Senior Finance Officer

JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY:

The AP Senior Officer is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Accounts Payable, which includes timely and accurate processing of supplier invoices, validation and reviews prior to payment processing, and reconciling vendor statements with company records. This role involves resolving discrepancies, managing payment workflows, and supporting month-end close processes, while maintaining compliance with financial policies and internal controls.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

1.Invoice Verification and Processing (40% of time)

• Accurately review supplier/vendor invoices along with supporting documentation such as purchase orders, contracts, and delivery receipts to confirm that goods/services were received as ordered and delivered.
• Work closely with the Supply Chain team to clarify and resolve any issues related to invoice disputes or discrepancies.
• Engage with vendors to address and resolve billing conflicts, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
• Enter invoices into the ERP system to facilitate accurate and timely payment processing.

2.Payment Preparation and Execution (25% of time)

• Process payments on validated invoices ensuring compliance requirements are met.
• Ensure adherence to COSO framework.
• Liaise with approvers and address queries in a proactive manner.
• Review and validate advance payment requests, ensuring adequate measures are taken to mitigate instances and comply with the DOA.

3.Month-End Closing and Reporting (15% of time)

• Assistin preparing month-end accruals for unpaid invoices, ensuring that all expenses are accurately recorded.
• Reconcile vendor statements with internal records to ensure alignment between company and supplier balances, and escalate discrepancies as needed for timely resolution.
• Provide management with reports on accounts payable aging, commitments, and advances.
• Assistin the preparation of monthly cash flow reports to support financial planning and analysis.

4.Process Improvement and Project Support (15% of time)

• Identifybottlenecks in the AP process flow and drive projects to improve efficiency, enhance controls, and overall throughout quality.
• Support the Finance Manager and other stakeholders in delivering value-added projects.
• Participate in vendor negotiations.

5.Other Duties as Required (5% of time)

• Ensure compliance with the company's internal controls and accounting policies,
• adhering to all relevant tax and regulatory requirements related to payments.

Support financial audits by providing necessary documentation and reports related to accounts payable.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

Minimum Qualifications:

(Education/Certification/ Licensure/Professional Membership)

• Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Accountancy, or equivalent discipline.
• Semi-qualified/qualified chartered accountant preferred.

Minimum Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of experience in accounts payable or a related financial role.

Job Specific Competencies:

1.Advanced Excel Proficiency: Demonstrates advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to use complex formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis tools. Essential for efficiently managing and analyzing financial data, creating reports, and ensuring accurate processing of invoices and payments.

2.Multi-tasking: Ability to effectively manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously. This includes handling various aspects of invoice processing, payment management, vendor reconciliation, and month-end close activities without compromising accuracy or timeliness.

3.Experience with ERP and Online Platforms: Familiarity with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems and other online financial platforms is crucial. Proficiency in using these tools for invoice processing, payment tracking, and reconciliation ensures efficient and accurate management of accounts payable functions.

4.Collaboration: Strong collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively with colleagues across different functions such as Supply Chain and Finance. This competency involves coordinating efforts, resolving issues, and ensuring smooth operations by leveraging teamwork and communication skills.

5.Independence: Ability to work independently while adhering to established guidelines and priorities set by the supervisor/manager. This includes taking initiative, being proactive in identifying and solving problems, and demonstrating a strong commitment to professional development and continuous learning.