Deduction Analyst

Job Title: Deductions Analyst 

Department: Finance/Accounting 

Reports To: Corporate Accounting Manager  

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Travel: 10% 

Job Summary

The Deduction is responsible for driving accuracy in revenue recognition, minimizing financial exposure from customer deductions (highly retail customers), and identifying root causes to prevent recurring issues. This role not only manages the deduction resolution process but also leads and supports continuous improvement initiatives and cost reduction efforts across their area. The ideal candidate will bring a strong analytical background, a proactive mindset, and experience managing cross-functional projects aimed at improving efficiency and driving sustainable cost savings. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Investigate, validate, and resolve retail customer deductions through comprehensive analysis of supporting documents, including invoices, POs, remittances, and shipment records. 
• Investigate, validate and resolve deductions related to promotional allowance programs to ensure charge falls within plan. 
• Document and maintain clear, audit-ready records of all deduction activity in the Deduction Management System. 
• Proactively identify recurring issues or trends in deductions; collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Operations, and IT teams to recommend and implement corrective actions. 
• Manage accrual process for promotional allowances program and outstanding deductions. 
• Lead or contribute to continuous improvement projects focused on streamlining the deduction management process and enhancing overall Accounts Receivable performance. 
• Prepare detailed documentation for invalid deductions and communicate directly with customers to facilitate resolution and reimbursement. 
• Drive resolution of open items within target timelines, ensuring alignment with key performance indicators and business unit financial goals. 
• Partner with internal stakeholders to understand customer compliance guidelines and minimize preventable deductions. 
• Conduct root cause analysis on deduction activity to uncover process gaps, inefficiencies, or revenue leakage. 
• Support and/or lead cost reduction initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve cash flow and reduce write-offs. 
• Manage or assist in cross-functional projects that impact deduction resolution, or customer claims processing. 
• Perform reconciliations and validate deduction data against system reports to ensure financial accuracy. 
• Maintain accurate records and adhere to company policies for retention and compliance. 
• All other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education Requirement/Work Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field is a plus. 
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Accounts Receivable, Deduction Management, or related financial operations. Experience with retail customers is a plus. 
• Demonstrated success in leading or supporting process improvement or cost savings initiatives. 
• Proven ability to manage and execute projects that deliver measurable financial or operational outcomes. 
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and ERP systems (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, etc.). 
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with data analysis tools (Power BI, Tableau) is a plus. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence across departments and external partners. 
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills; capable of managing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Self-starter with a continuous improvement mindset and the ability to challenge the status quo constructively. 
• Manufacturing industry experience preferred. 

Computer Skills  

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient with Microsoft Office -- MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint. NetSuite experience a plus. 

Core Values  

Our core values define how we work and what we expect from every associate. The ideal candidate will consistently demonstrate these values in performing the responsibilities of this role. Each core value represents essential behaviors and competencies aligned with the duties and qualifications of the position. 

Accountability – We take full responsibility for our actions and outcomes, ensuring transparency and trust with our stakeholders, customers, associates, and the environment. Competencies: Problem Solving, Decision Making, Planning & Organizing, Resilience, Time Management/Prioritization and Learning Agility 

Innovation – We champion creativity and collaboration, continually striving to deliver groundbreaking solutions that transform our industry and exceed expectations. Competencies: Creativity & Curiosity, Continuous Improvement, Vision & Strategic Thinking, and Collaboration & Teamwork 

Integrity – We uphold the highest ethical standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in every decision and action, fostering trust at all levels in our organization. Competencies: Honesty, Consistency & Dependability and Commitment to Excellence 

Adaptability – We embrace change agility and resilience, staying flexible and proactive in a constantly evolving world. Competencies: Communication, Results Oriented and Flexibility 

Caring – We prioritize the well-being of our people, communities, and business partners, recognizing that their success and happiness are vital to our own. Competencies: Organizational Savvy, Risk Management, Compliance, Diversity, and Empathy 

Passion – We are driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, demonstrating determination to succeed while maintaining humility and respect for others. Competencies: Commitment, Persistence & Tenacity, Humility and Respect 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is typical of most manufacturing environments. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high level with ear protection required. 

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to a particular position. This document in no way states or implies that this is as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required and personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. The Company reserves the right to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from, any section of this document as it deems, in its judgment, to be proper.