Purpose of the Job
The Accounts Payable Officer is responsible for managing the end-to-end accounts payable process, ensuring accurate and timely processing of supplier invoices, reconciliations, and payments. This role plays a key part in maintaining effective financial controls, liaising with internal departments and external suppliers, and supporting compliance with VAT regulations and internal audit requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Creditors Payments
- Reconcile all supplier invoices and ensure all charges have been accurately recovered
- Capture all supplier invoices into the Ship Shape system
- Ensure all payments are processed daily and on time
- Verify that original invoices are received from suppliers
- Check that all invoice information is accurate and compliant with VAT requirements
- Ensure that all invoices are recovered from customers where applicable
- Confirm that invoice charges align with agreed rates
- Reconcile transporter invoices and verify supporting proof of deliveries (PODs) before processing payments
- Hand over all PODs to the controllers for filing in shipment files
- Controllers must verify that containers are returned to the correct depots as stipulated
- Clear all profits on Ship Shape; consult with management if unsure
- If a payment reflects before shipment invoicing, record a note under the “Remarks” section in Ship Shape
- Ensure all payments are recorded within the correct month of the transaction
Creditors Reconciliation
- Ensure weekly and monthly statements are received and reconciled against supplier invoices and statements
- Arrange and process payments through Ship Shape and Embrace
- Ensure daily downloads balance between both systems
- Prepare necessary pre-checks prior to payments
- Arrange COD (Cash on Delivery) payments twice daily and provide controllers with proof of payment
- Submit all documents to the scanning department monthly for archiving
- Ensure scanned documents are returned and properly filed for auditing purposes
SARS Deferment Payments
- Ensure SARS statements are received on the due
- Reconcile these statements to the Ship Shape
- Verify that daily downloads into Embrace balance with statements and process payments accordingly
- Once payment is completed, send proof of payment to the relevant customs offices
- Strictly adhere to monthly payment deadlines and ensure the 13th annual payment is met
- Ensure all Over Border reconciliations are received, balanced, and paid accordingly
Purchase Orders
- Process all purchase orders in Embrace and arrange
- Reconcile supplier statements and ensure balances
- Ensure all purchase orders are properly approved and supporting documents are attached
Filing of Shipment Files
- Ensure shipment files are correctly filed and handed over to creditors for scanning
- File documents by mode of
- Maintain weekly updates of the filing
General
- Maintain a professional standard of conduct at all
- Assist with relevant operational functions as required
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- Minimum 5 years experience in a similar role
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Skills Required
- Accounts Payable Processing
- Reconciliation Skills
- ERP & Accounting Software Proficiency (ShipShape & Embrace)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Excellent communication skills (Both written and verbal)
- Problem Solving Skills