The Global Ocean Freight Payables Associate leads activities related to the timely creation, processing, reconciliation, and payment of invoices from the execution of PEP Import Export Ocean Freight business globally (Ocean Carriers, 4PL - FF).  This role will be responsible to provide tactical execution of the requirements to deliver these operations for the business and will deliver department KPIs and SLAs in support insuring I/E excellence and controls compliance for PEP.   

The role will insure the areas of accounts payable, vendors support, vendor maintenance, field support, and associated reporting and is accountable for the timely and accurate creation of requisitions through to payment of suppliers performing services for PEP for the assigned sector scope.  The role is also responsible to engage in improving efficiency of the operation through the broader I/E team.  

Functional Responsibilities: 

• Ensure ocean freight requisition to pay process is completed in accordance to requirements of the business 

• Ensure invoice processing activities are completed according to payment terms and business expectations 

• Collaborate with Ocean Freight teams, Transport execution and Order mngmt to optimize and standardize ways of working and ensure good service delivery to business and customers 

• Ensure Payment conditions are met and conditions adhered to prior to product release – with appropriate comms,  escalations and controls in place (e.g. Pay before shipment SSA – payment in advance and credit limits checks) – liaise to ensure final check before shipment (accounts receivable / local dispatch)** 

• Resolve any escalated customer or vendor inquiries in a professional and efficient manner  

• Ensure payables duties are executed in compliance within internal audit (SAG/SOX) guidelines for each global market 

• Provide period actual payment reporting and forecast detail to the sectors and businesses 

• Support and action opportunities to automate I/E billing and payments 

• Execute audit program to ensure timely payments and avoid ageing or impacts to vendor service 

• Deliver inputs to comprehensive reporting on KPIs and metrics for payables by sector and capability 

• Support initiatives to digitize processes and create digital tools to support continuous improvement efforts  

• Adopt new and existing I/E  IT and Technology platforms sustainment, training, and enhancements  

• Build sustainable business partnerships with sector operations teams, I/E procurement, I/E Ocean, I/E C&T to understand business drivers and add value to their operations 

• Support Business Reporting processes and AOP Preparation as required 

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required with concentration in Finance, Business, Data Analytics or SC
• 5-8 years experience with payable systems and processes (transportation / Customs & trade invoices a plus)
• Advanced/Proficient Computer Skills (MS office – Excel – Power BI) and data reporting systems
• Superb organizational, communication, and analytical skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and formulate effective actions and prioritize
• Experience and comfort with digital systems and tools
• Ability to positively influence teams outside of direct responsibility and across multiple business units
• Capable of working in a remote work group and being managed by a remote manager
• Utilize technical/functional knowledge to creates and solve business problems
• Self-starter with attention to detail and experience leading multiple teams
• Ability to work collaboratively and proactively across multi-functional, sector, and business teams
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; proactively communicates using appropriate methods for situation and audience in clear, concise and professional manner
• English Fluency both written and verbal required; Exceptional communication skills across global businesses (additional languages a plus)
• Ability to navigate through ambiguity and adapt quickly to a changing environment
• Strong team player passionate about collaborating, coordinating, and committed to teamwork in all situations