POSITION SUMMARY:   

The Merchandise Payables Analyst is responsible for processing and reconciling invoices related to merchandise purchases. The role ensures accurate and timely payments to vendors by validating invoice details, investigating discrepancies between invoices and goods receipts, and managing vendor communications. The analyst also plays a key role in supporting month-end AP close activities. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES OF THE JOB: 

• Reconcile vendor statements to ensure all invoices have been received, recorded, and paid. 

• Investigate and resolve discrepancies between vendor invoices, purchase orders, and goods receipts (GR/IR). 

• Enter invoice data into the ERP system, as needed, ensuring accuracy and correct coding. 

• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., merchandising, receiving, inventory control) to resolve invoice match exceptions. 

• Communicate professionally with vendors to obtain missing invoices, clarify discrepancies, and provide payment status updates. 

• Track unresolved items and follow up regularly until cleared. 

• Maintain documentation of vendor correspondence and resolution notes for audit and SOX compliance. 

• Support monthly and quarterly close by preparing aging reports. 

• Assist with ad-hoc analysis as needed. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Direct: n/a 

Indirect: n/a 

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES:   

• No direct ownership of budgets. 

• Indirect impact on working capital and vendor relationship health by ensuring timely and accurate payments. 

• Supports accurate financial reporting through proper matching and resolution of liabilities. 

DECISION MAKING:   

• Determine when to escalate unresolved vendor disputes or matching exceptions. 

• Evaluate which invoices require manual intervention and which can be routed through automated workflows. 

• Recommend root cause solutions for recurring invoice discrepancies or statement variances. 

RESOURCEFULNESS/CREATIVITY:   

• High attention to detail and accuracy. 

• Ability to independently investigate complex 3-way match issues (PO, invoice, GR). 

• Navigate ERP systems, vendor portals, and shared databases to find missing documentation or reconcile balances. 

• Proactively engage internal departments and vendors to obtain information or resolve issues. 

• Adapt to shifting priorities during peak invoice volumes or month-end close cycles. 

ENVIRONMENT:  

• Hybrid work model. 

• Flexibility to work outside standard hours periodically to support global counterparts.  

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: 

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in accounts payable, preferably in merchandise A/P 

Working knowledge of ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) and invoice processing workflows.