The AP Team Lead will manage and scale the accounts-payable function to ensure accurate, timely and compliant payment of suppliers and service providers. The role requires strong controls, supplier relationship management, cash-flow coordination and continuous process improvement to protect the company’s working capital and supplier relationships.Key responsibilities<ul> <li>Lead and develop the AP team; allocate responsibilities, set performance targets and coach staff to meet SLAs.</li> <li>Manage end-to-end invoice processing: receipt, validation, three-way matching (where applicable), approvals and timely payment runs.</li> <li>Own supplier reconciliations and resolve supplier queries and disputes promptly.</li> <li>Coordinate payment schedules and cash-flow forecasting with Treasury to optimise payment timing without damaging supplier relationships.</li> <li>Maintain AP controls and compliance (VAT, withholding tax, supplier onboarding checks, POPIA) and ensure audit readiness.</li> <li>Process month-end accruals, prepayments and supplier balances; deliver accurate AP reporting to Finance at close.</li> <li>Improve AP processes and automation (e-invoicing, OCR, workflow approvals) to reduce manual effort and errors.</li> <li>Manage relationships with key suppliers and with Procurement to resolve invoice disputes and improve onboarding.</li></ul>KPIs / success measures<ul> <li>Invoice processing cycle time (invoice-to-pay).</li> <li>Payment accuracy rate and reduction of duplicate/incorrect payments.</li> <li>Number and value of unapplied/uncleared supplier items at month-end.</li> <li>Timeliness and accuracy of AP month-end close and audit queries.</li> <li>Supplier satisfaction (where measured).</li></ul>Experience, skills &amp; qualifications<ul> <li>Minimum 7 years’ experience in accounts payable or finance operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory/team lead role.</li> <li>Strong practical knowledge of AP controls, VAT and payment processes; experience with supplier onboarding and tax compliance.</li> <li>ERP experience required (NetSuite desirable) and strong Excel skills.</li> <li>Tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred.</li> <li>Strong analytical skills, process orientation and ability to manage multiple priorities.</li> <li>Excellent communication and relationship management skills.</li></ul>Reporting lines &amp; relationships<ul> <li>Reports to: Group Finance / Finance Manager.</li> <li>Direct reports: AP clerks / processors (team size to be defined).</li> <li>Key relationships: Procurement, Treasury, Tax, Operations, Suppliers and External Auditors.</li></ul>Authority<ul> <li>Operational authority for AP processing and supplier query resolution.</li> <li>Authority to initiate payment runs in accordance with treasury schedules and delegated approvals. Specific payment approval limits to be defined by the Group Finance Manager.</li></ul>

Rubicon (NYSE: RBT) builds technology solutions for waste, recycling, and fleet operations. Bringing together AI-enabled software products and expert sustainability solutions, the Company helps waste generators, private and municipal fleets, and material processors better understand, manage, and reduce waste. As a mission-driven company, Rubicon helps its customers improve operational efficiency, unlock economic value, and deliver better environmental outcomes.

Accounts Payable - Team Lead

The AP Team Lead will manage and scale the accounts-payable function to ensure accurate, timely and compliant payment of suppliers and service providers. The role requires strong controls, supplier relationship management, cash-flow coordination and continuous process improvement to protect the company’s working capital and supplier relationships.Key responsibilities<ul> <li>Lead and develop the AP team; allocate responsibilities, set performance targets and coach staff to meet SLAs.</li> <li>Manage end-to-end invoice processing: receipt, validation, three-way matching (where applicable), approvals and timely payment runs.</li> <li>Own supplier reconciliations and resolve supplier queries and disputes promptly.</li> <li>Coordinate payment schedules and cash-flow forecasting with Treasury to optimise payment timing without damaging supplier relationships.</li> <li>Maintain AP controls and compliance (VAT, withholding tax, supplier onboarding checks, POPIA) and ensure audit readiness.</li> <li>Process month-end accruals, prepayments and supplier balances; deliver accurate AP reporting to Finance at close.</li> <li>Improve AP processes and automation (e-invoicing, OCR, workflow approvals) to reduce manual effort and errors.</li> <li>Manage relationships with key suppliers and with Procurement to resolve invoice disputes and improve onboarding.</li></ul>KPIs / success measures<ul> <li>Invoice processing cycle time (invoice-to-pay).</li> <li>Payment accuracy rate and reduction of duplicate/incorrect payments.</li> <li>Number and value of unapplied/uncleared supplier items at month-end.</li> <li>Timeliness and accuracy of AP month-end close and audit queries.</li> <li>Supplier satisfaction (where measured).</li></ul>Experience, skills &amp; qualifications<ul> <li>Minimum 7 years’ experience in accounts payable or finance operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory/team lead role.</li> <li>Strong practical knowledge of AP controls, VAT and payment processes; experience with supplier onboarding and tax compliance.</li> <li>ERP experience required (NetSuite desirable) and strong Excel skills.</li> <li>Tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred.</li> <li>Strong analytical skills, process orientation and ability to manage multiple priorities.</li> <li>Excellent communication and relationship management skills.</li></ul>Reporting lines &amp; relationships<ul> <li>Reports to: Group Finance /&nbsp;Finance Manager.</li> <li>Direct reports: AP clerks / processors (team size to be defined).</li> <li>Key relationships: Procurement, Treasury, Tax, Operations, Suppliers and External Auditors.</li></ul>Authority<ul> <li>Operational authority for AP processing and supplier query resolution.</li> <li>Authority to initiate payment runs in accordance with treasury schedules and delegated approvals. Specific payment approval limits to be defined by the Group Finance Manager.</li></ul>

Accounts Payable - Team Lead

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