Purpose of the Job
The purpose of the Accounts Payable Controller role is to lead and manage the AP team, ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of supplier invoices, payments, and reconciliations while maintaining strong financial controls and optimising cash flow. This role is accountable for team performance against SLAs and KPIs, including payment accuracy, processing turnaround times, and vendor query resolution.
The AP Controller provides leadership and direction to foster a high-performance culture, setting clear expectations and conducting regular performance reviews to develop team capability. This role partners with HR to coordinate onboarding for new team members, implements training initiatives to address skills gaps, and ensures open communication channels to support engagement and change management.
Operationally, the AP Controller oversees the end-to-end accounts payable function, including invoice processing, payment runs, vendor reconciliations, and month-end close activities. The Controller ensures compliance with delegated authority limits, financial controls, and service level agreements (SLAs), while acting as the primary escalation point for complex supplier disputes or payment issues.
The role is also responsible for cash flow management through the strategic scheduling of payment runs, optimising payment terms with suppliers, and ensuring accurate accruals and provisions for month-end and year-end reporting. The AP Controller owns the team-wide process documentation framework, leads structured knowledge transfer, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, automation, and control within the AP function.
Job Summary
- Employer: AECI Corporate
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Finance
- Closing Date: 2026-10-15
Key Responsibilities
- Validate and approve complex or high-value AP transactions, including invoices, credit notes, and reversals.
- Ensure compliance with Delegation of Authority (DOA) and company policies.
- Approve one-time vendor and alternate payee requests.
- Review and approve rejected invoice reprocessing.
- Monitor 2-way and 3-way matching exception reports.
- Investigate recurring pricing, quantity, or PO variances.
- Drive root cause analysis and coordinate resolutions with Procurement and Business Finance
- Escalate systemic issues to SAP CoE or management where required.
- Review and approve vendor reconciliations.
- Monitor unreconciled items and aged creditor balances.
- Ensure timely clearing of reconciling items.
- Escalate long-outstanding disputes to management.
- Approve and schedule payment runs in alignment with cash flow forecasts
- Consult with Business Finance and GAM to ensure adequate funding for payment cycles.
- Review and authorize foreign payment instructions and bank instruction forms.
- Perform pre-approval checks on payment uploads Perform pre-approval checks on payment uploads.
- Review and validate AP accruals for accuracy and completeness
- Ensure prepayments and advances are accurately captured, monitored, and cleared
- Support finance team with month-end AP reporting and reconciliations
Requirements
- Degree in Accounting or equivalent (NQF7) level Diploma in Accounting
- 5 -7 years’ experience in accounts payable or similar environment with 2 years supervisory / management experience
- Experience with shared services or outsourced finance operations
- SAP ECC6 (essential)
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: jobs.aeciworld.com
REF Code: 2161
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for an Accounts Payable Controller role in Botswana?
Most employers require a Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration from institutions like the University of Botswana or BIUST. Professional certifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or BICA membership significantly strengthen your application. Proficiency in accounting software like SAP, Sage Pastel, or QuickBooks is often essential.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an Accounts Payable Controller in Botswana?
You will process supplier invoices, reconcile vendor statements, manage payment runs, and resolve payment discrepancies. The role requires strict adherence to Botswana's VAT regulations and internal approval hierarchies common in local corporate structures. Monthly reporting to finance managers and supporting audit preparations are also standard duties.
How does workplace culture in Botswana typically affect this finance role?
Botswana workplaces emphasize respect for hierarchy and formal communication channels, so you will likely report through structured lines of authority. Punctuality and reliability are highly valued, though relationships and interpersonal harmony matter significantly in daily operations. Understanding Setswana cultural norms around respect and consensus-building can enhance workplace integration.
What career progression paths are realistic for an Accounts Payable Controller in Botswana?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Accounts Payable Manager, Financial Accountant, or broader Finance Manager roles within corporate or mining sectors. Many professionals leverage this role to transition into general accounting, internal audit, or procurement leadership. Continuous professional development through BICA or regional bodies like SAICA opens additional opportunities.
What benefits are typically offered for this type of finance position in Botswana?
Standard packages usually include medical aid coverage, pension contributions through the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund or private schemes, and annual leave of 15-25 days depending on employer policy. Larger corporations may offer performance bonuses, study assistance for professional qualifications, and group life insurance. Always verify specific benefits during the interview process as they vary considerably.
What do employers in Botswana specifically look for when hiring for this position?
Employers prioritize candidates with demonstrable attention to detail, integrity, and experience with Botswana-specific regulatory compliance. Strong references from previous finance roles and proof of clean credit and criminal records are commonly required. Highlighting experience with ERP systems and your understanding of local supplier payment practices will strengthen your application significantly.
