Payables Officer

Payables Officer

JOB SUMMARY

The Payables Officer is responsible for processing vendor invoices, staff reimbursements, and client-related expenses accurately and on time. The role includes verifying invoices, posting payments, handling Withholding Tax (WHT) deductions, and reconciling partner and staff expenses. Additionally, the officer ensures proper documentation for client billings and maintains compliance with approved accounting procedures.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational & Capital Expenditure:

• Review vendors' invoices for accuracy and completeness and input into the system in line with accounting treatment approved by management.
• Ensure WHT is deducted from the vendor payment accurately and posted into the system
• Monthly preparation of the WHT payable schedule
• Ensure all journal entries for month-end reporting - Posting of prepaid, accrued expenses, and depreciation are complete and accurate.
• Prepare and ensure reconciliation of the monthly CUG staff usage report is carried out on a timely basis in line with the process.
• Accurate preparation and reporting of monthly accruals and provisions.
• Ensure accurate preparation of month-end schedules.
• Maintain and submit the aged creditors report and the OPEX/CAPEX payment schedule for review and approval by management and forward the approved schedule to Treasury for processing.
• Review and verify travel advance requests (TAR) and travel return requests (TRR) forwarded by admin and forwarded to Treasury for processing.
• Update the fixed asset register when new capital items are purchased and manage the monthly depreciation/amortization of assets.
• Ensure all newly purchased fixed assets are tagged within a period of 48 hours upon notification.
• Carry out any other tasks assigned by the finance manager.

Client Expenses:

• Carrying Due diligence exercise on all approved client expense request for IP and COSEC.

• Ensure printing costs are accurately posted against the respective clients’ matter ledger.

• Reconciliation of the IP account and client expense account.

• EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

• ACA/ACCA qualification or partial qualification will be an added advantage.

• SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of Five (5) years’ experience in accounts payable & finance operations.

• Strong understanding of accounts payable processes and principles.

• Effective leadership skills and strong ability to manage a team.

• Effective written & verbal communication skills to liaise with vendors & internal stakeholders.

• Proficient in using accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Familiarity with legal-specific accounting software is advantageous.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Ability to identify and resolve issues related to accounts payable processes.

• High ethical standards and integrity in handling confidential financial information.

• Ability to work collaboratively with other members of the finance team and cross-functional departments.