Credit Analyst

What makes this a great opportunity?

Suntory Global Spirits is a world leader in premium spirits with $5.5 billion in annual revenues and an ambition to become the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company. We have a strong vision and strategy, an incredible brand portfolio grounded in quality and craftsmanship, an unwavering commitment to sustainability and top talent across the organization. We are focused on driving value across key priorities including American whiskey, Japanese Spirits, Scotch, Tequila and Ready-to-Drink. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings, which is world renowned for delivering quality and excellence across a range of products and categories.

Mission of Role 

The Credit Analyst is responsible for supporting the AR management for relevant markets/customers.   This includes reviewing business plan and providing Credit alignment, verifying and processing sales orders, managing portfolio accounts, Coordinating with commercial teams and customers for payments.  This individual directly interfaces with internal and external customers to resolve account discrepancies and build long-lasting relationships to drive collections and managing overdue. The analyst actively collaborates with other Credit team members and peers in Commercial, Billing, Cash Application, Commercial finance, Operations and tax to identify and resolve issues related to order release and potential cash flow problems.  This role reports to Manager- Order to Cash.

Role Responsibilities

• Perform credit reviews for customers in relevant markets, make sure the required documents are in place for assigning credit, correct risk category is defined in system.
• Coordinate with commercial and commercial finance to pre-align the credit requirements for respective markets/customers based on sales plan and initiate for required actions/approvals.
• Manage the portfolio accounts handled within the prescribed policy and service sales orders.
• Performs daily collection activities such as contacting customers/ respective commercial teams for past dues, sales coordinators for payment advices and TBO team for cash applications.  Also support in “C” form collections, reconciliation of accounts, sending follow-up inquiries.
• Coordinate with Credit Insurance Company and provide required information for coverage, timely updates and follow ups.
• Maintains high level performance of customer portfolio, driving process improvement in the end to end Order to Cash Cycle.
  • Take actions to encourage timely debt payment, maintain/update account status records and collection efforts (SAP Logs)
  • Customer Visits (3-5 days in a month)
  • Maintain direct communication with clients to ensure timely payments
  • Investigate and resolve aged AR transactions for all accounts assigned by the Manager- Order to Cash
  • Verify customer reconciliations and escalate disputes with Commercial finance for resolution.
  • Weekly reports on collection activity and accounts receivable status
• Performs monthly AML testing, monitor and escalate any unapplied collections, maintain cheque bounce tracker and escalate recurring cases.
• Structures and owns deduction resolution strategies to identify and process account adjustments
  • Quarterly Bad debt provision and write off working
  • Reduction in 90 days outstanding and DSO improvement
• Maintains accurate records including notes on customer communication and follow up plans
• Creates reports relating to account receivable and cash flow forecasting
• Supports internal & statuary Audits of the accounts receivable and improve efficiency
• Engages in projects and process improvement initiatives as assigned by the Credit Manager
• Escalate any potential defaults to the Manager- Order to Cash for review and appropriate action.

Qualifications

• A minimum bachelor’s degree in finance and/or accounting, MBA will be added advantage.
• Reconciliation of complex accounts
• Competency with large ERP systems preferably SAP
• Confidence to deal with a range of stakeholders
• Proficiency with Windows and MS office especially in Excel

Key Skills, Competencies & Experience 

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Good business acumen for problem solving
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize a demanding workload           
• Solid written and oral communication
• Ability to be flexible in a highly changing environment
• Go getter and self-motivated

Experience in shared services environment is plus