78 Accounts Lead jobs in South Africa

AESG is an international specialist consultancy, engineering, and advisory firm, with offices across the UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Australia, South Africa, Egypt and Singapore dedicated to help solve our clients greatest challenges, through collaboration, innovation, and advanced technical solutions. With unparalleled experience, gained from working on hundreds of projects, our multi-disciplinary team of Architects, Planners, Engineers, Scientists, Modelers and Project Managers work alongside our clients to deliver effective solutions that stand the test of time.

Job Description

The Accounts Payable Lead is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the accounts payable function, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices and payments. This role serves as a key point of contact between the AP team and vendors, and plays a critical role in improving AP processes, managing a small team, and ensuring compliance with company policies and accounting standards.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and support AP team members in invoice processing, payment runs, and vendor management
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices and employee expense reports
• Review and verify invoices and payment requests for appropriate documentation and approval
• Manage the AP aging report and ensure timely payments to vendors
• Resolve invoice discrepancies and respond to vendor inquiries
• Maintain vendor master records and ensure compliance with internal controls
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities including accruals and reconciliations
• Collaborate with procurement, receiving, and finance teams to streamline processes
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy
• Train new team members and provide ongoing coaching to ensure best practices
• Support audits and ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations

The ideal candidate fits the below profile:

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5 years of experience in accounts payable, with at least 2 years in a leadership role
• Strong knowledge of AP principles, GAAP, and internal controls
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and Microsoft Excel
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• High attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to lead and motivate a team
• Experience working with cross regional teams

Why join AESG?

AESG is a multidisciplinary specialist consultancy, offering a consultancy service and work environment like no other.

Through our world-class reputation for innovative thinking, pushing projects to out-perform expectations through smart application of planning, engineering and architectural solutions, our project portfolio includes some of the worlds most forward-thinking and exciting new developments.

The success of our company is built on the success of individuals. Our ability to achieve what we have is because our staff are driven, passionate and love what they do.

Through our progressive, lively and collaborative environment, we identify, foster and nurture the greatest strengths of our staff, and allow them opportunity to flourish by offering positions of responsibility at an early stage, and providing clear career progression pathways for all.

As an employee of AESG you can expect:

• Great career opportunities with access to huge variety of projects and incredible clients make your mark in a growing company and accelerate your career.
• Working on some of the worlds leading developments and tackling our clients greatest challenges
• Commitment in building on your areas of specialism and focal interest points, supporting your professional development through a structured training and mentorship program.
• Highly collaborative approach across the different technical service offerings
• Internal and external training opportunities where do you want to take your career? Well help you get there!
• Promotion of the importance of health and well-being of the team, including team building fitness activities, social events and the provision of a healthy work environment
• To be part of a dynamic and motivated team with an amazing team culture

RealNZ needs a dynamic Accounts Payable Lead to spearhead our payment operations. Reporting to the Transactional Finance Manager, you'll join a talented team supporting the business, ensuring smooth, efficient payments, and nurturing supplier relationships.

With a focus on accuracy and speed, you'll be instrumental in enhancing our financial processes. Your role will provide crucial support during month-end procedures, where your expertise in reporting and reconciliation will shine. Collaborating closely with finance partners, you'll ensure our financial reporting remains accurate and compliant. Your attention to detail will ensure all transactions align with GST legislation and company policies, fostering trust and reliability.

We're seeking a senior Accounts Payable professional with a passion for innovation and a knack for leveraging technology. Your ability to drive process improvement and embrace automation will be key in propelling our AP function forward.

Who do we need for this role?

• Demonstrated experience in a similar senior role
• Advanced Excel knowledge and implementation
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Keen attention to detail

What's in it for you?

• Permanent Full-Time opportunity
• Medical insurance included in your remuneration package
• Enjoy some incredible staff perks! Along with a FREE Cardrona/Treble Cone season pass, bring a friend along to experience RealNZ's unforgettable adventures at a fantastic discount. Explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, cruise Milford and Doubtful Sound, dine at Walter Peak and discover Rakiura. It's an amazing opportunity to experience the best of New Zealand without breaking the bank.

