Purpose of the Position

Performs accounting and clerical tasks related to the accurate and timely processing and payment of accounts payable.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES - This is a Salary Non-Exempt position.

Processes invoices. Matches invoices to related paperwork. Enters invoices into accounting system in a timely manner, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies and procedures. Generates report to identify discrepancies. Researches to identify and correct error, obtaining approvals from managers as needed.

Processes payments. Performs multiple payment runs, including checks and electronic payments. Generates report to identify invoices requiring payment. Gathers and matches supporting documentation. Reviews for anomalies and makes corrections as necessary. Distributes checks as needed. Reconciles any balance forward accounts as needed. Ensures timely payment within vendor terms.

Resolves vendor concerns. Answers phone calls and emails from vendors and reviews incoming statements to resolve issues related to invoices. Researches records to confirm, verify and corroborate vendor-reported issue. Works with vendor to determine resolution and confirms with supervisor. Processes invoice if necessary.

Cross-trains with other accounting employees to ensure day-to-day functions are accomplished regardless of absences.

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Sits for long periods of time. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Handles large volumes of files and boxes them for storage. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility.

Travel: Travels domestically to and from multiple facilities or work-sites very occasionally. Overnight travel may be required for trainings very occasionally.

Technical Experience: Minimum 1 year accounting experience. Accounts payable experience a plus. Basic understanding of math and accounting principles required. Use of personal computer, calculator, and 10-key and a working knowledge of Word and Excel required. Experience with ERP systems a plus. Accurate data entry skills with attention to detail and strong organizational, interpersonal, analytical and verbal/written communication skills required. Must be able to work independently, be detail oriented and organized while working with a high degree of accuracy.

Industry Experience: Preference for food processing or manufacturing organization.

Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education: Some college, especially accounting classes.

Competencies:

Customer Focus: Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.

Organizing: Can marshal resources (people, funding, material, support) to get things done; can orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal; uses resources effectively and efficiently; arranges information and files in a useful manner.

Integrity and Trust: Is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual; can present the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful manner; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; doesn't misrepresent him/herself for personal gain.

Listening: Practices attentive and active listening; has the patience to hear people out; can accurately restate the opinions of others even when he/she disagrees.

Approachability: Is easy to approach and talk to; spends the extra effort to put others at ease; can be warm, pleasant, and gracious; is sensitive to and patient with the interpersonal anxieties of others; builds rapport well; is a good listener; is an early knower, getting informal and incomplete information in time to do something about it.