A/P REBATE SR ANALYST

The Accounts Payable Rebate Analyst ensures accurate and timely billing, tracking, and recording of vendor rebates for assigned programs. Designs and develops rebate databases and reports, utilizing a variety of data sources, to support expanding rebate programs. Determines the best strategy, approach or process to account for each rebate program. Serves as a liaison between vendors and Merchandising and Advertising to coordinate rebates and expedite the resolution of any issues. Job Responsibility

• Develops and performs all rebate accounting for accrued rebates, earned rebates, and prepaid rebates for assigned programs in compliance with GAAP and Company accounting policies and procedures, including SOX controls. In rebate program setup, determines rebate type and category for proper reporting. Determines sources of data and verifies integrity and appropriateness of data relative to the program and contract. Determines methods of rebate calculation, and calculates rebate accruals, processes payments/deductions, and updates applicable rebate spreadsheets and databases. (25%)
• Reviews and understands contracts and agreements, existing and proposed, interprets proper accounting and explains to management how the accounting may affect current, expected or proposed rebate performance or forecast. Ensures programs are sufficiently documented and understood. (15%)
• Designs and implements databases as needed for new and/or expanded rebate programs. Trains peers on new databases and ensures processes are well documented. (10%)
• Makes billing decisions, including whether to prepare a rebate bill or not, and for what amount, a partial bill, a full bill or prepaid amount. Ages rebates receivable and follows up with merchants and vendors to collect rebates. Retains authority to deduct in lieu of receiving a check if required. Recommends write-off of uncollectible rebates. (10%)
• Creates monthly period-end accrual uploads to the GL and RSL. Reconciles assigned rebates and completes period close documentation. (10%)
• Develops rapport and procedures and communicates status with all levels of management, particularly those with an interest in the analyst’s assigned program or department. Management includes those with budgetary responsibility for rebates. Communicates with vendors as well. (10%)
• Supports Merchandising and Logistics planning, budgeting and forecasting with knowledge of rebate programs, recommendations, and anticipated performance and accounting. (10%)
• Reconciles vendor rebate-related issues by conducting research, locating back-up documentation, and clarifying information using various systems, databases, and reports. (5%)
• Analyzes rebate processes and procedures to ensure best practices are used. Recommends, designs, and develops enhancements to the rebate process. Tests and implements improvements in the administration and performance of these programs. (5%)

• Proficient in oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent mathematical/computational skills.
• Self-starter with a strong work ethic and the ability to multi-task and efficiently coordinate and prioritize work.
• Proficient in accounting and accounting systems, including RSL and GL.
• Project management skills and leadership qualities that foster alignment with Company initiatives.
• Ability to prepare accruals, deductions, and rebate reporting, including the ability to review, analyze and assess vendor purchasing, receipt, sales and payment data while interacting with the Merchandising, Budget, and Advertising Departments as well as the Vendors.
• Retail industry knowledge, including an understanding of the order-shipping-billing-receiving cycle.
• Knowledge of and proficient skills in the use of database applications, presentation software packages, report writer tools, and systems software.

• Completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree in accounting or business.
• Two to four years of experience in Finance with more advanced technical skills in spreadsheet and database applications and use of accounting information systems; or equivalent work experience and technical expertise.