3,328 Trainee Accountant jobs in South Africa

Be responsible for the overall accounts payable process and main point of contact with all suppliers for multiple entities including payroll journals, processing cash and bank transactions; prepare VAT declaration and WHT returns, accounts payable reporting and drive improvement projects.

Bachelor's degree and previous experience in a similar position is essential.

Financial Shared Services Centre experience an advantage.

• Managing the Portal for all Global territories, from the point of partner upload, through to business approval then submission to our Sage Finance system.
• Working with global AP entities to understand the key controls and local tax rules for accuracy of review and processing partner invoices.
• Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies or queries with internal departments and suppliers
• Processing overhead invoices via the AP portal, allocating of authorisers, reviewing data and nominal coding prior to submission.
• Supporting the Team Lead on analysis of AP Portal performance stats helping to drive the business on delivery of agreed KPIs fundamental to ensuring timely payments to all Partners.
• Prepare and complete monthly Supplier statement reconciliations.
• Assist in internal and external audit requests
• Accurate and timely recording of expense management transactions within Sage

• 2–4 years of experience in an Accounts Payable or Finance Administration role
• Experience with invoice processing and supplier reconciliations is essential
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and finance systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Previous experience working with international or UK-based companies is an advantage

• Email your comprehensive CV to .
• If you are already registered, please forward your CV and the relevant reference number to the consultant with whom you are currently registered in order to avoid duplicity on our system.
• We reserve the right to only conduct interviews with candidates of choice.
• Applicants who have not received feedback within 30 days from the closing date must please accept their application as unsuccessful.

Description

Zutari: Co-creating an engineered impact.

Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with almost 90 years' experience. As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa.

We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people's lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

What kind of talent do we pursue?

We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and share a sense of urgency. People who have an impact in our teams and broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

Role responsibilities

• Team Leadership : Oversee and guide the accounts payable team, ensuring efficient processing of invoices and payments.
• Payment Processing & Reconciliation : Manage the end-to-end accounts payable process, from invoice post to payment execution, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Vendor Management : Maintain strong relationships with the business, addressing queries and resolving discrepancies promptly. Managing, reviewing and approving of vendor.
• Month-End Closing : Assist with month-end closing activities, including accruals and reconciliations.
• Compliance & Reporting : Ensure adherence to internal controls and external regulations, preparing necessary reports for line manager.
• Process Improvement : Identify and implement process enhancements to improve efficiency and accuracy within the role.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years in an accounts payable role, with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
• Proficiency in accounting software, Microsoft Office suite, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong accounting knowledge.

Skills, and characteristics (add if applicable)

• Successful candidate must have good communication skills and be able to take initiative.

• Must have a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Must have ability to actively manage and participate within a team to achieve group goals, as well as able

to complete tasks independently.

We believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our business success. We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices. In support of diversity and the equal opportunity principle, preference will be given to individuals from designated groups within South Africa.

Candidate Profile

A s an Accounts Payable Controller, you would possess the following:

• Diploma or Degree in Accounting
• Good understanding and experience in oil industry is an added advantage
• Experience in the AP processes and previous experience working with High Value transactions and payments
• Technical skills required: minimum 2 years of experience - Vendor reconciliation knowledge, SAP especially accounts payable, understanding AP impact on the monthly financial result, excel experience.
• Key competencies include analytical ability and questioning, communication, planning and organising skills, cross functionality, good interpersonal skills, ability to meet strict deadlines; English is the working language

• Preparation of timeous payments for allocated vendors.
• To assess the validity of supplier invoices received from Business
• Accurately submit and manage tickets to SSC for invoice verification, processing and payment of vendors by due dates
• Verification that GL posting of entries generated per SSC tickets
• Perform monthly Reconciliations of all vendor accounts
• Liaise with business and vendors to clear all overdue GR/IR (Goods receipted not invoice receipted) for product/Transport and related transactions
• Ensure no unexplained variances on monthly vendor reconciliations
• Clear open items on the vendor listing
• Ensure the processing of queries before payment due date; and provide ongoing feedback until queries are resolved.

