Trade Promotions Analyst - Finance and Accounting

The Trade Promotions Analyst is responsible for ensuring that Stratas trade, brokerage, label, marketing and promotional programs are properly established and maintained in the applicable systems, and for safeguarding company assets by promptly validating and processing payment and deduction data. The Trade Promotions Analyst is also responsible for analyzing program activity, ensuring that accruals are properly stated and coordinating with the Commercial team to provide financial progam effectiveness data. Essential Duties & Responsibilties 1. Set up and maintain marketing/promotion items in the applicable system (trade rebates, brokerage, buying group rebates, MAP funds, operator promotions, label allowances, etc). Maintain applicable system/database to reflect and track deals offered by sales. 2. Research inquiries from customers and business partners related to promotional items, and communicate findings promptly. 3. Process trade promotion transactions and maintain applicable system or database for the preparation of payment requests for trade related items, and ensure approval is obtained before submitting to A/P for payment. 4. Receive incoming deductions for trade related items, and review to determine if the program has been created. Obtain support from the customer and coordinate with the customer to determine the nature/details of their claim and to validate their deductions. 5. Enter or review customer data in the applicable database to determine the validity of the customer’s claim and the related available accrual. Analyze database items for accuracy compared to customer deductions/payment requests, price changes, etc. 6. Prepare payment or deduction requests for items that are supported by existing trade programs. Resolve any discrepancies with Sales and/or customers. 7. For invalid trade deduction items, contact the customer to secure repayment providing necessary information to support the amount allowed by Stratas for the trade program. 8. Maintain deduction database information in the trade promotion system, and update the category and status of deductions currently open and in the resolution process. 9. Prepare reports to track the status of payment requests and deduction balances, and to communicate progress to Stratas management. Develop/maintain reports to communicate trade spending information, accrual balances and to support monthly P/L variance analysis. 10. Collaborate closely with the Commercial team and provide spending and accrual data to assist with manaing the trade program objectives. 11. Collaborate with onsite teams and particpate in onsite meetings to drive departmental objectivies. 12. Other projects as requested by management to support the Finance department. Education : Bachelor's degree in a business related field required or equivalent experience. Related Experience : 1 - 3 years business experience. Experience in Customer Service, Sales/Marketing or Accounting/Finance is strongly preferred. Equipment/Software Skills : Excellent knowledge of all Microsoft Office, database access, and spreadsheet programs (should be able to create formulas, link and summarize data, etc.) required. Must be able to quickly learn new system applications. Experience working with databases and exporting to Excel is preferred. Competencies Problem Solving - Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations. Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions. Works well with both internal and external customers. Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Makes timely decisions. Uses strong reasoning and negotiation skills to secure repayment from customers for invalid items. Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit. Strong organizational skills with an attention to detail and accuracy to document and trade promotion data Physical: Sitting/Walking/Climbing as required in a manufacturing environment. On your feet for most of the shift with occasional lifting climbing stairs and ladders including rail cars and trucks. The employee will also be required to use hands, arms and fingers. The physical requirements are they must have the ability to lift 50 pounds, climb stairs, lift, bend, kneel, stand for long periods of time, work in small spaces, and work with heights. Sensory: Good Listening Skills; Public speaking abilities to communicate with both hourly and salaried personnel. Along with the listening skills you must be able to determine the purpose of what you’re listening to and prioritize accordingly. Ability to perform sensory testing on in-process and finished product samples, must be able to distinguish issues from taste, smell or sight of the product. Mental/Reasoning: Organizational; Decision making ability; Multi-tasking; Must have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to accommodate a quick paced environment (a quick thinker). Pay: $26.91 hr to $33.63 hr Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision Stratas Foods is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee in any manner prohibited by law, including but not limited to, on the basis of race or color, religion, gender, age, genetic information, national origin/ancestry, mental or physical disability, family status/marital status, military/veteran status, and any other legally protected status. Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision-The Employer will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Employer’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) Stratas Foods Applicant Request for Accommodation Form: Stratas Foods California Privacy Rights Act Policy: Stratas Foods LLC is the leading supplier of fats and oils to the Foodservice, Food Ingredients and Retail Private Label markets in North America and is a producer of quality bulk and packaged dressings, mayonnaise and sauces. Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH) and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Manufacturing facilities are located in Dallas and Houston, TX; Decatur and Quincy, IL; Englewood, NJ; Hillside, NJ; Fresno, CA; Nashville, TN; and Valdosta, GA. Corporate offices are located in Memphis, TN. We are committed to maintaining a workplace that utilizes ideas, skills and talents of all of our employees. We strive to make Stratas Foods a great place to work and are building a team capable of meeting our business goals.