing account analyses, preparing ad hoc reports, assisting with system implementations and upgrades, and coordinating with personnel from other departments as required. · Assists with and serves as a back-up for other functions within the department as needed. Decision Making/Accountability · Applies knowledge of Company systems to avoid double-payments or overpayments of amounts which can negatively affect profit and loss. Ensures that proper approvals are obtained for invoices; promptly and accurately responds to questions from various sectors; proactively follows up on invoice payment issues and disputes. Prioritizes routine and non-routine tasks according to direction from others within the group. Works independently when handling routine duties; consults with supervisor about unusual matters or infrequent occurrences. Additional Responsibilities · Employee Uniforms- including ordering, tracking of safety vest washes · Track employee reimbursement for boots/safety glasses · Order Office Supplies and handling dumpster pick-up · Assists with and serves as a back-up for other functions within the department as needed. · Maintain waste tracking and fuel tracking spreadsheets · Organize resources for meetings, lunch, visitors and completes miscellaneous clerical tasks as assigned by the Plant Manager. · Completes miscellaneous clerical tasks as assigned by the Plant, Operations and SHE managers. Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses Basic qualifications: · High School Diploma/GED · Valid Driver’s License Preferred qualifications: · Formal business school training or college coursework in accounting Experience Basic qualifications: · One year of bookkeeping/accounting experience, including experience with bookkeeping/accounting procedures Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands) Basic qualifications: · SAP Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of the SAP software and its Accounts Payable modules. · AP Expertise: Solid understanding of fundamental Accounts Payable operations and full-cycle AP processes. · Microsoft Excel: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, including the use of Pivot Tables and VLOOKUP functions for data management. · Attention to Detail: A meticulous and detail-oriented approach to ensure the accuracy of financial data. · Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills for interacting with vendors and internal stakeholders. · Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and resolve discrepancies effectively. · Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and time management skills to handle high-volume workloads. Equipment Used · Typical office environment: PC, telephone, fax machine, calculator, scanner and copier · In plant areas: must wear proper personal protective equipment (PPEs) when required and possible use of occupational health and safety testing equipment (e.g., air monitors) in compliance with OSHA regulations. · Typical office environment: PC, telephone, fax machine, calculator, scanner and copier · In plant areas: must wear proper personal protective equipment (PPEs) when required and possible use of occupational health and safety testing equipment (e.g., air monitors) in compliance with OSHA regulations. Company Conformance Statements In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following: · Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision. · Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates and the general public. · Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company. · Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and Company policy. What We Offer We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world. - Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage - 401k with Company Match - Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays - Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles) Diversity & Inclusion LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion. LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Equal employment opportunity (EEO) Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Sustainability Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company. We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.