Introduction
The Rebates Accountant will play a crucial role in managing and reconciling rebate accounts, ensuring accurate and timely processing of rebates, and maintaining the integrity of financial records. This role requires strong expertise in Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Debtors management, General Ledger (GL) knowledge, and balance sheet reconciliation, with a particular focus on the retail and FMCG sectors.
Duties & Responsibilities
Rebate Management:
Process and reconcile rebate transactions in accordance with company policies and agreements.
Ensure accurate calculation and timely disbursement of rebates.
Maintain detailed records of rebate agreements, transactions, and payments.

Accounts Payable & Receivable:
Support the Accounts Payable department to address Supplier queries relating to Manual Rebates, Promotional activity & discounts IRO Trading terms deducted from Vendors.

Debtors Management:
Manage the debtor ledger, including tracking overdue accounts and implementing collection strategies.
Prepare and review aging reports and escalate significant issues to management.

General Ledger (GL) & Balance Sheet Reconciliation:
Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations of the balance sheet accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Analyse and resolve discrepancies in financial records, ensuring compliance with accounting standards.

Financial Reporting:
Assist in the preparation of financial reports and analysis related to rebates, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and balance sheet reconciliations.
Provide insights and recommendations for improving financial processes and controls.

Compliance & Audit:
Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and regulatory requirements.
Prepare documentation and support audits related to rebate transactions and financial accounts.

Collaboration & Support:
Work closely with other departments, including Sales, Procurement, and Finance, to resolve rebate and payment issues.
Provide support for ad-hoc financial analysis and reporting as needed.
Desired Experience & Qualification
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a similar accounting role, with a focus on rebates, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and balance sheet reconciliation.
Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices, particularly in the retail and FMCG sectors.
Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
Competencies
Competencies

Attention to Detail:
Precision is key in managing rebates and reconciling accounts. The ability to notice discrepancies and ensure accuracy in financial records is essential.

Analytical Thinking:
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyse complex financial data, identify trends, and make informed decisions are vital for effective rebate management and reconciliation.

Organisational Skills:
The role involves managing multiple tasks and deadlines, so strong organizational abilities are necessary to keep track of rebate agreements, payments, and financial reports.

Communication Skills:
Clear and effective communication is important for interacting with vendors, colleagues, and management. The ability to explain financial concepts and issues in a straightforward manner is beneficial.

Time Management:
Efficiently managing time to handle various responsibilities and meet deadlines is crucial, especially during peak periods or financial close periods.

Problem-Solving Skills:
The ability to address and resolve issues related to rebates, accounts payable/receivable, and balance sheet discrepancies effectively is essential.

Team Collaboration:
Working well with other departments (e.g., Corporate Finance, Procurement) to resolve issues and ensure smooth financial operations requires strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Adaptability:
Being flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities, processes, or regulations helps in managing dynamic work environments and financial challenges.

Customer Service Orientation:
Providing excellent internal customer service, especially when resolving issues or clarifying financial information, is important for maintaining positive working relationships.

Ethical Judgment:
Maintaining integrity and ethical standards in handling financial transactions and sensitive information is crucial for upholding the company's reputation and compliance.
Key systems and tools to be familiar with
Accounting Software
Proficiency in accounting software such as *SAP, Oracle Financial Services, Microsoft Dynamics, QuickBooks, or Sage is crucial for processing transactions, generating reports, and performing reconciliations.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems:
Experience with ERP systems like *SAP, Oracle ERP, or Microsoft Dynamics helps in integrating and managing financial data across various business functions.

Rebate Management Systems:
Familiarity with specialized rebate management systems or modules, such as *Zilliant, Vistex, or Rebate Management Solutions, can streamline rebate processing and reporting.

Spreadsheet Software:
Advanced proficiency in *Microsoft Excel is necessary for financial analysis, data manipulation, and creating detailed reports. Skills in using pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and complex formulas are beneficial.

General Ledger (GL) Systems:
Understanding of GL systems and processes is important for maintaining accurate financial records and performing reconciliations.

Accounts Payable and Receivable Systems:

Experience with AP/AR systems like *Bill.com, Coupa, or Ariba helps in managing invoices, payments, and collections effectively.

Financial Reporting Tools:
Knowledge of financial reporting and business intelligence tools such as *Power BI, Tableau, or Crystal Reports aids in generating and visualising financial data.

Database Management:
Basic understanding of database management and querying (e.g., using SQL) can be helpful for extracting and analysing financial data.

Internal Control Systems:
Familiarity with internal control systems and software that ensure compliance and accuracy in financial reporting is important.

Data Security and Compliance Tools:
Awareness of data security and compliance tools and best practices, especially related to financial data, helps in maintaining confidentiality and adhering to regulations.