JOB OVERVIEW:
Under direction, the IR Research Specialist is responsible for researching and resolving invoice payment inquiries while assuring controls are maintained and SOX guidelines are met. The IR Research Specialist supports onboarding efforts for the Vendor Management Portal and Darden's Procure to Pay system while creating an emphasis on supplier adoption of self-registration and self-service invoicing and inquiry.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the Accounts Payable phone queue including vendor and restaurant manager inquiries

• Research vendor payment inquiries while guiding vendors towards the self-service tools available in the Vendor Management Portal and Darden's Procure to Pay system

• Supports onboarding efforts for the Vendor Management Portal and Darden's Procure to Pay system, including tracking the progress of onboarding initiatives

• Support internal customer requests for invoice and payment inquires

• Support vendor research mailbox and/or Portal Support mailbox and respond timely to requests

• Research unpaid invoices in open interface, Discoverer, restaurant application and internal spreadsheets

• Reconcile vendor statements with past due invoices/credit memos, determine appropriate actions and complete corrections if needed.

• Communicate effectively with vendors regarding correct payment processes

• Research and resolve debit balances

• Reconcile and continually monitor top 10/high volume vendor statements

• Create, key & upload journal entries as required

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.

• Strong knowledge of Oracle and Discoverer (or related A/P systems)

OTHER KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1-3 years in a fast paced, customer service environment, and/or accounting environment.

• Self-starter requiring minimal supervision

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize a high-volume workload

• Exhibits a sense of urgency, understands the importance of month-end closing deadlines

• Excellent attendance record

• Helpful attitude, positive teamwork spirit with a willingness to help

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to interact with all levels of management by phone and in person

• Strong follow-through for problem resolution

• Excellent customer service and phone etiquette skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced/ high volume environment and make appropriate decisions in a timely manner while meeting deadlines

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree in Accounting or related field, preferred