Position: Accounts Receivable (AR) Analyst

Department: Finance / Accounting
Reports to: Accounts Receivable Supervisor or Coordinator

 

Job Objective

The Accounts Receivable (AR) Analyst – Retail Industry is responsible for managing the end-to-end AR process, ensuring accurate and timely processing of customer payments, and maintaining financial health through efficient collections and account management. This role demands a deep understanding of retail operations, high transaction volumes, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

Key Responsibilities

Data Entry and Recording: Process high volumes of invoices and payments from retail customers, including distributors, wholesalers, and direct-to-consumer channels. Accurately enter returns and credit notes into the accounting system or ERP. Reconcile payment discrepancies related to retail promotions, discounts, and returns. Manage chargebacks and deductions specific to the retail sector, ensuring proper documentation and resolution Verify that all returns are properly supported by documentation, such as invoices, authorizations, and receipts. Customer Account Maintenance:      Monitor customer accounts for overdue balances and implement proactive collection strategies. Resolve billing disputes by collaborating with sales, customer service, and retail partners. Ensure customer credit limits align with company policies and retail dynamics.

 

Review and Validation: Contact clients to secure timely payments. Ensure that returns comply with company policies and customer agreements. Maintain detailed records of communication with customers and follow up on payment commitments. Investigate and resolve discrepancies in returns and credit notes, escalating complex cases when necessary. Reconciliations: Perform regular reconciliations of accounts receivable to ensure are correctly reflected in customer balances. Identify and resolve variances between system records and customer-reported balances. Follow-up: Monitor the status of pending returns for approval or processing. Address and resolve incomplete or rejected returns, ensuring proper documentation and resolution. Communication and Support: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, supply chain, and retail operations, to address AR-related issues. Support financial audits by providing retail-specific AR documentation and reconciliations. Compliance: Ensure compliance with company policies and tax regulations in the processing of returns (e.g., issuing credit notes in line with legal requirements). Keep processes and documentation up to date with current regulations.

Requirements

Education:

High school diploma or technical certification in accounting, administration, or related fields. Preferred: Basic training or knowledge in accounting or accounts receivable.

Experience:

3-5 of experience in accounts receivable, credit control, or a similar role, preferably in the retail industry. Indispensable experience with ERP systems SAP.

Technical Knowledge:

Basic understanding of accounting and account reconciliation. Familiarity with return processes and credit note issuance. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other office tools.

Skills:

Strong understanding of retail business models, and e-commerce operations. Exceptional problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, etc.) and financial reporting tools. Effective communication and negotiation skills to manage retail client relationships. Ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment with fluctuating transaction volumes.