Real people, real places, real experiences. Welcome to Real.

When's the best time to join the Real whānau ? Now's good.

We're the conservation business that's enabled by tourism. We're helping the world, one guest at a time, fall in love with conservation. We're inspiring people to leave their places in better conditions than when they found them. We channel a guest-centric approach that fuels our genuine promise to deliver Aotearoa's most unforgettable experiences.

It's our workplace environment that makes careers at RealNZ more exciting than a regular job. Working for Real could mean you're based anywhere between a secluded island, a scenic fiord, and a snow-capped maunga. Our people, places, and workdays are a great and diverse mixture. It keeps us on our toes and adds value and passion to our work.

At RealNZ, we're committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion . Guided by our values of Pono (Keep it real) and He waka eke noa (We're all in this together) , we embrace and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that make our team stronger. Everyone is welcome here.

How to apply

Click Apply now to be taken to our careers page.

Please note that we will be interviewing candidates as they apply, and if the right person is found, we may close the role off to any further applications.

The AR Team Lead is responsible for leading the accounts-receivable function to secure cash, reduce credit risk and optimise working capital. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines credit management, collections, reconciliations and process ownership for the AR ledger and customer onboarding in NetSuite. The AR Team Lead will coach and manage the AR team, drive performance against KPIs and work closely with Sales, Legal and Treasury to protect revenue and reduce days outstanding.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the AR team; allocate work, set targets and conduct performance reviews.
• Own daily cash application, posting of receipts and clearing of customer accounts; ensure accuracy and timely processing in the ERP.
• Drive collections activities against the age analysis to reduce overdue balances while managing commercial relationships and not impeding sales.
• Manage credit risk: review credit applications, recommend credit limits, monitor exposures and initiate escalations (legal / CGIC) where required.
• Oversee customer onboarding checks and documentation in line with Rubicon requirements, POPIA and NCA/CPA compliance.
• Perform and own monthly reconciliations, ensure resolution of customer queries and present reconciled position to Finance on month-end.
• Produce timely and accurate AR reporting (cash receipts, ageing, DSO, disputed items) and provide commentary to Head of Finance.
• Liaise closely with Sales, Collections, Legal and Treasury on disputes, refunds, retention of title, payment plans and escalations.
• Maintain and improve AR processes and controls; lead NetSuite AR configuration/use improvements and automation where appropriate.
• Support month-end and year-end close activities and external audit requests related to AR.
  
  

• Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and reduction trend.
• % of overdue debt collected within target periods.
• Accuracy of postings (reconciliations with zero or minimal reconciling items).
• Time to resolve customer queries / disputes.
• Timeliness of month-end AR reporting and audit readiness.
• Team performance and adherence to SLAs.
  
  

• Minimum 7 years’ relevant AR / credit control experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or team-lead role.
• Strong knowledge of credit management, collections techniques and relevant legislation (NCA, CPA, POPIA).
• Proven experience with an ERP system (NetSuite experience highly preferred) and strong Excel skills.
• Relevant tertiary qualification (BCom Accounting / Finance or equivalent). Credit management or accounting certification advantageous.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills; strong commercial acumen.
• High attention to detail, organisational skills, and ability to work to deadlines.
  
  

• Reports to: Head of Finance / Finance Manager (or Head of AR).
• Direct reports: AR administrators / controllers (size to be agreed).
• Key relationships: Sales, Legal, Treasury, Procurement, Customer Service, External Auditors, CGIC.
  
  

• Day-to-day operational authority for AR activities and collections strategy.
• Authority to recommend credit limits and escalations; payment terms changes subject to delegated approval. Exact delegated financial limits to be confirmed by the Group Finance Manager.

