The Cost Management Specialist facilitates and expedites the company’s vendor payment and cost control processes from invoice submission through payment completion. This role primarily supports labor recharging activities (CATS) and Service Entry Sheet (SES) processing within SAP and AES, ensuring accurate billing, timely resolution of discrepancies, and effective communication across internal stakeholders and external suppliers. The Cost Management Specialist serves as a central point of accountability for cost management process success by troubleshooting payment delays, correcting errors, and driving process compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage cost and billing activities for multiple suppliers, ensuring invoices, billing submissions, and error corrections remain current and accurate.
- Analyze AES32, SES, and CATS data to identify discrepancies, process gaps, and billing issues.
- Determine and implement corrective actions to resolve AES/SES/CATS errors and prevent recurring issues.
- Monitor supplier billing timelines and notify the Contract Administrator when delays occur.
- Partner with Contract Administrators, suppliers, and internal site stakeholders to resolve billing problems related to Plant Maintenance Orders (PMOs), Purchase Orders (POs), incorrect invoicing, and time allocation delays.
- Facilitate supplier training on billing processes, system requirements, and error resolution procedures.
- Customize supplier training materials and process support based on the skill level and needs of supplier timekeeping staff.
- Troubleshoot and correct supplier billing errors caused by internal company process breakdowns or system issues.
- Review supplier aging reports and resolve pending payments by coordinating with Sourcing and internal partners.
- Run and distribute data extracts to support supplier payment reconciliation and audit review activities.
- Facilitate resolution of AES/SAP system rejections by coordinating between plant representatives and vendors.
- Identify breakdowns in process ownership and proactively communicate when role responsibilities are not being met.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum of two (2) years of related experience in billing, cost management, accounts payable support, vendor management, or similar administrative/financial operations.
Preferred Skills and Competencies
- Working knowledge of SAP and/or vendor billing systems (AES experience preferred).
- Strong analytical ability to identify data discrepancies and root causes of payment issues.
- Understanding of invoice processing, supplier billing workflows, and cost allocation processes.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate across multiple functions and external suppliers.
- Ability to manage multiple suppliers and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail, accountability, and process improvement mindset.
- Proficiency in data reporting and reconciliation activities (Excel and reporting tools preferred).
Why work with us? We are a woman-owned company that values your ideas, encourages your growth, and always has your back. When you work with us you'll have training opportunities, flexible/remote work options, growth opportunities, 401K and competitive pay. Apply today! We are an EOE, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. https://www.optechus.com/eeo_self_identification/