Freight Pay Specialist

Position Overview:

The Freight Pay Specialist works directly with supply chain, finance, and logistics procurement to ensure Ascends third party Freight Payment and Audit system functions seamlessly and as per the agreed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This position will ensure that freight payments to carriers are processed within terms to avoid credit issues. The position will also be responsible for distributing invoices with exceptions to the proper internal approvers.

Targeted Outcomes:

• Establish and maintain a disciplined carrier account management process that ensures Statements of Account are reviewed regularly, payment discrepancies are resolved promptly, and carrier relationships remain in good standing without service disruptions.
• Develop expertise in Ascend’s freight payment, audit, and approval processes while serving as the primary point of coordination between carriers, internal stakeholders, and third-party Freight Audit & Payment providers to ensure accurate and timely invoice processing.
• Own and standardize the Demurrage & Detention (D&D) invoice management process, ensuring invoices are validated, approved, disputed when appropriate, and submitted for payment in a timely manner to support compliance and reduce unnecessary costs

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and manage Demurrage & Detention (D&D) invoices, including validation, dispute resolution, approval coordination, and payment submission to ensure timely processing and cost control.
• Review carrier and vendor Statements of Account (SOA) on a scheduled basis to verify invoices have been received, processed, approved, and paid accurately.
• Investigate and resolve open balances, aged invoices, payment discrepancies, duplicate payments, and billing disputes with carriers and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit supporting documentation for outstanding balance inquiries and carrier payment requests.
• Manage freight invoice processing activities within SAP, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and freight audit and payment platforms.
• Coordinate with Finance and Accounts Payable teams to ensure freight invoices are posted, approved, and paid within established payment terms.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between Ascend, carriers, and third-party Freight Audit & Payment providers for invoice, payment, and account reconciliation matters.
• Monitor freight invoice exception queues and work with business stakeholders to drive timely approvals and issue resolution.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing invoice cycle times, improving payment accuracy, and enhancing carrier satisfaction.
• Maintain strong working relationships with carriers, logistics providers, finance teams, and external service partners to support efficient execution of freight payment operations.

Team:

• Reports to: Supply Chain Director

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5-10 years of experience in freight payment, transportation accounting, logistics operations, accounts payable, supply chain finance, or a related field.

Required Skills:

• Freight invoice auditing and payment processing
• Carrier account reconciliation
• Accounts payable and vendor management
• SAP (preferred)
• Advanced Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP, data analysis)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Attention to detail and accuracy