Finance Analyst, Accounts Payable

The Finance Analyst, Accounts Payable position is responsible for supporting internal teams, external vendors, and crossdivision customers in their use of online financial systems. Inquiries typically involve payment status, invoice discrepancies, and timely issue resolution across our U.S., Canadian, and Jamaican operations. In addition to addressing daily operational issues, the Analyst is responsible for building strong vendor and stakeholder relationships to minimize delays and recurring errors. The role also relies on data analysis-identifying trends within departmental reporting and translating insights into improved process efficiency and operational performance. This position also supports SBS (Sherwin Business Services) Accounts Payable team members and divisional accounting by performing report analysis, validating financial data, and contributing to accurate and timely financial reporting. This position is not hybrid/remote and will be located at our Hinckley Parkway building in Cleveland, OH. Because this role involves access to confidential financial information, the Company has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and to provide similar protections for its clients and potential investments. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS 1. Invoice Routing and Issue Resolution - Manage invoices received through shared email boxes, paper mail, and electronic channels. - Route invoices accurately through applicable financial systems and subsystems. - Research and resolve invoice discrepancies related to pricing, receiving, quantities, and other variances, ensuring issues are addressed from initial processing through final payment. - Utilize system data to identify patterns in recurring invoice discrepancies and recommend corrective actions. 2. Report Review, Data Analysis, and Trend Identification - Analyze key Accounts Payable reports-including Hold, Open Receipt, and Debit Balance reports-to identify root causes, recurring errors, and process breakdowns. - Perform detailed aging analyses of open payables to ensure timely resolution and mitigate financial exposure. - Review metrics from process improvement initiatives to evaluate impact, success rates, and sustainability, providing insights and trend summaries to management. - Proactively monitor data indicators to recommend workflow or policy adjustments that enhance operational efficiency 3. Vendor and Internal Partner Support with Analytical Insight - Serve as a primary point of contact for external suppliers and internal stakeholders, providing phone and email support to resolve invoice, system, and payment issues. - Troubleshoot AP system usage questions, invoice holds, and payment inquiries, leveraging system data to guide users to accurate resolution paths. - Analyze and adjust invoice and vendor records to ensure correct financial impact and prevent downstream reporting issues. - Build strong, proactive relationships with vendors and internal teams to reduce payment delays and avoid disruptions in supply chain operations. - Collaborate with global partners-including Global Supply Chain Accounting, IT, Business Process Improvement, Purchasing, divisional accounting, and field personnel-to resolve crossfunctional issues and support standardized processes. 4. Management of Additional Accounts Payable Processes - Prepare and review chargebacks, refund requests, and other vendorrelated adjustments. - Perform analytical review of data loads to validate accuracy and address anomalies before posting. - Conduct vendor statement reconciliations, identifying discrepancies and ensuring resolution through data validation and followup. 5. Balance Sheet Account Reconciliation and Analytical R