Cash Application & Deduction Analyst

Confidential Company; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Company in Massachusetts is seeking a Cash Application & Deduction Analyst to accurately apply customer payments, research deductions and chargebacks, and support cash flow. You will collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Logistics, and retail partners to resolve discrepancies per policy.

The role emphasizes CPG industry familiarity, detail orientation, and proficiency with Excel and ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent).
• 2–5 years of accounts receivable, cash application, or deductions experience in retail/CPG.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail with ability to handle high transaction volumes.

Responsibilities

• Apply daily customer payments (ACH, wire, checks, lockbox, EDI remittance) accurately and timely.
• Research, validate, and resolve customer deductions including promotions, chargebacks, and returns.
• Reconcile AR subledger to the general ledger and prepare aging, deductions, and cash reports.
• Assist in process improvements, controls, and audit requests.

Skills

Analytical reasoning

Problem solving

Detail oriented

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or Dynamics

Job description

MUST HAVE CPG experience and understand retailer deductions, chargebacks and trade promotions

The Cash Application & Deduction Analyst is responsible for accurately applying customer payments, researching and resolving deductions and chargebacks, and supporting timely cash flow. This role partners closely with Sales, Customer Service, Logistics, and external retail partners to ensure discrepancies are resolved efficiently and in accordance with company policies.

Key Responsibilities

Cash Application

• Apply daily customer payments (ACH, wire, checks, lockbox, EDI remittance) accurately and timely.
• Match payments to open invoices using remittance data and customer portals.
• Identify and upscale unapplied or short-paid cash items.
• Maintain accurate accounts receivable records in the ERP system.

Deductions & Chargebacks

• Research, validate, and resolve customer deductions including shortages, damages, pricing discrepancies, promotions, compliance fines, and returns.
• Analyze retailer chargebacks to determine validity and root cause.
• Prepare and submit supporting documentation to dispute invalid deductions.
• Coordinate with Sales, Trade Marketing, Supply Chain, and Customer Service to resolve valid deductions.
• Track deduction trends and recommend process improvements to reduce future deductions.

Reconciliations & Reporting

• Reconcile accounts receivable subledger to the general ledger.
• Prepare weekly/monthly aging, deduction, and cash application reports.
• Monitor customer account balances and assist with credit holds as needed.
• Support month-end close activities and audit requests.

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with internal controls and customer-specific billing requirements.
• Assist in improving cash application automation and deduction workflows.
• Maintain organized records for audits and internal reviews.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2–5 years of experience in accounts receivable, cash application, or deductions in a retail or CPG environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage high transaction volumes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or Dynamics.

Preferred

• Experience working with major retailers.
• Familiarity with EDI remittance and retailer portals.
• Knowledge of trade promotions and retail chargeback structures.