Accounts Payable Controller

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Reports To: Financial Manager

Job Description

This role requires full ownership of the end-to-end creditors function within a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

If you have NOT managed the full accounts payable function and do NOT have Sage experience — this role is not for you.

This business requires strong financial discipline, accuracy, and process control across all functions. The finance team plays a critical role in maintaining operational efficiency, supplier relationships, and cashflow integrity.

This is not a transactional creditors role. This role requires full ownership of the accounts payable function and is not suited to candidates with purely transactional or junior creditors experience.

Purpose of the position

The Accounts Payable Controller is fully responsible for the end-to-end accounts payable function, including the accurate processing, reconciliation, and timely payment of all supplier invoices.

The role requires full ownership of the creditors’ ledger, proactive management of supplier relationships, and ensuring all financial transactions are processed in line with company policies, controls, and strict deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Accounts Payable Ownership
  • Take full ownership of the accounts payable function and creditors’ ledger.
  • Process purchase orders (POs) daily, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
  • Capture, process, and verify supplier invoices for accuracy and completeness.
  • Ensure all invoices are correctly matched to purchase orders and supporting documentation.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all accounts payable transactions.
• Payments & Reconciliations
  • Prepare and process supplier payments in accordance with agreed payment terms.
  • Perform regular supplier reconciliations and proactively resolve discrepancies.
  • Ensure all queries (internal and external) are addressed promptly and efficiently.
• Supplier & Stakeholder Management
  • Liaise with suppliers regarding outstanding invoices, statements, and payment queries.
  • Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Financial Control & Reporting
  • Maintain an organised and audit-ready filing system (electronic and/or manual).
  • Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring all deadlines are met.
  • Generate accurate accounts payable reports as required by management.
  • Support audits by providing required documentation and explanations.
  • Ensure strict compliance with company financial policies and procedures.
• Process Improvement
  • Identify and implement improvements to streamline accounts payable processes.

General Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a high level of accountability, reliability, and attention to detail.
• Maintain a professional, tidy, and organised work environment.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with both internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Work independently while contributing positively to the finance team.

Key Competencies & Attributes

• High attention to detail with strong accuracy levels
• Strong reconciliation and problem-solving ability
• Ability to manage high volumes and meet strict deadlines
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Professional communication and stakeholder engagement
• High level of accountability and ownership mindset
• Ability to identify discrepancies and drive resolution
• Process-driven with a continuous improvement mindset
• Proven ability to take ownership of the creditors function without reliance on supervision

Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12 (essential)
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Accounting, or Bookkeeping is highly advantageous
• Minimum 4–6 years’ experience in a full-function accounts payable / creditors role, including reconciliations, payments, and query resolution
• Proven experience in a full-function, end-to-end accounts payable / creditors role (essential):
  • Strong experience in:
  • Invoice processing
  • Supplier reconciliations
  • Payment preparation
  • Query resolution
• Demonstrated experience managing reconciliations, supplier payments, and query resolution independently (essential)
• Experience taking ownership of the full accounts payable / creditors function (essential)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting systems
• Hands-on experience working on Sage within an accounts payable environment (essential)
• Strong understanding of accounts payable processes and financial controls
• Ability to work independently and take full ownership of responsibilities
• Valid South African driver’s licence and own reliable transport (essential)
• Experience working within FMCG, logistics, or high-volume environments (advantageous)
• Experience with ERP systems (advantageous)
• Strong reconciliation capability on Sage (essential)
• Understanding of financial regulations and best practices (advantageous)
• Ability to analyse data and identify trends or discrepancies (advantageous)
• Experience managing high-volume accounts payable environments (advantageous)

Other Requirements

• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• High reliability and strong follow-through
• Willingness to work extended hours during peak periods (month-end / year-end)

Benefits

• A Market-related salary (to be discussed with shortlisted candidates)
• Opportunity to work within a leading national cold-chain logistics operation.
• Career-growth potential within a structured, well-established organisation.