Team Lead- Accounts Payable

Emeris consolidates resources and expertise from IIE Varsity College, IIE MSA, IIE-Vega School, and IIE School of Hospitality & Service Management, with a unified approach ensuring a consistent standard of excellence in teaching, learning, and student support.

Emeris National Office in Waterfall (Midrand) has a vacancy for a Team-Lead- Accounts Payable.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop the Accounts Payable team.
• Allocate workloads across Payment Agents and Purchase Order Agents.
• Monitor productivity and service delivery.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings.
• Manage performance and development plans.
• Ensure business continuity through cross-training.
• Approve leave and manage team capacity.
• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Accounts Payable Operations

Responsible for the end-to-end AP process including:

• Supplier invoice processing
• Three-way matching
• Purchase order compliance
• Invoice verification
• Payment processing
• Payment runs
• Supplier reconciliations
• Credit notes
• Statement reconciliations
• Vendor master maintenance (where applicable)
• Month-end AP close

Purchase Order Management

Oversee the Purchase Order Agents to ensure:

• Purchase Orders are created within agreed SLAs.
• Procurement policy is followed.
• Appropriate approvals are obtained.
• Correct GL coding.
• Correct cost centre allocations.
• PO amendments are managed.
• PO closures are completed.

Financial Controls & Compliance

Maintain a strong control environment by ensuring:

• Delegation of Authority is followed.
• Procurement policies are adhered to.
• VAT compliance (where applicable).
• POPIA compliance.
• Supporting documentation is complete.
• Audit-ready records are maintained.
• Fraud risks are escalated.
• Duplicate payment checks are performed.
• Segregation of duties is maintained.

Supplier Relations Management

• Build positive supplier relationships.
• Resolve escalated supplier issues.
• Manage payment expectations.
• Reduce supplier complaints.
• Monitor supplier service levels.
• Support Procurement where required.

Stakeholder Management

• Campus Head Finance
• Campus Senior Management Team
• Budget Holders
• Internal Audit
• External Auditors
• Vendors

Provide guidance on:

• Purchase Orders
• Payment status
• Supplier onboarding
• Invoice requirements
• Policy interpretation

Reporting

Prepare and analyse reports including:

• Outstanding invoices
• Vendor ageing
• Payment status
• PO turnaround times
• Freshdesk ticket volumes
• SLA compliance
• Team productivity
• Exceptions
• Duplicate payments
• Month-end reporting

Provide regular reporting to the Project Manager – Risk & Financial Analysis.

Continuous Improvement

Drive efficiencies by:

• Identifying process improvements
• Reducing manual work
• Supporting automation initiatives
• Improving system utilisation
• Reviewing SOPs
• Updating work instructions
• Supporting system implementations
• Leading change initiatives

Risk Management

• Identify operational risks.
• Investigate payment errors.
• Monitor control failures.
• Implement corrective actions.
• Support internal audits.
• Close audit findings.
• Monitor fraud indicators.

Competencies / Skills required:

• Leadership
• Accountability
• Customer focus
• Collaboration
• Problem solving
• Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
• Microsoft Office
• D365
• Freshdesk
• Financial reporting
• AP controls
• VAT knowledge
• Reconciliations
• Data analysis

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree (NQF level 7) in Finance

Work Experience Requirements:

Essential:

• 3–5 years Accounts Payable experience
• D365 experience preferred
• High-volume AP environment
• Strong computer literacy
• Good attention to detail and accuracy

Preferred

• Relevant Finance Degree
• 2–3 years leading a finance team (Advantageous)
• Higher Education sector
• Multi-site organisation
• Procurement experience

Salary:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• Lifelong learning opportunities through LinkedIn Learning subscriptions.
• Staff and family discounts on educational programs within our brand portfolio.
• Incentive bonus structure based on performance and achievement of goals.
• Birthday vouchers to celebrate your special day.
• Competitive annual leave allowance for well-deserved time off and rejuvenation.

Application Response:

• Due to the high volume of CVs received, please note that personal contact with all applicants may not be feasible. Only candidates whose qualifications and skills closely align with the position requirements will be contacted for interviews

Technical Support:

• Should you experience technical difficulties applying for the position, kindly use the following URL for further assistance : https://hire.simplify.hr/ContactUs

Emeris is an Equal Opportunity Employer. However, preference may be given to previously underrepresented groups in accordance with the South African Employment Equity Act. The company reserves the right to close or place the vacancy on hold at any time, without prior notice.