DIRECTOR - IMPORT FINANCE & MERCHANDISE SUPPLIER ACCOUNTS PAYABLE (AP)

Company is a consumer-centric, strategic global brand with thousands of stores and customers worldwide.

Job Purpose

The Director of Import Finance & Merchandise Supplier Accounts Payable (AP) will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and accurate management of supplier-related import finance operations, supplier payments, dispute claim resolution, and related financial transactions and reporting for the global operations of this public company. This position will be responsible for the review and authorization of payments made to suppliers of manufactured goods and leading the disposition of any non-compliances or inaccuracies in supplier payments or requests. This position requires a highly experienced and skilled professional with a deep understanding of finance compliance for manufacturing goods, supply chain management, and Oracle Cloud Financials, as well as exceptional leadership and strategic thinking abilities. This role will also lead a medium-sized team.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the import finance team, which includes senior managers, analysts, and coordinators, to foster a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Ensure efficient and accurate processing of payments for inbound international (not domestic) shipments, letters of credit and related financial transactions for the company and its subsidiaries worldwide.
• Serve as the internal authority on supplier pricing compliance, collaborating closely with groups such as Finance, IT, and affiliate offices.
• Lead the disposition and corrective actions of any non-compliances or inaccuracies in supplier payments or requests.
• Drive strategic, data-based decision making by identifying and overseeing new opportunities for financial data analysis.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad-hoc reporting to Finance and International Analysts, including for general ledger closings.
• Communicate import and financial documentation requirements to suppliers and vendors through buying agents.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices to streamline purchase price compliance operations and enhance operational efficiency.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including various global Finance teams, internal IT systems teams, accounting, and allocations, to resolve complex issues, optimize processes, and drive continuous improvement and lead systems integration.
• Oversee the processing of special shipments, returns, transfers, and chargebacks, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and company policies.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies related to supplier price compliance operations.
• Collaborate with auditors (internal and external) to provide documentation and information as required.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, system enhancements, and operational efficiencies.
• Support senior management as needed.
• Note not a financial analyst or a pricing analyst or a customer pricing or a marketing role.

Job Requirements

• Be present with the team to work on-site five days per week.
• Extensive knowledge and experience with Oracle and Peoplesoft systems, particularly in supplier costs finance and inventory management modules.
• Understanding of import/export regulations, international shipping procedures, and international freight forwarding processes.
• Proficiency in typical industry productivity applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven leadership abilities, with the capacity to motivate and develop teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in supplier finance, payment compliance, inventory operations, or supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Significant experience supporting a publicly traded company in a leadership role required (Retail or consumer goods preferred).
• Demonstrated capability to direct, lead, and motivate a team in an international trade financial environment with general exposure to export operations.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The skills, abilities and physical demands described are representative of those duties that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified for the job position, to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements

This role is fully performed at company headquarter offices. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk; sit, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel. The employee is occasionally required to sit for long periods of time.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.