Financial Controller-Accounts Payable

Talent Scout Recruitment; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is looking for an experienced Accounts Payable Manager in Gqeberha. The ideal candidate will lead a team, ensure timely processing of accounts, and manage supplier relationships. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, along with a tertiary qualification in Accounting or Finance. Proficiency in accounting software and Excel skills are required for this role.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in accounts payable.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Proficiency in accounting software is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of clerks to meet departmental goals.
• Ensure timely processing of invoices and accounts.
• Compile weekly and monthly financial reports.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Analytical Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Matric / Tertiary qualification in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Syspro

Pastel

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Qualifications and Experience

Educational Background:

Matric / Tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in accounts payable, with a strong track record of managing accounts and processing transactions efficiently.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role, overseeing a team of clerks and ensuring the timely and accurate processing of accounts payable.
• Experience in dealing with or understanding the Clearing Agent function (import/export duties, customs processes, etc.) is advantageous.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., Syspro, Pastel, or similar platforms).
• Strong working knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, procedures, and financial reporting standards.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, including experience with VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, and other similar functions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook (or similar email platforms), with the ability to manage high volumes of emails efficiently, adhering to proper email etiquette and prioritizing communications effectively.

Financial Expertise

• Experience in reviewing and reconciling general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Experience working with multiple currencies is advantageous, including currency conversions.

Preferred Skills

• Effective Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing team of Accounts Payable Clerks, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally across all levels of the organization, building positive relationships with internal stakeholders, vendors, and team members.
• Team Collaboration: Demonstrates a collaborative mindset, working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals and ensure operational efficiency.
• Emotional Intelligence: Skilled in understanding and managing your own emotions, as well as recognizing and responding appropriately to the emotions of others in a professional setting.
• Exceptional Work Ethic: Committed to consistently delivering high-quality results, demonstrating accountability and a proactive approach in all responsibilities.
• Outstanding Organizational & Analytical Skills: Strong ability to prioritize tasks, analyse complex data, and implement solutions in a fast-paced environment.
• Meticulous Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in financial transactions and reporting, maintaining a high standard of quality and precision.
• Ability to Manage Pressure & Deadlines: Comfortable working under pressure and meeting deadlines, particularly during peak periods (e.g., month-end and year-end).
• Multitasking & Time Management: Proficient at managing multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring that all responsibilities are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Handling High Volumes of Work: Capable of reviewing and processing large volumes of work without compromising on quality or accuracy.
• Instruction Compliance & SOP Adherence: Willingness to take direction and adhere strictly to standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency and compliance with company policy.

Main Duties/Key Results Areas

Leadership

• Lead and motivate a team of clerks, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and objectives.
• Create a work environment where Accounts Payable Clerks can achieve their goals and consistently meet expectations.

Employee Development

• Assist in the monthly review of Accounts Payable Clerks' performance.
• Ensure clerks strive to meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set by management.
• Provide training and support for new employees joining the team as required.

Processing

• Ensure that all processing deadlines are met, and invoices/credit notes are accurately captured on Pastel/Syspro.
• Provide assistance with processing as needed, ensuring that tasks are completed on time.
• Regularly review open Goods Receipt Notes (GRNs) and report on GRN adjustments prior to the processing deadline.

Supplier Accounts

• Continuously review the supplier age analysis to ensure accounts are in good standing.
• Maintain current age % at 80% or more.
• Monitor supplier relationships to ensure payment terms are met and any discrepancies are addressed promptly.

Account Queries

• Minimize account queries by offering assistance to clerks when required.
• Analyse and provide regular feedback on the resolution of account-related issues.
• Assist in resolving outstanding queries, ensuring timely resolutions of older issues.

Supplier Reconciliations

• Ensure reconciliations are reviewed before submission to Managers/Directors.
• Provide support to clerks with reconciliations as needed.

Reporting

• Compile weekly and monthly reports as requested by management, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
• Maintain and update trackers and databases to provide real-time insights.
• Assist with cash flow management, offering support for financial forecasting.

Ad-Hoc

• Perform general ad-hoc tasks as requested by management.
• Fulfil any other related duties as needed, in line with the needs of the business.
• All and any other tasks and duties as the Employer might from time to time require.