Finance Clerk (Accounts Payable)

SUMMARY:
-

POSITION INFO:

Finance Clerk (Accounts Payable)
Location: Koelenhof, Stellenbosch (Bottelary Road)
Department: Finance
Reporting to: Accounts Payable Controller

A well-established organisation operating within a fast-paced commodity trading environment is seeking a detail-oriented Finance Clerk (Accounts Payable) to join its finance team. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate, timeous processing of supplier invoices and payments across trading, logistics, and operations.

The position suits someone who is comfortable working with high transaction volumes, multiple cost components, and time-sensitive payments, and who enjoys working closely with traders, operations, and logistics teams.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable Processing

• Process high volumes of supplier invoices, including commodity purchases, freight, logistics, storage, inspection, insurance, and port charges.

• Match invoices to contracts, purchase confirmations, and supporting documentation.

• Verify pricing, quantities, Incoterms, and settlement dates.

Payments & Reconciliations

• Prepare and process supplier payments, including multi-currency payments.

• Manage payment runs in line with agreed terms and cash-flow priorities.

• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepancies.

• Monitor outstanding invoices and credit notes.

Trade & Operations Support

• Liaise with traders, operations, and logistics teams to resolve invoice queries.

• Assist with month-end accruals for open trades, freight, and demurrage.

• Support accurate cost allocation to trades for profitability reporting.

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with internal controls, approval limits, and audit requirements.

• Maintain clear audit trails and supporting documentation.

• Assist with internal and external audits when required.

Systems & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records within accounting and trading systems.

• Update vendor master data.

• Prepare accounts payable reports, ageing analyses, and ad-hoc management information.

Requirements

• Matric (essential).

• Degree or Diploma in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field.

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an Accounts Payable or finance administration role.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to manage high transaction volumes under time pressure.

• Solid understanding of basic accounting principles.

• Strong communication skills for interaction with internal teams and external suppliers.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365.

• Strong Excel skills.

• Experience using Teams and SharePoint.

• Exposure to PeopleSoft or a similar ERP system (advantageous).

Advantageous Experience

• Experience in a commodity trading, logistics, shipping, or trading-related environment.

• Exposure to multi-currency transactions.

• Familiarity with trade-related costs such as freight, demurrage, storage, and inspection fees.

• Experience with ERP or trading systems such as SAP, Dynamics, Openlink, Endur, or Allegro.

Values Fit

The organisation values individuals who demonstrate:

• Respect and inclusivity.

• Accountability and ownership.

• Passion and persistence.

• Collaboration and teamwork.

• A commitment to excellence.

• Agility in fast-changing environments.

• Integrity in all professional conduct.