Accounts Payable Specialist

Company Description

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

Job Description

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position

This position process vendor invoices and payments using SAP, involving invoice processing, payment runs, account reconciliation, and vendor communication. Key responsibilities include entering and coding invoices, resolving discrepancies with purchase orders and vendors, ensuring accurate record-keeping, and providing support for month-end close activities for production, maintenance, chemical and all capex for the soybean crushing, Glycerin, Packaging, biodiesel and Lecithin plant. In addition, this role will act as a production reporting liaison between Operations and Accounting groups. Strong analytical, communication, and Microsoft Excel skills, along with solid AP knowledge, are essential for success in this role.

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

· Processing of vendor invoices and payments using SAP, involving invoice processing, payment runs, account reconciliation, and vendor communication. Key responsibilities include entering and coding invoices, resolving discrepancies with purchase orders and vendors, ensuring accurate record-keeping, and providing support for month-end close activities

· Processes invoices for payment and wires; ensure invoices have the proper level of authorization for payment in compliance with the Company’s corporate invoice approval policy; proactively works with other departments to obtain required approvals if necessary; determines proper cost center allocations and correct general ledger (G/L) accounts; determines payment schedules; ensures prompt payment of invoices according to designated payment schedule; provides payment status details as requested; resolves discrepancies with individuals presenting invoices for payment; follows-up on any disputes.

· Invoice Processing: Review, verify, and process vendor invoices within the SAP system, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies and regulatory guidelines.

· Account Reconciliation: Reconcile vendor accounts and statements to identify and resolve discrepancies, maintaining accurate financial records.

· Vendor Communication: Serve as a primary point of contact for vendors, responding to inquiries about payment status, invoices, and discrepancies.

· Works with area managers and requestors to ensure the correct account codes and departments are being used upon submission. Verifies with department managers upon completion prior to approvals.

· Data Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date vendor files and records within the SAP system.

· Discrepancy Resolution: Research and resolve any differences between invoices, purchase orders, and receipts.

· Reporting: Assist with month-end close activities and provide data for financial reporting and analysis. · Responsible for all plant related Accounts Payable accruals

· Processes accounts payable include requisitions coding (Confirming and AP Review in ePac), invoice coding for production, maintenance, chemical and all capex for the soybean crushing, Glycerin

· Provides telephone reception support for incoming calls on multiple lines; greets visitors and responds to questions in professional manner or refers them as appropriate; directs traffic flow through office; completes the safety orientation PowerPoint training for visitors when necessary.

· Provides requested data for credit references daily and annual audits/reviews. Assists in the preparation of all Sales, Use, Excise, Feed Grains, Income and other tax reports.

· Collates and labels incoming mail and newspapers each morning to ensure appropriate distribution. Responsible for filing and archiving in order to keep office organized. Updates the employee organization chart and phone list.

· Addresses special requests/projects, such as collecting and organizing data, performing account analyses, preparing ad hoc reports, assisting with system implementations and upgrades, and coordinating with personnel from other departments as required.

· Assists with and serves as a back-up for other functions within the department as needed.

Decision Making/Accountability

· Applies knowledge of Company systems to avoid double-payments or overpayments of amounts which can negatively affect profit and loss. Ensures that proper approvals are obtained for invoices; promptly and a