Specialist : Trade Payable

UWC Sport; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university seeks a Specialist: Trade Payable to oversee Trade Payables activities. This includes managing a team responsible for accurate and timely processing of payments, guiding stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with financial policies. Candidates should have a relevant degree and at least 5 years of Accounts Payable experience, with strong technical skills and an ability to work under pressure. This is a permanent full-time role based in Bellville.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in Accounts Payable administration.
• 2 years in a supervisory role over team in creditor administration.
• Proficient with financial processing systems and digital platforms.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise Accounts Payable staff.
• Ensure accurate processing and payment of Trade Creditors.
• Review and oversee adherence to policies and procedures.
• Manage monthly and annual accounting closure processes.

Skills

Familiarity with new technologies

Understanding of financial processing systems

Knowledge of digital platforms

Strong communication skills

Integrity and trustworthiness

Computer proficiency in office applications

Education

Completed tertiary 3-year Degree/Diploma (NQF 7) in accounting or related

Tools

ERP systems

Electronic banking platforms

Job description

Title of Position

Specialist: Trade Payable

Post Number: 5081

Faculty/Department: University of the Western Cape > Finance & Services > Accounts Payable & Travel

Type of Position: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date: 18/12/2025

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape requires a suitably experienced individual who has a deadline‑driven approach, works well under pressure, is meticulous, has strong technical skills and enjoys working in a team environment. The individual will supervise the full cycle of Trade Payables activities to ensure the accurate and timely processing and payment of Trade Creditors and the recording and reconciliation of Trade Creditor transactions and balances in our ERP system. The individual should readily adapt to changes in technology, processes, environment and legislation.

Reporting to the Manager: Accounts Payable, the role plays a key review, coordination and supervisory function over the team responsible for the various functions relating to Trade Creditors, including invoicing, payment, reconciliation and addressing queries and problems that arise in the Trade creditors area.

With an online de‑centralised procurement environment, EFTs and electronic payment workflows and documentation, it falls on this role to mitigate many of the risks around Trade creditor records and payments through review and oversight of activities and information used to record transactions, balances and other information, to facilitate payments, and relating to payment details and processes. Responsible for the team and processes relating to Trade Creditors, the role of this position in ensuring correct financial records and preventing errors, fraud and irregular activity as well as maintaining and building sound professional relationships with Trade creditors is critical, and the impact of mistakes or lapses is significant. This role also provides auditors and any other reviewers with information and documentation/records required and liaises with all parties involved in trade creditors transactions and processes, within and outside the University.

Key Outcomes Expected From The Role Are

• Coordination, supervision and guidance of Accounts Payable staff responsible for trade vendors and payments and efficient and accurate administration of Trade Vendor accounts.
• Act as the interface between Finance and stakeholders both internal and external, and provide specialist advice and guidance to stakeholders.
• Effectively manage volatile and conflict situations between Accounts Payable and the various stakeholders.
• Identify system and process shortcomings and conceive and implement system & process improvement.
• Co‑ordinate monthly, six‑monthly and annual accounting closure processes, reporting and analysis, and ensuring any necessary adjustments are implemented, and are valid, accurate and complete.
• Mitigate risk to the University by review and oversight of adherence and application of Policies and procedures.
• Quality Control over processing – review of vendor processing, payments, reconciliations and other transaction reports to ensure accurate administration of Vendor accounts and payments and monitor overall Accounts payable management.

Minimum Requirements

• A completed tertiary 3‑year Degree/Diploma (minimum NQF 7) accounting or related commercial subject or equivalent.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in administration of Accounts Payable on an ERP system, and through an electronic banking platform.
• 2 years in a supervisory role over a team and multiple processes in creditors administration and payment processing.

Skills & Competencies

• Is familiar with and readily embraces and learns use of new technologies, rules and systems.
• Understands payment as well as general financial processing systems, information and records, including accruals and prepayments, contract‑based payments and liability recording, and principles relating to various payment platforms and systems (EFT, Cards, digital technologies).
• Knowledge of digital platforms including electronic wallets and virtual cards would be an added advantage.
• Sound written and verbal communication skills (including electronic platforms).
• Honesty, integrity and trustworthiness.
• Discretion and confidentiality.
• Proficient with electronic communication, transactioning and administration technology, tools and platforms.
• Computer proficient in general office applications (mail and calendar applications, word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications) and Enterprise Resource Planning systems, and general IT operational and security matters.
• Knowledge of the Higher education environment.

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.

To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job link below or apply directly via UWC Careers. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at [phone]/3642/9362/9708/3160/3756 or email: e‑[e-mail].

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.