Job Description

Roles & Responsibilities

The Chief Accountant – Accounts Payable is responsible for managing and overseeing the Accounts Payable function to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing of supplier invoices, payments, reconciliations, and financial reporting. The role supervises the Accounts Payable team, maintains strong internal controls, and ensures compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable Management

• Oversee the end-to-end Accounts Payable process, including invoice verification, approval workflows, payment processing, and vendor reconciliations.

• Ensure supplier invoices are processed accurately and within agreed timelines.

• Review and approve payment vouchers, supplier payments, and accounting entries.

• Monitor outstanding liabilities and ensure timely settlement of supplier obligations.

• Manage month-end and year-end Accounts Payable closing activities.

Financial Control & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and internal control procedures.

• Review AP transactions to ensure correct account coding and cost allocation.

• Monitor and strengthen controls related to vendor payments and expense management.

• Support internal and external audit requirements and address audit observations.

Vendor Management

• Maintain positive relationships with suppliers and resolve payment-related issues.

• Review and reconcile supplier statements regularly.

• Coordinate with Procurement and other departments to resolve invoice discrepancies and contractual matters.

• Monitor supplier account balances and aging reports.

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare Accounts Payable reports, accrual schedules, and liability analyses.

• Support monthly financial reporting and balance sheet reconciliations.

• Analyze payment trends and recommend improvements to optimize cash flow management.

• Assist management with financial data and reporting requirements.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and guide Accounts Payable Accountants and Finance Assistants.

• Allocate workloads and monitor team performance.

• Provide coaching and support to ensure continuous development of team members.

• Ensure compliance with departmental procedures and service levels.

ERP & Process Improvement

• Maintain accurate records within the ERP system.

• Participate in system enhancements and process automation initiatives.

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls within the AP function.

• Support ERP upgrades, testing, and implementation projects.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate with Procurement, Stores, Treasury, and other departments to ensure smooth processing of invoices and payments.

• Support Finance leadership in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities when required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

• Professional qualification such as ACCA, CPA, CMA, CA, or equivalent is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 8–12 years of accounting experience.

• At least 4–5 years of experience in a senior Accounts Payable or Chief Accountant role.

• Experience within manufacturing, industrial, or large corporate environments is highly preferred.

• Experience working with ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP, or Oracle Fusion.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of Accounts Payable processes and financial controls.

• Thorough understanding of IFRS and accounting principles.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.

• Strong reconciliation, analysis, and reporting capabilities.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Team Management

• Financial Analysis

• Attention to Detail

• Problem Solving

• Communication Skills

• Time Management

• Stakeholder Management

• Integrity & Confidentiality

KPIs

• Timeliness of Supplier Payments

• Invoice Processing Accuracy

• Supplier Reconciliation Completion Rate

• Month-End Closing Timeliness

• Audit Compliance and Findings

• Outstanding Payables Management

• AP Process Efficiency

• Vendor Satisfaction and Issue Resolution

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Experience in manufacturing or industrial companies.

• Strong ERP experience (Oracle, SAP, Oracle Fusion).

• Proven experience leading Accounts Payable operations and teams.

• Strong understanding of internal controls, audits, and financial compliance.

Desired Candidate Profile

.