Corporate Logistics Specialist

In collaboration with the Logistics Systems Manager, this Corporate Logistics role is responsible for the timely and accurate processing of carrier invoices. The Logistics Specialist – Freight Payment supports meeting Logistics KPIs through relationships with various internal and external stakeholders. This position involves working in multiple systems to complete daily accounting tasks while utilizing Logistics operations knowledge. The ability to be self-motivated, and work independently to meet financial deadlines is critical. Investigating process gaps and analyzing data to discover root causes is essential to drive process improvements. Timely escalation of risks is required. This role requires basic understanding of Avient's transportation processes and related SAP transactions and financial flows. Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, vlookup) is essential. Knowledge of basic accounting principles and accuracy are important. The ability to achieve results with external 3PL partners, freight payment partners, and carriers is required. Success will be determined by accomplishing goals using Avient’s leadership behaviors. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This individual will be responsible for prioritizing and focusing on the specific objectives that impact warehouse initiatives including: 

• Work accurately and timely in external freight payment system to protect Avient’s finances while meeting carrier contracted payment terms. 
• Working collaboratively with internal GBS stakeholders, responsible for timely and accurate reimbursement of freight payment partner monthly and weekly statements 
• Responsible for timely and accurate receipts and invoice audit of Coupa invoices and BPOs.
• Establish collaborative relationships with Finance and AP to build partnerships for improvements.
• Reviews dashboards and works for improvements in queue management.
• Hold 3PL freight payment team accountable to timely and accurate support. 
• Responsible for timely and accurate invoice payments - in the freight pay system and SAP.
• Responsible for timely and accurate cost postings
• Monitors and reconciles daily financial data from partner.
• Maximizes payables for working capital.
• Monitors communication from carriers and resolves issues.
• Monitors communications from BUs and resolves issues.
• Recommends projects to improve efficiency, payables, reduce costs, and accuracy.
• Recognizes potential risks with processes and takes action/ escalates to mitigate.
• Support all financial audits as required. 
• Monthly research of GR/IR variances
• Manage multiple email boxes where carriers send invoices and aging statements for timely resolution.
• Clearly communicate with multiple levels of internal and external stakeholders and create corresponding presentations as required.
• Additional logistic responsibilities may be assigned.

Physical Demands 

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time (up to 60% of the workday). Must be able to travel to/from required meetings.  Must be able to input data into a computer. Typically work is in an office environment where the noise level is low to moderate. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or equivalent experience
• At least 1 year of logistics experience required
• Preferred: 1 year of accounting or accounts payable experience
• Intermediate SAP proficiency
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Experience working in a corporate environment with multiple business units
• Preferred: Experience with logistics third-party partners such as warehouses, transportation planners, and freight pay partners