Chief Accountant; Accounts Payable

Overview

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.

• 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 & 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.

• Minimum 8‑12 years of accounting experience; at least 4‑5 years in a senior Accounts Payable or Chief Accountant role.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field. Professional qualification such as ACCA, CPA, CMA, CA or equivalent is preferred.
• Experience with in manufacturing, industrial or large corporate environments is highly preferred.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP or Oracle Fusion.

• 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.

• Leadership & Team Management
• Financial Analysis
• Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving
• Communication Skills
• Time Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Integrity & Confidentiality

• 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

• 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.