Hydro Blaster

Position: Accounting Assistant Location:

Saint Louis, MO Job Id: 120 of Openings: 1 About Ostara Ostara is passionate about changing the way the Ag and T&O industry thinks about phosphate management. Our continuing mission is, and will remain, "Feeding the World While Protecting It." We believe that passionate people can make a real difference and we are building a culture around innovation, sustainability, efficiency, nimbleness, honesty, compliance, and a sense of urgency to make a positive difference and create real value. Ostara's Crystal Green fertilizers are the first granular phosphate fertilizers to release nutrients in response to plant demand.

Using Crop Driven Release, Crystal Green is proven to increase yields, enhance soil health and significantly reduce phosphate tie-up and runoff, thereby improving food security while protecting local waterways from nutrient pollution. Position summary The Accounting Assistant will play a crucial role in our finance team, focusing on efficient accounts payable processing. Responsibilities include collaborating with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure timely and accurate payment processing and customer invoicing, resolving aged payables, and nurturing positive vendor relationships.

The Assistant will also facilitate new customer account set-up, manage credit file processing and administration, oversee banking and treasury tasks, manage the AP mailbox, process invoices, record cash payments in the ERP system, and perform general office administrative duties to maintain operational efficiency. The Accounting Assistant must ensure timely completion of assigned tasks and consistently deliver high-quality results to meet or exceed departmental and organizational goals. Essential functions Accounts Payable:

Invoice Processing and Posting: Assist in accurately and promptly processing vendor invoices, including those with and without purchase orders. Verify that invoices are correctly coded and approved before posting them to the accounting system.

Manage expense report reviews, reconcile policy gaps, ensure proper review and sign-off for processing. Cash Payment Recording: Manage the setup of system requirements to track and administer payments.

Record cash payments to vendors or receipts from customers promptly in the ERP system.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date records to facilitate bank reconciliation. Deposit checks into designated bank accounts.

Accounts Payable Support: Collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure seamless accounts payable operations. Ensure purchase order invoices have the necessary receipt documentation for executing a 3-way match for invoice posting.

Monitor open payables and purchase orders to ensure timely approval. Address vendor inquiries and resolve payment-related issues promptly and effectively. Verify and reconcile monthly vendor statements to ensure assigned accounts remain in good standing.

Accounts Receivable: Invoicing and Payment Processing: Generate and distribute accurate and timely invoices to customers for products and services rendered.

Ensure all invoices are properly documented, coded, and recorded in the accounting system. Process and post customer payments, including checks, electronic transfers, and credit card transactions. Customer Relations:

Provide exceptional customer service by promptly responding to customer inquiries related to billing and payment status. Build and maintain positive relationships with clients to facilitate smooth payment transactions. Collections Activities:

Proactively contact customers with past due payments to remind them of outstanding balances and inquire about payment arrangements to resolve payment issues. Document all collection efforts and maintain accurate records of communication with customers. Implement and follow-up on payment plans or agreements to ensure timely resolution of outstanding debts.

Escalate collection matters, when necessary, in compliance with company policies and guidelines. Credit File Processing and Administration: Facilitate documentation for new customer account set-up, ensuring compliance with internal policies and procedures.

Administer and update credit files, monitor credit limits, and make credit decisions in accordance with company guidelines. Review existing customer information and ensure it is current and aligned with current business needs. Cash Management:

Payment Batches: Generate weekly payment batches for review and approval by Senior Finance Leaders, ensuring accuracy and validity of aged payables. Process payment batches across various bank accounts, including ACH, Wire, and Check payments.

Utilize system efficiencies to streamline data transfers from payment approvals to batch entry (ex: NACHA files, saved payment templates, etc.). Post payment activities in Sage X3 in a timely manner once executed to ensure proper cash records. Send payment remittances to vendors post-payment, exploring efficient email remittance execution.

Contribute to the continuous improvement of the payment process by identifying opportunities to streamline processes and maximize efficiencies. Procurement to Payment: Collaborate with procurement to verify accurate vendor setup and assist in tracking vendor/subcontractor compliance.

Regularly review and update supplier records to maintain accurate terms, preferred status, and active usage. Maintain comprehensive vendor folders containing all pertinent information for timely and accurate payments, ensuring vendor records are current. Verify and reconcile monthly vendor statements to ensure assigned accounts remain in good standing.

Cultivate positive relationships with vendors to facilitate smooth payment transactions. General Office Administrative Functions: Manage courier services and coordinate shipping and receiving requirements.

Ensure adequate stock of kitchen and office supplies, reordering supplies as necessary. Provide support for other general administrative tasks to maintain a smooth office environment. Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Required skills/abilities Experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment. Knowledge of cash payment processes. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.

Familiarity with accounting principles and practices related to accounts receivable and accounts payable. Proficiency in using accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., Sage X3, Dynamics, Net Suite, etc.). Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective customer interactions.

Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy in data entry and record-keeping. Problem-solving skills and the ability to handle and resolve customer inquiries and concerns professionally. Education/experience Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; BA/BS a plus Proven experience (5 years) in accounts payable, cash management, or related financial role Reporting Line The Accounting Assistant will report directly to the Accounting & Payroll Supervisor and will collaborate closely with other members of the finance team.

Key Interactions The Accounting Assistant will work closely with finance, procurement, supply chain, sales, and external customers and vendors to ensure smooth financial operations and positive customer relations. Physical requirements and work environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk on the phone, speak with the public, hear on the phone, hear in person, and use hands and fingers. This job requires the employee to sit for prolonged periods with minimal exposure to hot and cold temperature extremes that could be encountered at Ostara's job sites.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. This job requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the office environment is usually low.

Location This position is located in the company's office located in Creve Coeur, Missouri. EEO statement Ostara is an equal opportunity employer. Ostara does not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship or immigration status, age, national origin, the presence of any physical, mental, or sensory disability, gender identity, genetic information, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, political ideology, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Other duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Ostara reserves the right to change duties, responsibilities, and activities at any time with or without notice. Comments This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Ostara reserves the right to change duties, responsibilities, and activities at any time with or without notice. Federal law requires Ostara to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Ostara will provide the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. A post-conditional offer of employment background investigation is required.