## A-P Associate at Sysco: Your Path to a Thriving Finance Career Are you detail-oriented, analytical, and passionate about finance? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your contributions directly impact the success of a leading global company? If so, a career as an A-P Associate at Sysco could be the perfect fit for you. This comprehensive guide will provide you with an in-depth look at the A-P Associate role at Sysco, covering everything from the role overview and responsibilities to career path, salary & benefits, company culture, and how to apply. We'll also address frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision about your future. ### Role Overview As an A-P Associate at Sysco, you will play a crucial role in the company's financial operations. You will be responsible for processing invoices, verifying payments, and resolving discrepancies to ensure accurate and timely payments to suppliers. This position is a support function within the overall finance department and requires strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and a commitment to accuracy. ### A Day in the Life of an A-P Associate Here's a glimpse into a typical day for an A-P Associate at Sysco: * **Invoice Processing:** You'll spend a significant portion of your day processing invoices, matching them with purchase orders and receiving documents, and verifying the accuracy of the information. * **Payment Processing:** You'll prepare checks for printing and process payments to suppliers, ensuring timely and accurate disbursement of funds. * **Supplier Communication:** You'll handle inquiries from suppliers regarding invoice status, payment details, and other accounts payable-related matters. * **Discrepancy Resolution:** You'll investigate and resolve discrepancies between invoices, purchase orders, and receiving documents, working with buyers and suppliers to find solutions. * **Data Entry and Analysis:** You'll enter data into the accounting system and analyze financial information to identify trends and potential issues. * **Reporting:** You'll prepare reports on accounts payable activities, providing insights to management on payment performance and potential cost savings. ### Why Buckhead/Mid-Atlantic? Sysco has multiple locations for the A-P Associate role, each offering unique benefits. The Buckhead and Mid-Atlantic locations provide great opportunities for career growth and development. Buckhead, a vibrant district of Atlanta, is known for its thriving business community and access to diverse amenities, while the Mid-Atlantic region, specifically Maryland in this case, boasts a strategic location with proximity to major markets and a diverse talent pool. These locations offer a blend of professional opportunities and quality of life benefits. ### Career Path Sysco is committed to providing its employees with opportunities for growth and advancement. The A-P Associate role is an excellent entry point into the finance department, and with hard work and dedication, you can progress to more senior positions, such as: * **Senior A-P Associate:** Take on more complex invoice processing and discrepancy resolution tasks, mentor junior team members, and contribute to process improvement initiatives. * **Accounts Payable Supervisor:** Oversee a team of A-P Associates, manage the accounts payable workload, and ensure timely and accurate payments to suppliers. * **Accounting Specialist:** Specialize in a particular area of accounting, such as general ledger accounting, cost accounting, or financial reporting. * **Financial Analyst:** Analyze financial data, prepare reports, and provide insights to management to support decision-making. * **Accounting Manager:** Manage a team of accountants, oversee the accounting operations, and ensure compliance with accounting regulations. ### Salary & Benefits Sysco offers a competitive salary and benefits package to its employees. The salary range for an A-P Associate typically falls between $45,000 and $65,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to salary, Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: * **Health Insurance:** Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy. * **Paid Time Off:** Vacation, sick leave, and holidays to help you balance work and life. * **Retirement Plan:** A company-sponsored retirement plan with employer matching contributions to help you save for the future. * **Employee Stock Purchase Plan:** An opportunity to purchase Sysco stock at a discounted price. * **Life Insurance:** Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance to protect your loved ones. * **Disability Insurance:** Short-term and long-term disability insurance to provide income protection if you become disabled. * **Flexible Spending Accounts:** Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses to help you save money on taxes. * **Employee Assistance Program:** An employee assistance program (EAP) for confidential counseling and support. * **Wellness Programs:** Wellness programs to promote employee health and well-being. * **Professional Development:** Professional development opportunities, including training programs and tuition reimbursement. * **Employee Discounts:** Employee discounts on Sysco products and services. ### Sysco Culture Sysco is a company that values its employees and is committed to creating a positive and inclusive work environment. The company's core values include: * **Integrity:** We conduct our business with honesty and integrity. * **Excellence:** We strive for excellence in everything we do. * **Teamwork:** We work together as a team to achieve our goals. * **Inclusion:** We embrace diversity and create an inclusive environment for all employees. * **Responsibility:** We take responsibility for our actions and results. Sysco is also committed to giving back to the community through its various philanthropic initiatives. The company supports local food banks, disaster relief efforts, and other charitable organizations. ### How to Apply To apply for the A-P Associate position at Sysco, visit the Sysco careers website and search for the job posting. You will need to create an account and submit your resume and cover letter. Be sure to highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the position. Also, make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific requirements of the job posting. Proofread carefully for any errors. ### Frequently Asked Questions 1. **What are the key skills and qualifications for this role?** *A Bachelor’s or Associates Degree in Finance or Accounting is preferred, along with proficient computer skills in Word and Excel, and strong communication skills. Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply.* 2. **What is the typical career path for an A-P Associate at Sysco?** *With hard work and dedication, an A-P Associate can progress to roles such as Senior A-P Associate, Accounts Payable Supervisor, Accounting Specialist, Financial Analyst, and Accounting Manager.* 3. **What are the benefits of working at Sysco?** *Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, a retirement plan, employee stock purchase plan, and various other benefits to support employee well-being and financial security.* 4. **What is the company culture like at Sysco?** *Sysco fosters a positive and inclusive work environment that values integrity, excellence, teamwork, inclusion, and responsibility.* 5. **What opportunities for professional development are available at Sysco?** *Sysco provides professional development opportunities, including training programs and tuition reimbursement, to help employees grow and advance in their careers.* 6. **How does Sysco support its employees' well-being?** *Sysco offers wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and flexible spending accounts to support employees' physical, mental, and financial well-being.* 7. **What is Sysco's commitment to diversity and inclusion?** *Sysco is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, embracing diversity and ensuring equal opportunities for growth and advancement.* 8. **What is the work environment like for an A-P Associate?** *The work environment is typically a fast-paced office setting where collaboration and attention to detail are essential for successful performance.* 9. **How does Sysco contribute to the community?** *Sysco actively supports local food banks, disaster relief efforts, and other charitable organizations through its philanthropic initiatives.* 10. **What are the long-term growth opportunities within the finance department at Sysco?** *Sysco offers a wide range of growth opportunities within its finance department, from specialized roles like Financial Analyst to leadership positions like Accounting Manager, encouraging employees to develop and advance their careers.* This comprehensive guide has provided you with a detailed overview of the A-P Associate role at Sysco. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in finance, Sysco could be the perfect place for you. Apply today and join the Sysco team!