Accounts Payable Associate

ABOUT ALU At the African Leadership University (ALU), we're more than just an institution—we're a catalyst for transformation. Our mission is to develop a new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders who will shape Africa's future. Through our innovative curriculum, focus on experiential learning, and vibrant pan-African community, we empower students to become changemakers, problem-solvers, and innovators. At ALU, we're not just teaching; we're nurturing the leaders who will drive Africa's progress and prosperity in the 21st century. We are dedicated to fostering an open yet secure environment, balancing the safety of students, staff, and visitors with respect for individual rights, and safeguarding responsibilities. HOW WE WORK The ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new. The African Leadership University is committed to ensuring the safety and Well-being of all students under our care. As part of this commitment , we have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place , which outlines our Zero-tolerance approach to any violation of safeguarding. ABOUT THE TEAM The Finance team serves as ALU’s strategic and operational financial backbone. It ensures institutional sustainability through disciplined financial planning, robust controls, high-quality reporting, and strong governance. The team partners closely with leaders across campuses, donors, and external regulators, fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. ABOUT THE ROLE The Accounts Payable Associate supports the execution of ALU’s accounts payable and core financial control activities. This role focuses on accurate invoice processing, timely payments, supplier reconciliations, and maintaining strong financial records in line with internal controls and accounting standards. Reporting to the Finance Operations Director, the role plays a critical part in ensuring expenditure is properly recorded, approved, and paid, while supporting month-end close activities and audit requirements. This is a hands-on, detail-oriented role ideal for someone building a strong foundation in financial operations and controls RESPONSIBILITIES Process supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring appropriate approvals and correct coding Match invoices to purchase orders, contracts, or supporting documentation where applicable Prepare payment runs in line with approved schedules and authorization limits Respond to supplier queries and resolve invoice or payment discrepancies professionally Ensure all accounts payable transactions comply with ALU’s financial policies, approval matrix, and internal controls Maintain complete and well-organized supporting documentation for all transactions Support segregation of duties and adherence to payment authorization procedures Assist with preparation of audit schedules and respond to audit queries related to payables and expenses Perform supplier statement reconciliations and follow up on outstanding items Support reconciliation of accounts payable balances and clearing accounts Assist with month-end close activities, including accruals and cut-off checks related to expenses Ensure accurate posting of AP-related transactions in the general ledger Support processing and verification of staff expense claims in line with policy Coordinate with Procurement, Finance Operations, and other teams to resolve documentation or approval gaps Assist with tracking and monitoring outstanding payables and payment commitments Support continuous improvement of accounts payable processes, templates, and controls Assist with ERP or system clean-ups, data accuracy checks, and process documentation Support ad hoc finance tasks and analysis as required by the Management Accountant Coordinate with the Treasury on payment releases, confirmations, and rejected/Bounced backed payments. Support Precoro data accuracy, clean-ups, workflow improvements, and documentation. Ensure the safety and well-being of all young persons and vulnerable adults with whom we deal, by adhering to ALU’s comprehensive safeguarding policy, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to any violations of safeguarding standards. Skills & Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field At least 3 years’ experience in accounts payable, finance operations, or accounting support roles Strong interest in accounting, financial controls, or finance operations Solid understanding of basic accounting principles, particularly expenses and payables High attention to detail and strong organisational skills Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines consistently Strong numerical and reconciliation skills High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism Willingness to learn and grow within a structured finance environment Proficiency in MS Excel (basic formulas, reconciliations, trackers) Experience or exposure to accounting or ERP systems (e.g. NetSuite, QuickBooks, SAP, or similar) is an advantage