Inventory Control Specialist (Early Morning)

General Purpose

The Inventory Specialist acts as the primary inventory contact for Internal Controls to the locations (Distribution Centers and Production Centers).  The Inventory Specialist is the subject matter expert in the Inventory system and primary resource to identify and assist in resolving issues including in the areas of: shipping/receiving, production confirmations, raw materials procurement and usage, DMR procedures, quality issues, Distribution/Sales transactions, Non-Trade/Agency debit/credit adjustments, inventory posting procedures, warehouse and trade breakage transactions etc.  The role supports the field locations in achieving and maintaining sound inventory control procedures.  The Inventory Specialist identifies deficiencies with the inventory control process and works with the locations to resolve the issues.  The Inventory Specialist prepares inventory policies/procedures in the new Inventory system to guide the field to the correct processes.  The role assists with independent counts of full goods and raw materials.   

The Inventory Specialist implements training as needed to ensure compliance with Company policies and efficient completion of Inventory tasks.  This includes training to a broad audience and individual training with new employees. 

The Inventory Specialist reports to the Internal Controls Manager. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze business data and control risk indicators related to inventory controls to identify potential controls deficiencies, training opportunities, compliance issues and potential fraudulent activity.  These include but are not limited to: 
• Monitor uncounted materials. 
• Monitor Open / Aging Items (STOs, PO’s, Unreconciled Loads, Checked Out Load Variances). 
• Review specific storage locations to ensure appropriate use. 
• Analyze specific SAP manual movements for potential misuse or fraud activity. 
• Monitor unidentified inventory variances and review trends.  Lead explanations for unusual variances to Finance and the field. 
• Work with CONA development team in improving CONA functionality based on issue identified. 
• Resource to field locations as CONA and inventory controls subject matter expert to help address knowledge gaps (resulting from turnover, change in process or remediation plans) and trouble shoot technical or process issues as they arise. 
• Analytical and investigative support surrounding the identification of the cause of physical inventory variances. 
• Develop and communicate inventory control procedures, requirements, best practices and tips to field. 
• Monitor remediation plans associated with inventory control audit deficiencies on file. 
• Make recommendations to and develop standard procedures as needed to support standardized practices and remediation of action plans. 
• Provide research and investigative support to Internal Control and Security Teams related to inventory control investigations. 
• Assist and lead independent full goods and raw materials counts as needed. 
• Assist with transition activities (counts and CONA uploads) as needed. 
• Assist Finance in tracking shell movements. 
• Assist Finance in ensuring general ledger and inventory sub-ledger balances are reconciled. 
• Any other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Education:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance or equivalent business experience required. 

Experience:  

• A minimum of 5-7 years audit experience or comparable business experience.  
• Experience in Inventory area preferred. 
• Ability to work independently and with all levels of management/associates. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft application suite including Excel, Word and Access. 
• Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills.