Accounting Analyst, Merchandise Payables

JCPenney; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 48,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401(k) with Company match

Associate discount

Paid holidays

Job summary

Catalyst Brands is seeking an Accounting Analyst for Merch Payables to strengthen our Finance & Controllers team. You will own merchandise AP processes, liaise with vendors and merchandising teams, and drive data-driven improvements to reduce costs while maintaining accuracy and controls.

You will mine data with SQL and Excel, generate reports, and support cross-functional initiatives across levels of leadership. Strong collaboration and problem-solving are essential.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of AP/finance experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field preferred.
• Fundamental accounting knowledge required.

Responsibilities

• Own merchandise AP processes and respond to vendor inquiries.
• Analyze and resolve vendor issues with management reporting.
• Mine data using SQL and Excel; build actionable metrics.
• Drive process improvements to reduce costs and improve workflows.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with departments and leadership.

Skills

SQL querying

Advanced Excel

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SQL

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an analytical, detail-oriented, and proactive Accounting Analyst, Merch Payables to join our Finance & Controllers team. This is an exciting opportunity for a team member looking to deepen their financial acumen, and make a significant impact on our operational efficiency.

In this role, you will take ownership of critical Merchandise Accounts Payable processes, serving as a key bridge between our external vendors, internal merchandising teams, and management. You will go beyond routine processing to conduct root-cause analyses, perform data mining (utilizing SQL and Excel), and identify opportunities to streamline workflows and reduce business costs. This position offers excellent cross-functional visibility and the chance to lead impactful projects that directly contribute to our bottom line.

Responsibilities

Process Ownership

• Lead Merchandise AP tasks and manage end-to-end vendor and merchandise team inquiries.

Inquiry Resolution

• Analyze and resolve complex vendor issues, providing timely communication and reporting to management.

Data & Metrics

• Utilize SQL and Excel to mine key data, build reports, and develop actionable metrics.

Process Optimization

• Perform root-cause analyses and implement initiatives to streamline processes and reduce costs.

Collaboration

• Work cross-functionally with various departments and multiple levels of management.

Qualifications

Experience and Education:

• 2-3 years of proven experience in Accounts Payable, Finance, or a related field
• Knowledge of fundamental accounting procedures and principles
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Operations Management, or equivalent (Preferred)

Technical Skills:

• Intermediate SQL/querying skills and intermediate-to-advanced Microsoft Office (specifically Excel) proficiency

Core Competencies:

• Strong analytical, decision-making, and critical thinking abilities coupled with basic accounting knowledge

Professional Traits:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, adaptability, high organization, and a proactive drive to learn
• Proactive in setting goals and achieving results, taking on new initiatives

Why This Role?

• Take ownership of key AP processes and lead critical merchandise accounting projects
• Collaborate with various business units and multiple levels of leadership across the company
• Enhance your data-querying (SQL) and advanced reporting/metrics capabilities

What You Get:

If eligible, we offer a competitive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, term life insurance, paid vacation/holidays*, and 401(k) with Company match. All associates are eligible for an associate discount on all Catalyst Brands merchandise. For paid holidays, associates who are eligible for paid vacation (MTO) are also eligible for eight paid holidays during the calendar year. All store hourly associates scheduled to work on a designated holiday will receive additional compensation. *For paid vacation days, as well as eligibility requirements for other benefits, please visit www.catalystbrandsbenefits.com

Pay Range

USD $48,000.00 - USD $63,000.00 /Yr.