Botswana Insurance Company (BIC), a leading short-term insurer, invites suitably qualified professionals to apply for the position of Accounts Payable Officer.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Finance
- Closing Date: 2026-09-06
Key Responsibilities
- About The Role
- The Accounts Payable Officer will process invoices, supplier and claims payments, reinsurance payables, broker commissions, statutory obligations and operational expenditure, while maintaining accurate financial records in line with internal controls and audit requirements.
- You will work closely with external suppliers, internal departments, and the wider finance team to resolve queries promptly and ensure seamless payment workflows.
- This role suits a detail-oriented finance professional seeking to grow their accounting career in a dynamic insurance environment.
- Key Responsibilities
- Payments & Cash Management
- * Process approved claims-related, supplier and operational payments, including daily, weekly and monthly payment batches.
- * Upload payment files onto electronic banking platforms, track approvals and follow up with signing authorities to prevent delays.
- * Maintain petty cash records, perform weekly reconciliations and ensure compliance with the petty cash policy.
- Finance Operations
- * Receive, verify, match, batch, code and process supplier invoices, staff claims, panel beaters’ invoices and related accounts payable transactions in line with internal controls and monthly deadlines.
- * Verify purchase orders against invoices, confirm proper authorisation and resolve discrepancies before posting.
- * Prepare monthly invoicing schedules, maintain supplier reconciliation and follow up outstanding items, variances and creditor balances with the general ledger.
- * Support continuous improvement by contributing to SOP updates, workflow efficiencies and team discussions on ageing, supplier trends and process bottlenecks.
- Relationship Management
- * Liaise with Claims, suppliers and internal departments to resolve discrepancies, missing documentation and payment queries promptly.
- * Maintain supplier relationships through timely feedback and efficient payment workflow support.
- Compliance, Audit & Reporting
- * Maintain audit-ready records, accurate filling and supporting documentation for invoices, payments and reconciliations.
- * Support internal and external audits by providing documentation, clarifications and evidence of compliance with financial, procurement, internal control and insurance regulatory requirements.
- * Assist with month-end close, accrual preparation, expense reporting, VAT and withholding tax processing.
Requirements
- Qualifications & Experience
- * Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
- * The ideal candidate must be a BICA registered Member.
- * At least 1-3 years experience in a similar role.
- * Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Skills & Competencies
- * Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills, with high attention to detail and accuracy.
- * Proficiency in accounting systems, accounts payable processes, Microsoft Excel and Word.
- * Knowledge of IFRS 17 insurance operations, claims processes or reinsurance accounting is an advantage.
- * Strong communication, negotiation, stakeholder-management and collaboration skills.
- * High integrity, confidentiality, resilience under pressure, proactivity and customer focus.
Salary
Not specified
How to Apply
Apply by email: careers@bic.co.bw
About the Company
Botswana Insurance Company (BIC) stands as a prominent provider of insurance products and financial services within Botswana. With a rich history spanning over 45 years, BIC has consistently demonstrated leadership in the nation's insurance market. The company caters to a diverse clientele, offering comprehensive solutions designed to protect assets and foster financial well-being. As a key player in Botswana's economic landscape, BIC is committed to serving the needs of individuals and businesses across the country.
Botswana's leader in insurance and financial services.
Website: https://www.bic.co.bw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for an Accounts Payable Officer role in Botswana?
A minimum of a National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration is commonly required. Professional certifications such as ACCA Foundation-level papers, ICB Bookkeeping qualifications, or Botswana Accountancy College (BAC) certifications are highly valued by employers like BIC. Relevant work experience in accounts payable or general ledger functions within a Botswana-based organisation is often preferred.
What does a typical day look like for an Accounts Payable Officer at an insurance company in Botswana?
Daily tasks include processing supplier invoices, verifying purchase orders and goods received notes, reconciling vendor statements, and ensuring timely payments in line with Botswana’s VAT and tax compliance requirements. You’ll also maintain accurate records in accounting software such as Sage Pastel or QuickBooks, and liaise with internal departments and local vendors—many of whom operate under Botswana’s Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act guidelines.
How does the work culture and professional expectations for finance roles differ in Botswana compared to other countries?
Botswana workplaces emphasise respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and formal communication—especially when interacting with senior management or external regulators like the Bank of Botswana or BOT. Team collaboration is valued, but decision-making often flows top-down, and adherence to statutory reporting deadlines (e.g., VAT returns to the Botswana Unified Revenue Service) is non-negotiable. Dress code tends to be business-casual to formal, particularly in financial institutions.
What career progression opportunities exist for an Accounts Payable Officer in Botswana’s finance sector?
With experience and further qualifications (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, or BAC postgraduate diplomas), you can progress to Senior Accounts Payable Officer, General Ledger Accountant, or Finance Supervisor roles. Many professionals transition into broader finance functions such as Internal Audit, Treasury, or Financial Control—especially within regulated sectors like insurance, where knowledge of Botswana’s Insurance Act and regulatory reporting is advantageous.
What benefits are typically offered to Accounts Payable Officers in Botswana-based financial institutions?
Standard benefits include 22–30 days of annual leave, medical aid coverage through providers like Medshield or BONF, and mandatory pension contributions under the Botswana Pension Fund Act. Some employers also offer study leave support for professional qualifications and transport or housing allowances—though these vary by employer size and policy. Maternity/paternity leave follows the Employment Act of Botswana, with statutory minimums enforced.
How should I apply for this role, and what do employers in Botswana specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are usually submitted via email or online portals with a tailored CV, certified academic transcripts, and copies of relevant Botswana-recognised certificates (e.g., from BAC or ICB). Employers prioritise attention to detail, proven experience with local compliance (VAT, PAYE, procurement rules), and familiarity with Botswana’s banking systems and currency handling. Strong written English and basic Setswana communication skills are often viewed favourably, especially for internal stakeholder engagement.