The AP Team Lead will manage and scale the accounts-payable function to ensure accurate, timely and compliant payment of suppliers and service providers. The role requires strong controls, supplier relationship management, cash-flow coordination and continuous process improvement to protect the company’s working capital and supplier relationships.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the AP team; allocate responsibilities, set performance targets and coach staff to meet SLAs.
• Manage end-to-end invoice processing: receipt, validation, three-way matching (where applicable), approvals and timely payment runs.
• Own supplier reconciliations and resolve supplier queries and disputes promptly.
• Coordinate payment schedules and cash-flow forecasting with Treasury to optimise payment timing without damaging supplier relationships.
• Maintain AP controls and compliance (VAT, withholding tax, supplier onboarding checks, POPIA) and ensure audit readiness.
• Process month-end accruals, prepayments and supplier balances; deliver accurate AP reporting to Finance at close.
• Improve AP processes and automation (e-invoicing, OCR, workflow approvals) to reduce manual effort and errors.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and with Procurement to resolve invoice disputes and improve onboarding.
  
  

• Invoice processing cycle time (invoice-to-pay).
• Payment accuracy rate and reduction of duplicate/incorrect payments.
• Number and value of unapplied/uncleared supplier items at month-end.
• Timeliness and accuracy of AP month-end close and audit queries.
• Supplier satisfaction (where measured).
  
  

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in accounts payable or finance operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory/team lead role.
• Strong practical knowledge of AP controls, VAT and payment processes; experience with supplier onboarding and tax compliance.
• ERP experience required (NetSuite desirable) and strong Excel skills.
• Tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred.
• Strong analytical skills, process orientation and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
  
  

• Reports to: Group Finance / Finance Manager.
• Direct reports: AP clerks / processors (team size to be defined).
• Key relationships: Procurement, Treasury, Tax, Operations, Suppliers and External Auditors.
  
  

• Operational authority for AP processing and supplier query resolution.
• Authority to initiate payment runs in accordance with treasury schedules and delegated approvals. Specific payment approval limits to be defined by the Group Finance Manager.

WHY DO WE NEED YOU?

• Ensure that the AP process is performed in compliance with the ICRF/ Internal control and company policies and procedures.
• Supervise, mentor and support the AP Administrators in the day to day roles.
• Conduct performance evaluations, talent reviews and support staff development through KPIs,SLAs and quality metrics and implement corrective actions where needed.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices and employee expense claims
• Monitor payment runs and ensure compliance with company policies
• Supervise the preparation , review and approve supplier statement reconciliations and aging reports
• Prepare AP reports for month end close and management review
• Maintain adherence to internal controls,segregation of duties and financial governance policies.
• Maintain compliance with tax (VAT), withholding tax and regulatory obligations.
• Identify inefficiencies and process enhancements and automation /digitalization opportunities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support business continuity.

IS THIS JO FOR YOU?

The ideal candidate is role will suit a person with a Bachelors' Degree in Financial Accounting / Business Administration or a related field. At least 5-10 years experience in full AP environment with a min of 3 years in team management. Your experience in continuous improvement projects and your AP digital automation & workflow tools (OCR,PO Matching,etc) will set you apart . Computer skills along with essential ERP workflow functionality and payables processes and a broad knowledge of of local and regional statutory accounting rules.

TO MAKE SURE NOTHING IS FORGOTTEN

This role is responsible for managing the accounts payable operations across multiple business units. This includes ensuring accurate and timely invoice processing, query handling , payment execution and compliance with legislation, internal controls and service level agreements (SLAs). The role acts a key point of contact between internal stakeholders, suppliers and the SSC. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of AP processes, project management skills, and experience in leading teams and transformation initiatives.

LEGAL STATEMENT

“We value the importance of a diverse workforce as a cornerstone of our business success. Our primary focus in selecting the most suitable candidates for our roles is based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. We wholeheartedly embrace the principle of equal opportunity in our employment processes and are committed to eliminating any unlawful discrimination in our hiring practices”.