About the position
Role Purpose
The Finance Assistant will be responsible for the accurate processing, validation, and maintenance of supplier invoices within a purchase order-controlled environment. The role ensures strong financial governance through strict adherence to 2-way matching principles, timely resolution of discrepancies, and support of efficient purchase ledger operations.
The role also contributes to month-end processes, audit readiness, and general finance administration, while providing occasional support to accounts receivable and credit control functions where required.
Key Responsibilities
Purchase Ledger & Invoice Processing
- Process supplier invoices accurately within a purchase order (PO) controlled environment
- Perform 2-way matching between invoices and approved purchase orders
- Ensure invoices are correctly coded, authorised, and compliant with internal policies
- Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies, variances, or missing PO issues
- Liaise with procurement, budget holders, and suppliers to resolve queries efficiently
- Maintain up-to-date supplier records and purchase ledger integrity
Payments & Reconciliations
- Prepare supplier payment runs in line with agreed payment terms and internal controls
- Perform supplier statement reconciliations and resolve outstanding differences
- Monitor invoice approvals to ensure timely payment processing
Month-End & Reporting Support
- Support month-end close activities including accruals, reconciliations, and reporting schedules
- Provide accurate supporting documentation for internal and external audit requirements
- Assist in maintaining a clear and complete audit trail for all transactions
Accounts Receivable Support (Ad Hoc)
- Support credit control and accounts receivable processes when required
- Assist in allocation of incoming payments and query resolution with customers
Systems & Process Improvement
- Maintain accurate data within finance systems and ensure high data integrity
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function
- Follow and uphold all financial policies, procedures, and internal controls
Key Internal Relationships
- Finance team (Management Accountant, Finance Manager, wider finance function)
- Budget holders across departments
- Procurement and operations teams
Key External Relationships
- Suppliers and vendors
- External auditors (as required)
Key Role Expectations
- Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and collaboration in all interactions
- Maintain a strong customer service mindset for internal stakeholders and suppliers
- Ensure compliance with all financial policies, procedures, and controls
- Take accountability for accuracy, deadlines, and quality of output
- Adapt effectively to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Maintain punctuality and reliability in attendance, meetings, and deadlines
- Actively contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence
Core Competencies
Customer Service
Provides accurate, timely, and professional support to internal and external stakeholders.
External Awareness
Understands the broader international and membership-driven context of the organisation and its operating environment.
Flexibility
Adapts quickly to changing priorities, workloads, and systems while maintaining accuracy and control.
Building Collaborative Relationships
Develops strong working relationships across departments and with external stakeholders to ensure effective outcomes.
Thoroughness
Maintains exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and strong audit trails across all financial processes.
Skills, Experience & Knowledge
Essential
- Previous experience in an Accounts Payable or Purchase Ledger role
- Strong experience working within a purchase order-controlled environment
- Proven ability to perform 2-way invoice matching
- Experience resolving invoice discrepancies and supplier queries
- Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail in high-volume environments
- Ability to meet tight deadlines in a transactional finance function
- Working knowledge of purchase ledger processes and VAT on supplier invoices
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (basic to intermediate)
Desirable
- AAT qualification (or equivalent) or currently studying towards an accounting qualification
- Experience within a shared services or high-volume finance environment
- Exposure to multi-currency transactions
- Experience using accounting or ERP systems (e.g. Sage, NetSuite, SAP, or similar)
- Understanding of broader accounting procedures and month-end processes
***Salary - R14,000 (Negotiable, based on skills, experience and in relation to current package)
Desired Skills:
