SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Financial Controller – Accounts Payable Job Summary
The Financial Controller – Accounts Payable is a senior role responsible for managing a defined portfolio within the accounts payable function, ensuring strong financial control, accuracy, and timeliness of processing, while leading and developing a team of clerks. The role operates as part of a team of Financial Controllers, each responsible for their own area, collectively supporting the Accounts Payable Manager in delivering a high-performing, controlled, and efficient AP function.
This position requires a hands-on leader who can operate at both a detailed operational level and a broader control perspective, ensuring effective supplier management, robust controls, and alignment with overall finance and cash flow objectives.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience Educational Background
- Matric (Grade 12) with a tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Professional Experience
- Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in Accounts Payable or a similar finance function.
- Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a supervisory/management role, leading a team.
- Proven experience in a high-volume, process-driven environment.
- Experience in import/export or clearing agent environments (advantageous).
- Strong experience in general ledger reconciliations and financial controls.
- Exposure to multi-currency environments (advantageous).
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in accounting systems (e.g., Syspro, Pastel, or similar).
- Advanced Excel skills (e.g., Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis).
- Strong understanding of accounts payable processes, internal controls, and financial reporting.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and managing high volumes of communication.
Soft Skills
- Strong leadership and team management capability.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent organisational and planning skills.
- Ability to manage large volumes of work under pressure.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management.
- Emotional intelligence and maturity.
- Strong work ethic and accountability.
- Ability to drive process improvement and enforce standards.
- Deadline-driven with a strong sense of urgency.
Main Duties / Key Result Areas 1. Portfolio Ownership & Team Leadership
- Take full ownership of a defined accounts payable portfolio.
- Lead, manage, and motivate a team of 3–4 Accounts Payable Clerks.
- Drive a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement within the team.
- Ensure alignment with departmental and organisational goals.
2. Employee Development
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback.
- Ensure team members meet defined KPIs and performance standards.
- Identify training needs and support continuous development.
- Ensure adequate cross-training and coverage within the team.
3. Processing & Controls
- Ensure all invoices and credit notes are accurately and timeously processed within your portfolio.
- Maintain strong internal controls and compliance with SOPs.
- Monitor adherence to processing deadlines and escalate risks early.
- Review and manage open GRNs, ensuring timely resolution.
- Drive improvements in processing efficiency and accuracy.
4. Supplier & Accounts Management
- Manage supplier age analysis for your portfolio and ensure accounts remain in good standing.
- Maintain current age % of 80% or higher.
- Ensure adherence to agreed supplier payment terms.
- Proactively manage supplier relationships and resolve escalations.
5. Queries & Issue Resolution
- Ensure timely resolution of account queries and minimise recurrence.
- Analyse root causes of recurring issues and implement corrective actions.
- Escalate risks proactively to the Accounts Payable Manager where required.
6. Reconciliations & Financial Integrity
- Review and approve supplier reconciliations prior to submission.
- Ensure accuracy and completeness of all AP-related general ledger accounts.
- Maintain high standards of financial integrity and audit readiness.
7. Reporting & Cash Flow Support
- Prepare and review weekly and monthly portfolio reports.
- Provide clear visibility of risks, issues, and trends.
- Maintain and improve trackers and reporting tools.
- Support cash flow planning through accurate and timely information.
8. Continuous Improvement & Collaboration
- Identify and drive improvements within your portfolio.
- Support broader AP and finance initiatives led by the AP Manager.
- Collaborate effectively with Procurement, Operations, and Finance to resolve issues and improve processes.
9. Ad-Hoc Responsibilities
- Perform ad-hoc financial analysis and reporting.
- Support team and departmental initiatives as required.
- Undertake additional duties as required by management.
- All and any other related tasks and duties as expected from the employer from time to time.
General
- Undertake additional tasks as assigned by your manager or Director, in alignment with the skills and experience required for the role.
- Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of yourself and others, always adhering to all Health and Safety regulations.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all sensitive information obtained during employment, sharing it only with individuals authorised to receive it in an official capacity.
- Abide by all company policies and procedures.
- Take on any other responsibilities as necessary to support the evolving needs of the role and the organisation, acknowledging the need for flexibility in a dynamic workplace.
- Contribute to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a positive and supportive environment for all employees.
- All employees are encouraged to actively pursue their professional development by continuously seeking opportunities to upskill and expand their knowledge within the organisation. This commitment to learning and growth is essential for staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry and ensuring both personal and organisational success. Employees are supported in pursuing relevant training, certifications, and educational opportunities that enhance their skills and expertise.
