Manager Accounts Payable

talentCRU Proprietary Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

TalentCRU Proprietary Limited in Johannesburg seeks a Manager Accounts Payable to lead the end-to-end creditors function within a shared services model. You will ensure accurate, timely payments, strong controls, and governance to support financial objectives.

The role emphasizes driving automation (OCR), supplier engagement, and building a high-performance AP team with cross‑functional collaboration with Procurement, Treasury, Finance, Audit and Operations.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric) required.
• 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 in a Finance environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full end-to-end Group creditors cycle with timely payments.
• Implement strong controls to prevent duplicate payments and errors.
• Manage AP month-end close, ageing analyses, and reconciliations.
• Drive automation, OCR, and process improvements to reduce manual effort.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Financial data analysis

Negotiation & supplier management

Leadership & team development

Process improvement & optimisation

Education

BCom Degree in Finance/Accounting

Grade 12 (Matric)

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

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.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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
• 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.
• Manage, rationalise, and optimise supplier base to leverage buying power
• Ensure all suppliers are onboarded through proper vetting
• Improve supplier engagement, responsiveness, and communication.
• 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.
• 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.
• Prepare short, medium, and long‑term cash‑flow forecasts for creditors payments.
• 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.
• 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
• Evaluate AP, ERP, and workflow management systems for optimisation.
• Drive upgrades, new system implementations, and integrations.
• Troubleshoot system issues and ensure high uptime.
• 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

Skills and Experience

JOB – RELATED REQUIREMENTS

• 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 in a Finance environment

Advantageous:

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
• Financial systems and ERP platforms

Required Skills:

• 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)

Other

• Leadership and team development
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Strategic thinking and decision-making
• Accountability and ethical conduct
• Adaptability and resilience
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Results-driven and performance-oriented
• Innovation and continuous improvement mindset