Accounts Payable Manager

We're Hiring: Accounts Payable Manager

Business Unit: Finance

Function: Accounts Payable (Creditors)

Reports To: Lead: Banking, Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables

Role Purpose

The Accounts Payable Manager is responsible for leading the Accounts Payable (Creditors) function across multiple entities within the Lesaka group. The role ensures timely and accurate processing of supplier invoices, effective cash flow management, strong financial controls, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement of creditor processes.

This role partners with finance, procurement, treasury, technology, and business stakeholders to optimize working capital and support business growth.

Primary Focus

To lead and optimize the end-to-end Accounts Payable function across all merchant entities, ensuring accurate invoice processing, effective cash flow management, strong financial controls, regulatory compliance, supplier relationship management, and continuous process improvement while supporting operational efficiency and business growth.

Key Responsibility Areas & Associated Tasks

Creditors and Accounts Payable Management

Manage the end-to-end Accounts Payable function across all merchant entities.

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of supplier invoices and payment runs.
• Oversee supplier account reconciliations and resolution of outstanding queries.
• Ensure all payments are processed in accordance with approved policies, delegated authorities, and internal controls.
• Manage month-end and year-end AP close activities.

Team Leadership and Development

Lead, mentor, and develop the creditors team across all merchants.

• Establish performance objectives and monitor individual and team performance.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service excellence.
• Drive training initiatives to enhance technical and operational capabilities.

Financial Control and Compliance

Ensure compliance with SOX, tax regulations, company policies, and internal controls.

• Maintain strong segregation of duties and payment authorization controls.
• Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation and explanations.
• Monitor compliance with supplier agreements and procurement policies.

Cash Flow and Working Capital Management

Collaborate with Treasury to optimize cash flow and payment scheduling.

• Monitor creditor aging and payment cycles.
• Identify opportunities to improve working capital without negatively impacting supplier relationships.
• Prepare forecasts and reports related to creditor obligations.

Stakeholder and Supplier Relationship Management

Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.

• Resolve escalated supplier issues efficiently.
• Work closely with Procurement to support vendor onboarding and contract compliance.
• Support negotiations on payment terms where required.

Systems, Automation, and Process Improvement

Drive automation initiatives within Accounts Payable processes.

• Leverage ERP systems, workflow tools, and FinTech platforms to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Identify process bottlenecks and implement scalable solutions.
• Lead system enhancements, testing, and implementation projects related to AP functions.

Reporting and Analysis

Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual creditors reports for management.

• Analyse AP performance metrics and identify trends or risks.
• Report on payment accuracy, supplier aging, outstanding liabilities, and working capital indicators.
• Provide recommendations to improve operational and financial performance.

Key Competencies Required

• Accounts Payable Management
• Financial Control & Compliance
• Cash Flow & Working Capital Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Process Improvement & Automation
• ERP & Financial Systems Knowledge
• Reporting & Financial Analysis
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Team Leadership & Coaching

Qualifications & Experience

• Matric or relevant qualification
• Proven experience managing end-to-end Accounts Payable / Creditors functions across multiple entities.
• Strong experience in supplier reconciliations, payment processing, and financial controls.
• Experience managing AP teams and driving operational excellence.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and supplier relationship management experience.
• Experience with ERP systems, workflow automation, and process improvement initiatives.

Preferred Certifications

• Accounting or Finance Qualification
• Project Management Certification
• ERP System Certification

Ready to Lead Accounts Payable Excellence?

If you're a results-driven finance professional with a passion for financial control, operational excellence, supplier relationship management, and process optimization, this is an exciting opportunity to drive impact across Lesaka's Finance function.