Financial Controller

SUMMARY:
We are seeking a detail-oriented, motivated, and experienced Accounts Payable Supervisor to our clients' dynamic finance team based in Gqeberha.
This role is ideal for a results-driven professional with a strong background in accounts payable and team leadership.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Accounts Payable department, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of invoices, reconciliations, and payments.

POSITION INFO:
Main Duties / Key Results Areas

Leadership

• Supervise and inspire the Accounts Payable team, ensuring alignment with departmental goals.
• Foster a positive work environment where team members can consistently meet and exceed expectations.

Employee Development

• Participate in monthly performance reviews for Accounts Payable Clerks.
• Support clerks in achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set by management.
• Provide onboarding training and ongoing support to new team members.

Processing

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices and credit notes on Pastel/Syspro.
• Assist with processing tasks to meet all deadlines.
• Monitor open Goods Receipt Notes (GRNs) and report any necessary adjustments before deadlines.

Supplier Accounts

• Regularly review the supplier age analysis to maintain account health.
• Aim to maintain current age percentage at 80% or higher.
• Monitor supplier relationships to ensure adherence to payment terms and timely resolution of discrepancies.

Account Queries

• Reduce account-related issues by supporting clerks with query resolution.
• Analyse trends in account queries and provide ongoing feedback.
• Assist in resolving long-standing or complex queries promptly.

Supplier Reconciliations

• Review reconciliations before submission to Managers or Directors.
• Support clerks in preparing accurate and timely reconciliations.

Reporting

• Prepare and submit accurate weekly and monthly reports as required.
• Maintain trackers and databases to ensure up-to-date and accessible data.
• Contribute to cash flow planning and financial forecasting as needed.

Ad Hoc Duties

• Carry out general administrative and finance-related tasks as assigned.
• Undertake any additional duties as required to support team and business needs.

• Perform additional tasks as directed by your Manager or Director, in line with your skills and role.
• Comply with all Health & Safety regulations to ensure the well-being of yourself and colleagues.
• Maintain confidentiality of all sensitive company information and share only with authorised personnel.
• Follow all company policies and procedures as set out.
• Embrace flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
• Promote and contribute to a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
• Actively pursue professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and stay aligned with industry best practices.

Qualifications and Experience

Educational Background

• Matric (Grade 12) required.
• Tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Accounts Payable, with a proven ability to manage accounts and process transactions accurately and efficiently.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity, leading a team and ensuring compliance with processing deadlines and quality standards.
• Prior exposure to clearing agent functions (e.g., customs processes, import/export duties) is advantageous.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in accounting software such as Syspro, Pastel, or equivalent systems.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting standards, internal controls, and standard operating procedures.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including practical use of VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, and other analytical tools.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook (or similar email platforms), with the ability to manage high volumes of email effectively, using proper etiquette and prioritization.

Financial Expertise

• Skilled in reconciling and reviewing general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Experience working with multiple currencies and handling currency conversions is a plus.

Preferred Skills

• Effective Leadership & Team Management
  Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing Accounts Payable team, while fostering a collaborative, goal-oriented work environment.
• Strong Communication & Interpersonal Abilities
  Clear and professional communicator with the capability to build positive working relationships across all levels of the organization, including internal teams and external vendors.
• Collaborative Teamwork
  Proven success in working cross-functionally to achieve shared objectives and drive operational efficiency.
• Emotional Intelligence
  Adept at managing one’s own emotions and responding thoughtfully to others, contributing to a respectful and professional workplace culture.
• Exceptional Work Ethic
  Highly accountable and proactive, consistently committed to delivering quality results and exceeding expectations.
• Excellent Organizational & Analytical Skills
  Strong ability to prioritize tasks, analyze data, and implement effective solutions within tight deadlines and a dynamic environment.
• High Attention to Detail
  Maintains precision and accuracy in financial processing and reporting, ensuring consistent quality and compliance.
• Ability to Perform Under Pressure
  Remains focused and effective when managing demanding workloads and strict deadlines, particularly during critical reporting periods.
• Multitasking & Time Management
  Capable of efficiently handling multiple priorities while maintaining high productivity and meeting deadlines.
• High-Volume Processing Capability
  Experienced in managing and reviewing large volumes of transactions without compromising accuracy or attention to detail.
• Compliance with Instructions & SOPs
  Receptive to direction and dedicated to following established processes and procedures, ensuring consistency and regulatory compliance.