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FINANCE GUIDE

Accruals & Claims
From Posting to Recovery

Master the critical financial processes of trade promotion management. Learn how to maintain accrual integrity, execute flawless monthly closes, and optimize claims recovery for maximum financial performance.

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Types of Trade Accruals

Understanding the different types of accruals in trade promotion management

Promotion Accruals

Monthly

Estimated costs for active trade promotions

Key Factors:

Promotion volumeDiscount rateParticipation rate

Example:

BOGO promotion: 50K units × $2.00 × 50% = $50K accrual

Volume Rebate Accruals

Monthly

Estimated rebates based on volume thresholds

Key Factors:

Volume targetsRebate ratesAchievement levels

Example:

2% rebate on 100K+ units: 120K units × $2.00 × 2% = $4.8K accrual

Co-op Advertising Accruals

Monthly

Estimated costs for cooperative advertising programs

Key Factors:

Ad spendCo-op percentageApproval status

Example:

50% co-op on $10K ad spend = $5K accrual

Slotting Fee Accruals

Quarterly

Estimated costs for shelf space and placement

Key Factors:

Shelf spaceDurationMarket rates

Example:

$500/month × 3 months = $1.5K accrual

Monthly Close Checklist

A systematic approach to accurate and timely accrual management

Pre-Close (Days 1-5)

Phase 1
Review promotion performance data
Validate volume and participation rates
Check for new promotions launched
Identify promotions ending this month

Accrual Calculation (Days 6-10)

Phase 2
Calculate promotion accruals by SKU
Process volume rebate accruals
Update co-op advertising accruals
Review and adjust prior month estimates

Validation & Review (Days 11-15)

Phase 3
Reconcile accruals to supporting documentation
Review for reasonableness and trends
Get management approval for significant changes
Prepare accrual journal entries

Posting & Reporting (Days 16-20)

Phase 4
Post accrual entries to GL
Generate accrual reports
Update liability tracking systems
Communicate results to stakeholders

Types of Claims & Recovery

Understanding different claim types and their recovery characteristics

812 Deductions

High Frequency85% Recovery

Standard trade promotion deductions

Key Requirements:

  • Valid promotion agreement
  • Proof of performance
  • Correct calculation

Common Issues:

  • Missing documentation
  • Calculation errors
  • Timing disputes

Co-op Advertising Claims

Medium Frequency75% Recovery

Claims for cooperative advertising programs

Key Requirements:

  • Ad placement proof
  • Invoice documentation
  • Approval records

Common Issues:

  • Incomplete ad proofs
  • Unauthorized spend
  • Rate disputes

Slotting Fee Claims

Low Frequency90% Recovery

Claims for shelf space and placement fees

Key Requirements:

  • Shelf placement proof
  • Duration verification
  • Rate agreement

Common Issues:

  • Placement disputes
  • Duration disagreements
  • Rate variations

Volume Rebate Claims

Medium Frequency80% Recovery

Claims for volume-based rebates

Key Requirements:

  • Volume verification
  • Threshold achievement
  • Rate calculation

Common Issues:

  • Volume disputes
  • Threshold timing
  • Rate application

Recovery Timeline Optimization

Best practices for fast and effective claims recovery

1

Claim Receipt

Day 1

Key Activities:

Log claim in systemInitial validationAssign to processor

Success Factors:

Quick loggingComplete initial dataProper assignment
2

Documentation Review

Days 2-5

Key Activities:

Gather supporting docsValidate claim detailsCheck for completeness

Success Factors:

Complete documentationAccurate validationClear requirements
3

Investigation & Resolution

Days 6-15

Key Activities:

Research discrepanciesContact retailerNegotiate resolution

Success Factors:

Thorough investigationClear communicationFair resolution
4

Settlement

Days 16-20

Key Activities:

Process paymentUpdate recordsClose claim

Success Factors:

Accurate processingComplete documentationTimely closure

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