AR and Deductions Manager

Company & Culture:

At GT's Living Foods, we're more than just a company - we're a community passionate about creating a healthier, happier world. Over the last 30 years we've built a culture of inclusivity and authenticity, where our shared values create an environment that inspires you to do your best while achieving meaningful results. Our mission to transform health and happiness through potent, living foods has established us as the #1 Kombucha brand and a leader in the Health & Wellness space.

Job Responsibilities:

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Accounts Receivables (AR) and Deductions Manager to lead our AR team in ensuring efficient cash flow, accurate financial reporting and customer satisfaction. This role will oversee AR Coordinators and our Credit & Collections Supervisor, focusing on customer contract review, deductions management, Deduction and AR analytics, compliance with SOPs, and ensuring optimal collections processes. Key responsibilities include managing deductions disputes, performing month-end reconciliations, monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), holding team meetings, and analyzing promotional planned spend versus deductions received. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with exceptional analytical skills, a detailed oriented approach, a passion for problem-solving, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and high-performing team.

Essential Duties:

Deductions Management:

• Lead efforts to manage and resolve customer deductions, including promotional discounts, pricing discrepancies, shortages, and claims.
• Handle and oversee deductions disputes, ensuring timely resolution and maintaining strong customer relationships.
• Establish and enforce clear processes for deduction identification, validation, coding accuracy, and resolution.
• Review and analyze all working deductions weekly (EDLPs, Off Invoice, Fair Share, Free Fill, New Items, New Stores, and unusual trade-related deductions) as well as all non-working deductions (spoilage, mis-ships, freight charges, compliance-related, damages, etc.) for review and escalation if necessary, and prepare a summarized report with comments and notes on actions taken.
• Ensure all deductions align with customer contracts and flag any deductions outside of agreed terms for dispute.
• Analyze deduction trends to identify root causes and recommend process improvements.
• Maintain a process to track aged disputes and CEO inquiries, ensuring timely responses and resolution.

Team Leadership & Oversight:

• Directly manage a team of AR Coordinators and our Credit & Collections Supervisor, providing mentorship, guidance, and regular performance feedback.
• Hold regular team meetings to review performance, share updates, and foster collaboration.
• Conduct periodic performance reviews for team members, identifying areas for growth and development.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track team efficiency and success

Team Leadership & Oversight:

• Directly manage a team of AR Coordinators and our Credit & Collections Supervisor, providing mentorship, guidance, and regular performance feedback.
• Hold regular team meetings to review performance, share updates, and foster collaboration.
• Conduct periodic performance reviews for team members, identifying areas for growth and development.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track team efficiency and success.

Customer Contract Review:

• Collaborate with sales, legal, and customer service teams to review and ensure compliance with customer contracts, focusing on promotional agreements, payment terms, and credit limits.
• Identify potential risks in contracts and recommend solutions to mitigate financial exposure.
• Ensure each customer's deductions align with their contractual agreements, flagging and disputing any non-compliant claims.

Month End Close & Reporting:

• Perform month-end reconciliations for accounts receivable and deductions accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
• Prepare monthly deductions accruals, including forecasts for anticipated liabilities.
• Report key metrics and financial insights to the Controller and CFO, providing actionable recommendations to drive improvements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Develop and deliver detailed AR and deductions reports, providing actionable insights for cross functional teams.
• Create dashboards and reporting tools to monitor team performance and highlight areas for improvement.

Credit & Collections Oversight:

• Support the Credit & Collections Supervisor in managing credit policies, assessing customer creditworthiness, and optimizing collections strategies.
• Collaborate with customers to ensure timely payments and maintain positive relationships.
• Monitor high-risk accounts, recommending escalations or adjustments to credit terms as needed.

SOP Management & Compliance:

• Formalize, manage, and update all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to deduction management, contract management, accrual processing, cash receipts, deduction receipts, and AR workflows.
• Ensure adherence to established SOPs and compliance requirements within the AR and deductions processes.
• Regularly review processes to identify opportunities for improvement and automation.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of accounts receivable, deductions management, and credit & collections processes.
• In-depth knowledge of customer contracts, trade promotions, and dispute resolution within a manufacturing or consumer goods environment.
• Ability to interpret and enforce customer contracts related to payment terms, deductions, and trade agreements.
• Technology Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data modeling) and experience with business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau). ERP systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics) and accounting software.
• Familiarity with financial reporting, month-end close processes, and deductions accruals.
• Knowledge of GAAP accounting principles related to accounts receivable and revenue recognition.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze large datasets, identify trends, and develop actionable insights to improve AR performance and deductions management.
• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, develop, and mentor a team, including setting KPIs and conducting performance reviews.
• Communication & Negotiation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and negotiate with customers.
• Process Improvement & Organization: Strong ability to streamline workflows, develop Standard Operating Procedures, and enhance efficiency in AR operations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while meeting strict deadlines.
• Ability to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders (sales, finance, operations) and external customers to facilitate collections and dispute resolution.
• Ability to analyze financial metrics and drive strategic decision-making for AR and deductions.
• Ability to proactively identify and implement process improvements to optimize AR performance and reduce deductions processing times.

GT's Employee Experience (Benefits/Perks):

• Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401K with Matching
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on the amazing GT's product line
• Corporate Discounts with our partners through LifeMart (Concert & sporting event tickets, cell phone service, gifts, restaurants, hotels, gyms, childcare, and more!)

Job Details:

• Work Hours: Business Hours
• Availability to travel as needed
• Available to work flexible schedules
• Pay Range: $90,000 to $105,000 annually, bonus eligible

GT's Living Foods, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and maintaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.