Job Title: Trade Finance AssociateJob Description
The Trade Finance Associate supports trade management, forecasting, and financial reconciliation activities to ensure accurate promotional spend, clean deductions, and reliable sales reporting. This role manages data across multiple systems, partners closely with cross-functional teams, and contributes to continuous improvement of trade finance processes. The position is well suited for a detail-oriented, analytical professional who enjoys working with data, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving accuracy in financial and trade-related operations.
Responsibilities
Input and maintain accurate trade updates and changes in XTEL to ensure all promotions and trade events are correctly reflected in the system.
Validate and update the Assortment Distribution List (ADL) so that customer assortments and distribution details remain current and accurate.
Collaborate with Customer Service to ensure customer profiles are complete, accurate, and up to date across all relevant systems.
Prepare and send sales reports to CAM/DSM for review and schedule forecast review calls to align on expectations and performance.
Validate forecast numbers and ensure they align with the Trade Review Report (TRR), flagging discrepancies and resolving issues promptly.
Support planning tools, including the Planning Tool and Weekly Event Spend Report, by providing accurate inputs and validating outputs.
Review and revise the sales and trade forecast before the monthly lock date to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information is captured.
Analyze prior month and prior year performance to identify gaps, trends, and opportunities, and clearly communicate these insights to stakeholders.
Review and reconcile trade events to ensure goals and TRR align with Sales Finance, addressing discrepancies and ensuring financial accuracy.
Manage promotional data updates and confirm accuracy across all systems to support effective trade planning and execution.
Conduct daily reviews of SDB (sales bulletins), identify required follow-up actions, and ensure timely completion of those actions.
Validate invoice backup documentation and process payments in XTEL in accordance with established procedures and timelines.
Match customer deductions to promotions, working closely with Business Partners to resolve mismatches and minimize outstanding issues.
Manage weekly deduction reports, monitor open items, and escalate unresolved or complex issues to appropriate stakeholders.
Collaborate and assist on UADs by reviewing the 054/055 report to determine whether funds can be applied to UADs and taking appropriate actions.
Review and assist with no-paperwork deductions, focusing on aged cases over 60 days and driving resolution to reduce outstanding balances.
Participate in monthly Sales and Trade review calls with Field Finance, Account Managers, and CAM/DSM, providing updates and insights on trade performance.
Coordinate with CAM/DSM to gather updates, clarify issues, and support resolution of trade-related questions or discrepancies.
Facilitate monthly training sessions, including refreshers and best practices, to support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the team.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree required, or equivalent experience defined as a minimum of 4 years of relevant, professional-level experience in a similar field.
1-2 years of professional experience in Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Sales, or Sales Support, or a closely related area.
Finance and accounting knowledge, with practical experience in invoicing and deduction-related processes.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and support decision-making.
Accurate and efficient data entry skills with a strong focus on data integrity and completeness.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability for results and deliverables.
Clear, concise, and effective communication skills in both written and verbal formats, tailored to different audiences.
High attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
Proven ability to manage complex workflows, handle changing requirements, and adapt to shifting priorities.
Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to troubleshoot issues and develop practical solutions.
Advanced computer proficiency and demonstrated ability to quickly learn and navigate new systems and tools.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and especially Excel.
Intermediate Excel skills, including the ability to work with pivot tables and VLOOKUP functions.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working with trade finance, trade promotion management, or similar financial operations is beneficial.
Familiarity with systems such as XTEL, ADL, and other trade or financial tools is an advantage.
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams such as Sales, Finance, Customer Service, and Field teams.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate training sessions, refreshers, or best-practice workshops.
Background in analytic or reporting roles where interpreting and presenting data was a key responsibility.
Work Environment
The Trade Finance Associate works in a professional office environment that is highly data-driven and collaborative. The role involves extensive use of computer-based systems, including trade management tools such as XTEL, planning and reporting tools, and the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting. The position typically follows standard business hours, with periods of increased activity around monthly forecast lock dates, trade reviews, and financial close cycles. Collaboration with Field Finance, Account Managers, CAM/DSM, and Customer Service is frequent, often through virtual meetings, calls, and shared documents. The environment emphasizes accuracy, timeliness, and continuous improvement in trade finance processes, with regular opportunities to participate in training sessions and best-practice sharing. Dress expectations align with a typical professional office setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Solon, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $30.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Solon,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
