Deductions Specialist- Accounts Receivable

Aston Carter

5h•Onsite

About The Position

The Deductions Specialist will focus on analyzing, researching, and clearing customer deductions within a fully integrated ERP environment while supporting the broader Accounts Receivable function. This role requires hands-on experience with accounts receivable processing for major grocery retail customers and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, highly interconnected team. The specialist will ensure timely and accurate deduction processing, help prevent recurring issues, and maintain strong communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

At least 2 years of accounting or accounts receivable experience, preferably in a high-volume, ERP-driven environment.
Hands-on accounts receivable experience, including collections, deduction processing, chargebacks, and cash application.
Experience working with fully integrated ERP systems such as SAP, JDE, NetSuite, Sage, or similar platforms.
Experience doing business with grocery retail customers (for example, large chains and regional markets).
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the use of pivot tables for reporting and analysis.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Ability to analyze, reconcile, and resolve complex deductions, claims, and account discrepancies.
Strong skills in financial analysis, pricing and invoicing review, and aging report management.
Experience with data entry, reporting, and reconciliation within accounts receivable and banking-related processes.
Solid understanding of JDE or other ERP systems and trade management tools, including trade funds management programs.
Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with stakeholders at all levels and ask for help or escalate issues when needed.
Ability to manage and maintain inter-departmental processes and procedures effectively, ensuring accurate and timely information flow.
Customer service mindset with the ability to handle inquiries and issues professionally and courteously.

Nice To Haves

A two-year degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
Experience with trade funds management tools such as Blue Planner or similar systems.
Experience managing and processing brokerage payments.
Background in collections, chargeback analysis, pricing validation, and claim resolution.
Familiarity with customer portals and virtual communication tools for interacting with brokers and customers.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team, recognizing how individual work impacts downstream processes.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and timeliness.
Comfort working in a transforming, growth-oriented environment with evolving processes and systems.

Responsibilities

Analyze, categorize, code, and clear customer deductions accurately and in a timely manner for assigned accounts.
Develop deep expertise in the company’s AR processes, JDE (or similar ERP), and the behaviors and payment cadence of assigned customers.
Research and document deductions to confirm that the appropriate deals and promotions are correctly entered in the trade funds management program (Blue Planner) and related systems.
Identify invalid deductions, gather supporting documentation, and clearly demonstrate to customers when repayment is due, following up to collect outstanding amounts.
Communicate proactively with stakeholders across departments (such as sales, customer service, transportation, and warehouse) to collect, analyze, and confirm all necessary information before processing transactions in JDE and Blue Planner.
Maintain organized records by gathering, filing, and storing all documentation relevant to deduction processing and accounts receivable activities.
Identify root causes of invalid or recurring deductions and recommend methods and process improvements to prevent future issues whenever possible.
Provide inter- and intra-departmental support, fostering productive working relationships with internal teams, brokers, and customers.
Handle all internal and external contacts, including calls, virtual meetings, and customer portals, in a professional and courteous manner.
Assist with accounts receivable special projects as needed, supporting broader departmental goals and process enhancements.
Support cash application activities and general accounts receivable processing when required.
Prepare and deliver reports and information to appropriate stakeholders upon request, using Excel and other reporting tools.
Collaborate closely with the AR team to ensure timely and accurate completion of daily transactional work in ERP and trade management systems.
Leverage knowledge of brokerage payments to help manage and process brokerage-related transactions when applicable.