Accounts Payable Manager - East Rand - JHB

SUMMARY:
Accounts Payable Manager - East Rand - JHB

POSITION INFO:
The Manager Accounts Payable is responsible for leading and optimising the full end to end Accounts Payable (creditors) function across the Group within a shared services operating model. The role ensures accuracy, efficiency, automation, supplier optimisation, compliance, and financial governance to support the Group's financial objectives and operational excellence. Creditors Management: • Oversee the full end to end Group creditors cycle, ensuring accurate, timely, policy aligned payments. • Implement strong controls to prevent duplicate payments, incorrect supplier details, or manual processing errors. • Manage AP month end close, ageing analysis, reconciliations, and exception resolution. • Ensure all invoices are processed within defined SLAs and escalation protocol Process Optimisation: • Assess the current AP operating model and continuously identify process bottlenecks. • Define, document, and implement standardised AP policies, workflows, and governance procedures. • Introduce workflow automation, OCR, and exception based processing to reduce manual effort. Supplier Management: • Manage, rationalise, and optimise supplier base to leverage buying power • Ensure all suppliers are onboarded through proper vetting • Improve supplier engagement, responsiveness, and communication. Compliance: • Ensure all payments have valid supporting documentation (contracts, POs, approvals). • Enforce internal controls in alignment with finance policies, IFRS standards, and audit requirements. • Maintain zero tolerance for policy deviations, fraud exposure, or audit exceptions. • Manage AP compliance training for team and business units. Data Integrity: • Maintain a clean, accurate supplier master file aligned with data governance rules. • Perform scheduled data audits to identify inconsistencies, duplicates, and risks. • Ensure seamless integration of AP data into ERP systems and reporting tools. Cashflow Management: • Prepare short, medium, and long term cash flow forecasts for creditors payments. • Analyse payment trends, seasonal fluctuations, and funding requirements. • Collaborate with Treasury to optimise working capital and payment strategies (e.g., early payment discounts). • Identify opportunities to improve payment terms and cashflow stability. Automation: • Implement RPA\/BOTs, AI driven approvals, and invoice scanning technologies. • Assess system gaps and lead digital transformation initiatives within AP. • Drive adoption of e invoicing and paperless workflows. • Train team and stakeholders on digital tools. Financial Reporting: • Produce accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual AP reports for management review. • Monitor performance dashboards, KPI trends, and process exceptions. • Provide deep dive analytics on spend, supplier trends, cost drivers, and inefficiencies. Team Leadership: • Build and manage a high performance AP team with a culture of accountability. • Conduct coaching, skills development, and performance assessments. • Implement workforce planning, succession planning, and skills matrix tracking. • Manage team morale during periods of change or transformation. Stakeholder Management: • Foster strong relationships with internal stakeholders (Procurement, Treasury, Finance, Audit, Operations). • Manage escalations, resolve queries promptly, and ensure clear communication. • Conduct stakeholder feedback sessions and implement improvements System Evaluation: • Evaluate AP, ERP, and workflow management systems for optimisation. • Drive upgrades, new system implementations, and integrations. • Troubleshoot system issues and ensure high uptime. Risk Management: • Identify financial, operational, and fraud risks relating to AP workflows. • Implement controls, segregation of duties, and monitoring tools. • Perform root cause analysis on discrepancies or payment failures Minimum Requirements (Qualifications & Experience) • Grade 12 (Matric) • BCom Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field • 5-8 years' experience in a creditors\/ accounts payable environment • 2-3 years' experience in a management role • Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency • Experience with accounting systems Advantageous: • Shared Services environment experience • Automation \/ digitisation implementation experience Required Knowledge: • Accounting principles and financial management • Accounts Payable processes and controls • Financial legislation and compliance requirements • Procurement-to-pay (P2P) processes • Cash flow management and forecasting • Supplier contract management • Financial systems and ERP platforms • Advanced Excel and financial data analysis • Strong analytical and numerical skills • Negotiation and supplier management • Planning, organising, and problem-solving • Financial reporting and reconciliation • Process improvement and optimisation • Strong communication (written and verbal) Salary: R700 - R900 000pa CTC Send cv to