Claims and Returns Accounting Head

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Claims and Returns Accounting Head specializing in trade spends accounting to join our finance team. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of claims processing and accounts receivable management related to trade promotions and expenditures. Your primary objective will be to ensure accurate and timely recording, reconciliation, and reporting of trade spends, while maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

Trade Spends Management

• Budgeting and Planning: Collaborate with sales, marketing, and finance teams to

develop annual trade spend budgets and forecasts.

• Execution: Oversee the execution of trade promotions, discounts, rebates, and

allowances according to approved budgets and agreements with customers or

vendors.

Claims Management

• Manage the end-to-end process of trade promotion claims, including validation,

processing, and settlement.

• Review and analyze claims to ensure adherence to contractual terms and compliance

with company policies.

• Collaborate closely with sales, marketing, and operations teams to resolve

discrepancies and ensure timely resolution of claims.

• Reconciling accounts and ensuring all transactions are recorded correctly.

Accounts Receivable (AR) Management

• Monitor and reconcile accounts receivable related to trade promotions and

deductions.

• Work closely with customers and internal teams to resolve payment issues and ensure

timely collection of trade-related receivables.

• Maintain accurate records of receivables, deductions, and adjustments, and provide

regular reporting to management.

• Following up on outstanding receivables and resolving any billing issues or disputes.

Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on trade spend activities, including

variances and trends analysis.

• Analyzing financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for

improvement in trade spend efficiency.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance controls related to trade

spend accounting and claims management.

• Implement best practices and standardized procedures to improve accuracy and

efficiency in claim processing and AR management.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including sales teams,

customers, and external partners.

• Serve as a subject matter expert on trade spend accounting and claims management,

providing guidance and support as needed.

Job Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field

is typically required. A master's degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA) could

be advantageous.

• Previous experience in accounts receivable, claims management, or financial

analysis roles.

• Familiarity with trade promotions, sales agreements, and rebate programs is highly

beneficial.

• Experience in a managerial or supervisory role may be required for more senior

positions.

• Experience leading a team of claims analysts, AR specialists, or accounting

professionals, including performance management, coaching, and development.

• Strong understanding of accounting principles, particularly related to accounts

receivable and trade spend.

• Ability to analyze financial data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.

• Effective communication skills for negotiating claims, explaining financial

information, and collaborating across teams.

• Accuracy in processing claims and reconciling accounts.

• Ability to resolve issues and discrepancies in a timely manner.

• Proficiency in using ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and other accounting software

for invoicing, reconciliations, and reporting.