Assistant Accountant Jobs – Accounts Payable and Finance Role

Finance departments rely on much more than the preparation of financial statements. Behind every supplier payment, staff claim, advance and financial report is a process that needs to be checked, recorded and followed through correctly. An Assistant Accountant working in accounts payable plays an important part in making sure those processes remain accurate, organised and properly controlled.

This opportunity is suited to a finance professional who can work carefully with financial documents, maintain accurate records and communicate effectively with both internal teams and external suppliers. The position focuses heavily on accounts payable, but the responsibilities also extend into reconciliations, financial controls, reporting, stakeholder support and continuity within the Finance Department.

The role requires someone who can handle routine financial transactions without losing sight of the importance of accuracy, compliance and timely follow-up.

Following a Payment From Document to Completion

One of the main areas of responsibility is helping the Finance Department process payments correctly and on time. The work can involve supplier payments as well as travel and project advances, staff claims, consultant payments, payroll-related deductions, insurance premiums, letters of credit, bank guarantees and other approved disbursements.

Before a payment is posted into the ERP system, its supporting documentation needs to be reviewed. The Assistant Accountant will help check whether invoices and payment requests are complete, accurately prepared, appropriately approved and correctly coded.

This process is important because a payment should not simply be processed because an invoice has arrived. The required documentation must support the transaction, the necessary approvals must be in place and the payment needs to comply with the organisation's policies.

Once a payment is processed, appropriate remittance advice documentation should accompany it. Accurate accounts payable records must also be maintained so that financial reporting and audit requirements can be supported when needed.

The position also involves looking beyond individual payments. Outstanding supplier commitments will need to be analysed, with reports prepared on invoices that remain outstanding so they can be reviewed and followed up.

Reconciliations Reveal What the Records Are Saying

Another important part of the position is reconciliation.

Supplier ledger balances and supplier statements need to be reconciled each month, along with other balance sheet accounts assigned to the role. When figures do not agree, the differences must be investigated, resolved and properly documented.

Travel advances and supplier prepayments also require attention. The Assistant Accountant will monitor, reconcile and clear these balances within the established timelines. Other balance sheet accounts may similarly need to be followed through until the records accurately reflect their position.

The role also supports the timely posting of receipts and other financial transactions. During month-end and year-end closing, the Assistant Accountant will help prepare reconciliations and supporting schedules so that the Finance Department can complete its closing activities properly.

These responsibilities require patience and analytical thinking. Reconciliation work is not simply about matching numbers; it involves identifying why differences exist and making sure they are properly addressed.

A Register That Keeps Track of Invoices

Supplier invoices can pass through several stages before payment is completed. For that reason, the role includes maintaining a central invoice tracking register.

The register is used to monitor invoices from the point at which they are received through approval, processing, payment and filing. Keeping this information up to date makes it easier to identify transactions that are still waiting for action.

The Assistant Accountant will also monitor processing timelines and proactively follow up on pending approvals. This helps prevent avoidable delays in payment processing.

Under the guidance of the Deputy Finance Manager, the role also contributes to periodic reporting. Reports may cover supplier payments, outstanding liabilities, advances and other accounts payable measures.

The reporting side of the position means the Assistant Accountant needs to be comfortable working with financial information and presenting it accurately.

Financial Controls Are Part of Everyday Work

Strong accounts payable work depends on financial controls. The person in this position will be expected to maintain controls and ensure that financial activities comply with organisational policies, donor requirements and statutory regulations.

This responsibility runs through the entire payment process. Supporting documentation, approvals, coding, posting, reconciliations and records all need to be handled properly.

The role therefore requires attention to detail and an ability to recognise when something does not appear correct. Critical thinking and business analysis skills are specifically required, allowing the Assistant Accountant to investigate financial issues rather than simply process transactions mechanically.

The position also contributes to cash management. By helping monitor outstanding commitments, processing payments accurately and following up pending transactions, the role supports the wider Finance Department's ability to maintain an accurate picture of its obligations.

Working With Suppliers and Internal Teams

Accounts payable is also a service function. Financial transactions often involve people outside the Finance Department, and the Assistant Accountant will need to respond professionally to questions and concerns.

The position involves supporting staff, suppliers, consultants and other stakeholders with accounts payable and payment-related matters. Queries involving invoices, payments and account reconciliations may require communication between suppliers and internal clients before they can be resolved.

This makes business partnering skills important. The Assistant Accountant needs to work well with different stakeholders while maintaining the financial procedures that govern the work.

Clear oral and written communication will therefore be useful alongside accounting knowledge. A technically capable finance professional must also be able to explain issues, request missing information and follow up matters without creating unnecessary delays.

The Role Also Looks Beyond Routine Processing

Although accounts payable is at the centre of the position, the opportunity also includes a continuous improvement element.

The Assistant Accountant will contribute to initiatives intended to improve the efficiency, accuracy and effectiveness of accounts payable processes. This means the role is not limited to repeating existing procedures. There is also an expectation that the employee can contribute ideas and support improvements in the way work is organised.

Knowledge sharing is another part of this responsibility. The Assistant Accountant will train and support designated backup staff so that important responsibilities can continue to be covered when required.

The position also involves sharing knowledge with colleagues and providing guidance on accounts payable procedures, controls and good practices. This supports business continuity while helping maintain consistency within the Finance Department.

Other duties may be assigned by the supervisor as part of the position.

The Academic and Professional Foundation

The required academic qualification is a bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. Professional technical training is also desired, specifically CPA II at the Intermediate level or an equivalent ACCA qualification.

At least one year of experience in finance or accounting is required. Candidates should therefore have some practical exposure to financial work and understand the importance of accurate transaction processing and record keeping.

Knowledge of computerised accounting software is required, with experience using the Agresso system preferred. Strong computer skills are also necessary, including sound knowledge of Microsoft Office.

The technology requirement is particularly relevant because the position involves working with an ERP system, maintaining financial records, tracking invoices and preparing reports.

Accuracy, Independence and Analytical Thinking

The technical side of accounts payable is only part of what this opportunity requires. The person in the role should be able to work accurately and methodically while also being comfortable analysing financial information.

Excellent oral, written and analytical skills are required. Critical thinking and business analysis capabilities are also important, particularly when investigating reconciliation differences, reviewing documentation or following up outstanding transactions.

The position requires someone who can work independently with minimal supervision. That does not mean working in isolation; the role involves regular interaction with suppliers, staff, consultants, finance colleagues and other stakeholders. Instead, it means being capable of taking responsibility for assigned tasks and following them through without constant direction.

Good stakeholder relationships, careful financial work and independent follow-through all come together in this position.

A Finance Role Built Around Accuracy and Follow-Through

An Assistant Accountant in accounts payable may work with individual invoices and payments, but the impact of the role extends much further. Accurate processing supports financial reporting, reconciliations help maintain reliable records, timely follow-up helps manage outstanding commitments and strong controls protect the integrity of financial operations.

For a finance or accounting graduate with at least one year of relevant experience, CPA II or equivalent ACCA training, and familiarity with accounting software, this position offers a role centred on practical financial responsibility.

The strongest candidate will be someone who can combine accounting knowledge with careful analysis, professional communication and the discipline to follow financial transactions through to completion. In an environment where every payment, reconciliation and supporting document matters, consistency and accuracy become essential parts of the job.

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