Accounts Payable Manager at Flight Centre Travel Group

Accounts Payable Manager

Purpose:

• To set up and provide efficient, effective and seamless accounts payable processes that support the rest of the business and allow them to focus on the key front end business.
• This department will become a true centre of excellence for accounts payable and invoice process efficiency.
• The role of this function is to lead a team of accounts payable and to drive the process oriented functions within these teams, specifically focusing on the following key areas:
• Monthly reconciliations of all accounts under supervision which includes but is not limited to external creditors on terms, internal creditors – (TBO, Roomex, Safari, Expedia), Procards and E-Nett.
• Monthly age analysis performed and sent to Senior Management with comments for long outstanding items
• Improving efficiency of processes
• Full responsibility for open orders ensuring they are closed off in line with policy
• Develop, support and motivate direct reports
• Managing change
• Utilising technology and improved processes to drive efficiency within the team
• Following up on long outstanding reconciling items (older than 30 days)
• Escalating to senior management and front end leaders when processes are not being followed due to front-end non-compliance Setting up and enforcing One Best Way practice within accounts payable and invoicing department
• This role requires an individual who is not scared of a challenge, can get involved in the trenches to fix the problem, is solution focused and can also see the big picture at the same time. This must be able to operate on multiple different accounting systems. This role will require the candidate to perform reconciliations and manage certain key strategic accounts on his/her own.

Primary duties and responsibilities (KRAs)

• Financial control
• Managing FCTG’s cash flow by preparing payment files and ensuring suppliers are paid strictly within their credit terms.
• Full responsibility for open orders ageing ensuring exceptions are low, customers are billed on time and suppliers can be paid seamlessly.
• Performing the month end closing process - Payments authorised and allocations done.
• Ensure monthly creditors reconciliations are performed and reviewed
• Ensure monthly Procard & E-Nett recons are performed and reviewed
• Following up of reconciling items
• Review and sign off of creditors age analysis on a monthly basis
• Identify and report on risk areas within the business
• Creation of a One Best Way process within accounts payable and invoicing department.
• Process efficiency
• Explore new technology solutions
• Improving quantity and accuracy of invoices captured by Cognizant, and providing support to the offshore team on query management
• Ownership of training for all people in this department
• Work in partnership with front end to deliver processes, systems and workflow that improve productivity whilst protecting the business
• Become a champion on all systems the accounts payable team work on
• Leadership of team, including setting the direction and culture of the team
• Responsible for onboarding and training of new team members
• Setting up growth and development plans for each staff member
• Daily team meetings (especially starting off)
• Monthly 1-on-1s with direct reports
• Biannual performance reviews
• Driving a vision of process excellence, continual improvement and maintain a team aligned to this vision
• Coaching & Mentoring
• Communication & stakeholder relationship management including query management with all stakeholders ensuring the agreed deliverables and turn-around times are adhered to

Hierarchy:

• Reports to the Financial Controller, +-4 direct reports.
• Key communication and relationships:
• Internal: Creditor Snr Team leader, Accounting operations Financial controller, Invoicing team, Operations Team leaders, Direct reports, Debtors & Banking team leader, internal audit, CFO.
• External: Suppliers & Auditors
• Job Requirements
• Education and qualification:

Minimum requirements

• Added advantage
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
• Prior experience in accounting is highly beneficial. Industry certifications are also helpful

Experience:

• At least 5 years working in a creditors or accounting department (Travel management company experience advantageous)
• Protas experience crucial
• Proven leadership track record.  

Other:

Location:

Johannesburg

Travelling:

Local travel may be required

Office hours:

8:00- 5:00

Additional:

Will need to attend Buzz nights and occasional weekend focus days, working overtime over month end is sometimes required.

Applications close: 14 Nov 2022 South Africa Standard Time