The Merchandiser Assistant I has primary responsibility for proper control procedures including accounts payable and all company and division policies and procedures. Merchandiser Assistants manage payables in a systematic and timely fashion also allowing for maximum use of credit terms with vendors. This position’s main duties include vendor management related to A/P including settlement reconciliation, invoice management and serves as the primary communications contact on any related issues. This is a customer facing role, so customer service and relationship development is critical to overall success. 

• Responsible for effectively performing assigned accounting tasks relating to the trade unit(s) in an efficient manner including but not limited to: Process freight payments/ticket upload or creation daily. Process final settlements in a timely manner. Process daily cash receipts and follow up on outstanding receivables and unapplied cash. 
• Assist merchandisers and customers with accounting questions.
• Occasionally assist merchandisers in any freight/logistical issues. 
• Work with both internal and external customers to proactively identify and solve problems that may arise. 
• Maintains an organized digital filing system meeting our record retention policy which includes invoices, contracts, reports and payment receipts. 
• Monthly reconciliation of inventories. 
• Review reports including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Freight Analysis and other miscellaneous reports on a daily/weekly basis and identify actionable items and resolve. Develop a basic understanding of our business to identify potential issues or opportunities and provide useful feedback to the Merchandisers. 
• Collaborates with Assistant Controller to ensure procedures/policies are followed. Required to report all perceived control policy and procedure concerns to the Assistant Controller.

Minimum

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately and completely
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks
• Strong mathematical and analytical ability
• Customer-centric, self-motivated, problem solver
• Proficiency in MS Office

Preferred

• Intermediate understanding of accounts payable and accounts receivable principles and procedures
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, along with desire to learn new programs