The Deductions Specialist role ensures the timely and accurate resolution of valid customer deductions, providing the Sales Team with information and visibility on their trade investments by customer and brands through current trade promotion spend activity. This role researches and analyzes customer payment trends to prevent unauthorized deductions. The Deductions Specialist helps to maintain the Company’s financial health by monitoring the AR Aging and contacting customers when accounts become past due to ensure that all invoices are paid.

Responsibilities 

• Research and resolve client deductions, including but not limited to promotional, slotting, promotional discounts, pricing, shipping claims, rebates, freight, and product returns, among others.
• Partner with other business departments (Sales, Customer Service, Operations) to validate, report, and resolve deductions.
• Partner with Brokers and 3PL shippers to validate and obtain deduction backup.
• Utilize the Customer’s portals to validate and obtain the deduction backup.
• Identify invalid deductions and submit disputes with the customer to recover funds on time.
• Prepare weekly deduction aging report with commentary.
• Clear deductions to appropriate trade plans and non-trade GL accounts.
• Provide strong customer service to internal business partners - Deduction Team, AR Team, IT, Sales, Customer Service, or Operations.
• Communicate and support the values, culture, and mission of Mezzetta’s CORE Ingredients.
• Other Deduction projects as assigned by AR Manager

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent, one to two years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-2 years of experience processing trade promotion deductions
• 1-2 years of collection experience
• Proficient in Excel, Word, and Adobe Acrobat
• Experience with ERP Systems preferred.
• Experience with Customer Portals preferred.
• Ability to accurately analyze data and prepare reports.