• To deliver excellent customer service to internal stakeholders
• To help improve and optimise controls and processes with the G&S Accounts Payable department
• To ensure compliance to the Group's standards
• To ensure confidentiality of information
• To ensure Total South Africa's policies and procedures are adhered to

• Facebook
• Email
• X
• LinkedIn

About the job Accounts Payable Controller

Accounts Payable Controller

Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12
• More than 5-7 years of experience in Accounts Payables (Creditors)
• Minimum of 5 years working experience in the Logistics Industry
• Experienced working with critical accounts (non-negotiable)
• Perform well under stress and meet tight deadlines (non-negotiable)
• Attention to detail and accuracy (non-negotiable)
• Problem analysis and problem-solving skills (non-negotiable)
• Good communication skills
• Experience working in an AP (Finance) software program
• Computer literate with good Excel knowledge

• Full AP Controller function of critical account: SARS
• Receive all 3rd party invoices and statements on time
• Check supplier invoices and credit notes to ensure they meet SARS requirements
• Request authorized invoices/credit notes and accurately process them
• Capturing of supplier documentation and payments as per agreed terms
• Reconciliation of supplier accounts
• AP Age Analysis report resolves queries, unallocated debit balances, and overdue accounts
• Monthly Disbursement report analyze and resolve supplier open folios
• Daily EFTs ensure invoices are cleared and follow up on queries
• Inform/communicate all unresolved queries to management timeously
• Specialized accounts must be kept up to date with a strong emphasis on them
• Stand in for the team as and when needed
• Adhere to policies and procedures as set out by the company
• Perform any other delegated tasks deemed reasonable by the reporting manager
• Occasional overtime may be required, particularly during month-end and year-end processes

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

Brief Description

Key Responsibilities:

1. Invoice & Payment Management: Oversee invoice receipt, review, verification, and matching with purchase orders; schedule and process timely payments to avoid penalties; oversee electronic and other payments with effective cash management.
2. Vendor & Record Management: Maintain vendor records, resolve payment queries, and ensure accurate transaction documentation.
3. Reconciliations & Reporting: Review vendor statement reconciliations, prepare AP reports (payment summaries, creditor ageing, accruals, invoices on hold).
4. Compliance & Month-End: Ensure adherence to regulations and policies, manage month-end close, and complete reconciliations.
5. Risk Management: Update AP systems, policies, and controls; facilitate audits; manage stipends and refunds.
6. Staff Management: Recruit, train, evaluate, and manage AP staff to meet departmental objectives.

Requirements:

1. Honours BCom (Accounting & Auditing).
2. 5+ years as AP Manager in a complex environment.
3. People management, training, and development experience.
4. Independent and team-oriented with strong risk management, process improvement, and change management skills.
5. Strong time management, problem-solving, attention to detail, and organisational skills.
6. Proficiency in MS Office, Oracle AP & GL, VAT application, and banking/forex requirements.
7. Experience with testing, change management, and system implementation projects.
8. Knowledge of digital payment workflows and automation in accounts payable.
9. Strong analytical skills for data validation and process accuracy.
10. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferences:

1. Experience with AP system integrations and ERP platforms (e.g., Oracle, iExpense).
2. Preference for C.T.A., C.A. Board entrants, or qualified C.A.s.

Additional Details

Closing Date: 05 September 2025

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to applicants from underrepresented groups. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.

Our client is looking for an Accounts Payable Supervisor to lead and supervise the Accounts Payable team by managing invoice processing, resolving vendor queries, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and service level agreements. This role plays a key part in optimizing the payables function, maintaining vendor relationships, and supporting business operations through timely and accurate payments.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise daily operations of the Accounts Payable team, including monitoring workload, performance, and adherence to SLAs.
• Resolve process bottlenecks to ensure efficient invoice processing and vendor payments.
• Drive collaboration between the processing and reconciliation teams to ensure timely query resolution.
• Maintain compliance with business procedures, internal controls, and policies, identifying and mitigating risks.
• Escalate potential system and process improvements to the Accounts Payable Manager and assist in driving implementation.
• Ensure accurate recording of vendor, bank, and GL account transactions within financial systems.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to support smooth operations and meet customer/vendor expectations.
• Support internal and external audits by ensuring all relevant documentation and records are accurate and up to date.

• NQF Level 6 - Diploma in Finance, Accounting, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or team lead role
• Strong understanding of accounts payable processes and vendor management
• Proven ability to work under pressure and manage high volumes of transactions

• NQF Level 7 - Degree in Accounting or Finance
• SAP or similar ERP system experience
• Experience in process improvement or implementing system enhancements
• Familiarity with audit processes and financial controls

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability
• Ability to work independently and make decisions under pressure
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Professionalism, reliability, and a reputation for high-quality work
• Customer-focused mindset with a continuous improvement attitude