Accounts Payable Lead at Alistair James Company Ltd – Sandton

Alistair Group is one of East and Southern Africa’s fastest-growing service companies, providing a variety of self-delivered logistics solutions across several geographies, aimed with the vision to Make Africa Work Better! With core competencies in road freight, warehousing, commodity trading and operational hire of material handling equipment, the Group strives for continuous expansion of innovative ancillary services to grow the business vertically, complimented by a healthy dose of entrepreneurial flair. The business has gone from strength to strength, growing quickly in both its geographical coverage and variety of services offered to clients. In 2024, the Group exceeded the 1000 employee mark and managed a fleet of well over 1000 trucks. With Alistair’s aggressive and exciting growth strategy, the Group is poised for significant further expansion and a greater impact in Africa.

Core Services:

• Freight Forwarding
• Clearance & Forwarding
• Energy Industry Support Services
• Equipment Rental
• Commodity Trading
• Integrated Solutions
• Warehousing
• Ocean Freight

Industries:

• Mining
• Oil & Gas
• Agriculture
• Construction
• Explosives
• Renewables

Mission

To make Africa work better

Company Values

Honesty, Customer Focus, Continual Improvement, Humility, and Safety

Key Responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Accounts Payable Lead to lead and oversee our accounts payable function. This role is ideal for a strong leader with a solid background in finance operations, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about driving efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the Accounts Payable team to ensure efficient daily operations and achievement of performance targets.
• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of supplier invoices and employee expense claims in line with company policies and tax regulations.
• Act as the escalation point for complex supplier queries, disputes, and pricing discrepancies.
• Monitor and manage AP aging reports, ensuring overdue and high-risk accounts are prioritized appropriately.
• Ensure data integrity within SAP Business One (SAP B1), including accurate capturing of invoices and credit notes.
• Supervise monthly supplier reconciliations and ensure accounts are balanced ahead of payment runs.
• Review cash flow forecasts related to payables and coordinate payment batch preparation for approval.
• Maintain strong communication with vendors and internal stakeholders, managing escalations where required.
• Oversee month-end close processes and support audit requirements by providing necessary documentation.
• Ensure vendor compliance, including accurate master data management and adherence to tax requirements (VAT and withholding tax).
• Enforce internal controls, Delegation of Authority (DOA), and audit compliance processes.
• Prepare and maintain accounts payable reporting as required.
• Manage and delegate ad hoc tasks from the Head of Financial Transactions.

Minimum RequirementsEducation & Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years’ overall work experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role within accounts payable/receivable.
• Experience within the logistics industry will be advantageous.

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in ERP systems, with SAP Business One (SAP B1) preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, and data analysis).
• Solid understanding of accounting principles, particularly the Procure-to-Pay cycle and tax compliance.
• Experience with audits, internal controls, and compliance frameworks.

Key Competencies

• Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Problem-Solving: High attention to detail with excellent analytical and organizational abilities.
• Resilience: Ability to perform under pressure in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work extended hours when required.

The Company reserves the right to withdraw from the recruitment process at any time, at its sole discretion. The sharing of any aptitude test, assessment, or invitation to an interview does not constitute an offer of employment or guarantee any future employment with the Company. Candidates acknowledge that progression through any stage of the recruitment process does not imply or ensure an eventual offer of employment.

By completing your details and clicking “Submit Application” you consent to Alistair Group processing your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.