What are the responsibilities and job description for the Customer Service Associate (Accounts Payable & Freight Payment) position at Penske?
Position Overview:
Penske Logistics is seeking a detail-oriented and self-motivated Accounts Payable Customer Service Associate to support our freight payment and financial support operations. This position touches all core functions of freight payment (AP), final mile network payment, proof of delivery, and related financial systems. This is an excellent opportunity for an analytical professional who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-centric environment and is dedicated to meeting business needs through clear communication and precise execution.
Shift:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Major Responsibilities:
- Invoice & Payment Processing: Utilize multiple systems to review, process, and audit carrier freight invoices and LDC network invoices.
- Contract & Audit Accuracy: Read and interpret carrier contracts for accurate rating and audit balance-due invoices.
- Documentation Management: Download, track, retrieve, and post proof of delivery documentation across various platforms.
- System Maintenance: Adjust financial records within the Transportation Management System (TMS) and maintain overall TMS data integrity.
- Process Control & Reporting: Generate weekly metrics and reports to manage process controls, track performance, and update freight payment Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) periodically.
- Issue Resolution: Collaborate with leadership to establish and achieve timelines for resolution. Act as the primary liaison facing both customers and carriers to resolve payment or billing issues swiftly.
- Customer Support: Respond to internal and external customer inquiries, working closely with Operations Managers to exceed customer expectations and stay current on industry trends.
- Adaptability: Swiftly transition between tasks as priorities shift, completing other projects as assigned by leadership.
Qualifications:
- At least 1 year of customer service experience required.
- At least 1 year of accounts payable experience required.
- Bachelor's Degree or some college preferred; High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Advanced computer skills, including Excel and Outlook, required (MS Access preferred).
- Ability to learn and consistently operate multiple company and customer-owned transportation systems and applications.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical skills, and the ability to adapt in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Strong ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize time-sensitive situations.
- Ability to work First, Second, and Third Shift as needed, with scheduling flexibility required. [Review this requirement against the Shift listed above]
- Regular, predictable, and full attendance is an essential function of the job.
- Willingness to travel as necessary, work the required schedule, and work at the specific required location.
- Must complete the Penske employment application, submit to a background investigation (including past employment, education, and criminal history), and pass a drug screening.
Physical Requirements:
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate 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 associate will be required to: read; communicate verbally and/or in written form; remember and analyze certain information; and remember and understand certain instructions or guidelines.
While performing the duties of this job, the associate may be required to stand, walk, and sit. The associate is frequently required to use hands to touch, handle, and feel, and to reach with hands and arms. The associate must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25lbs/12kg.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About Penske Logistics
Penske Logistics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penske Truck Leasing. With operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, Penske Logistics provides supply chain management and logistics services to leading companies around the world. Penske Logistics delivers value through its design, planning and execution in transportation, warehousing and freight management. Visit www.PenskeLogistics.com to learn more.