About this Course

This online short course provides participants with a practical introduction to managing accounts payable for businesses within a South African context. The course is designed to equip accounts payable clerks, bookkeepers, accountants, small business owners and finance staff with the knowledge and skills to process supplier invoices accurately, pay on time and protect the business from fraud.

The course covers the core building blocks of accounts payable management: what accounts payable is and why it matters, building and applying an AP policy, invoice workflow and VAT compliance, payments made outside the normal AP process, early payment discounts, payment terms and structures, detecting and preventing AP fraud, key performance indicators, the double-entry principle behind every AP transaction, and the accruals, provisions and checks needed for accurate month-end reporting.

Learners will work through each topic in practical terms: building an AP policy from scratch, mapping an invoice from receipt to payment, spotting the red flags of duplicate invoices and fraud, calculating Days Payable Outstanding and other AP KPIs, and recording debit and credit entries for real supplier transactions.

Particular attention is given to the full accounts payable lifecycle — from receiving and verifying a supplier invoice through approval, payment and record-keeping, to reconciling accounts and closing off at month end — so that learners can manage a complete payables function from start to finish.

By the end of the course, participants will have a confident working knowledge of accounts payable management, enabling them to protect cash flow, strengthen supplier relationships, guard against fraud and keep accurate financial records for their employers and clients.

Learning Objectives

By completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain what accounts payable is and why managing it well protects cash flow and supplier relationships
• Build and apply an accounts payable policy covering approvals, spending limits and dispute resolution
• Map the invoice workflow from receipt to payment and apply 3-way matching to prevent errors
• Identify payments that fall outside the normal AP process and manage them with proper controls
• Calculate and apply early payment discounts to reduce costs and strengthen supplier relationships
• Apply standard AP payment terms and structures, including Net 30 and early-settlement discounts
• Detect and prevent common accounts payable fraud schemes
• Calculate and interpret key AP metrics, including Days Payable Outstanding and cost per invoice
• Apply the double-entry principle to record accounts payable transactions correctly
• Apply the correct treatment of accruals, provisions and prepaid expenses at month end

Course Delivery, Duration and Effort

SA Accounting Academy delivers this online short course. The course is divided into 10 modules and is designed to be completed in a single day. Learners can study at their own pace and access recorded content at any time.

Is this course for you?

This course is suitable for:

• Accounts payable clerks, creditors clerks and finance administrators
• Bookkeepers and accountants responsible for supplier accounts
• Small business owners and entrepreneurs who purchase goods and services on credit
• Procurement and finance staff involved in supplier invoice approval
• Anyone seeking a practical introduction to managing accounts payable in South Africa

Lecturer

Ruzel van Jaarsveld

Ruzel van Jaarsveld is a finance professional, business consultant and learning specialist with over 28 years of experience across bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, PAYE, management accounts, eFiling and Human Resources. As a qualified Skills Development Facilitator and experienced Financial Facilitator, she has designed and delivered practical financial workshops nationally for entrepreneurs, business owners and corporate finance teams, and is recognised for her ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable guidance.

Her areas of focus include tax optimisation, business development and online sales and marketing. Ruzel combines technical expertise with a practical, client-centred approach, making her a trusted resource for individuals and organisations seeking confident, solutions-focused financial support.

Prerequisites / Admission Requirements

This course is open to anyone who works in, or intends to work in, an accounts payable, bookkeeping, procurement or business administration environment. The following are recommended prerequisites:

• Ability to work with basic calculations and financial figures.
• Access to a computer with internet connectivity for online learning.
• Basic understanding of South African business operations.
• Familiarity with bookkeeping or accounts payable concepts (advantageous but not required).

Assessments

This course includes formative assessments to test knowledge throughout the modules. Learners must achieve all competencies of the course.

Accreditation

This course is aligned with continuous professional development (CPD/CPE) requirements and may qualify for CPD hours with relevant professional bodies.

Assessment and Certification

On successful completion (i.e. competence in all modules) of this course the learner will be awarded:

• Certificate of Completion from SA Accounting Academy

The SA Accounting Academy is an accredited private QCTO, SAICA - AT(SA), ICB and BANKSETA qualifications provider. We are committed to providing our students with the highest quality training and support, to ensure that your skills and knowledge are up to date and ready to face the challenges of the modern workplace. Qualifications and courses delivered are designed to ensure that you reach your professional goals and advance your career. With our experienced faculty, staff, and resources, you can be confident that you will receive the highest quality of training.

SAAA is a Level 2 B-BBEE contributor, with 125% procurement recognition. Training spend on certain solutions can be allocated against the Skills Development element of the B-BBEE Scorecard through accredited and nonaccredited training or claimed through SETA grants. In addition, 25% of your Skills Expenditure can be claimed on non-accredited training or courses.

Course Fees

Invest in your future with our comprehensive course. Our fee is an all-inclusive investment in your future.

The course fee is R 590.00 and consists of:

Educational Resources

• Online Materials: Access a wealth of online resources, from e-books to tutorial videos, enhancing your learning experience.

Learning Support

• Facilitation: Benefit from expert-led facilitation sessions that offer personalised guidance, addressing individual queries and ensuring a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
• Formative Assessments: Reinforce your understanding with assessments on different topics.
• Learner Forum: Engage in meaningful peer-to-peer interactions through our dedicated learner forum. Share insights, ask questions, and collaborate on projects to enhance your learning experience.
• Continuous Support: Our dedicated team is always on standby to assist with any academic or administrative queries, ensuring a smooth learning process.

Flexibility and Convenience

• Study Online: Complete your course and take your assessments online, giving you the freedom to learn from anywhere.

Payment Methods

Debit / Credit Card or Instant EFT

You can pay directly on our website for an easy, secure, and instant transaction. During promotional periods, customers can take advantage of additional savings. This is the fastest and most efficient option, saving both time and money.

EFT / Bank Deposit

You can make a payment directly into our bank account using your Online Banking App, Online Banking services, or by visiting your local bank branch.

Your Company / Employer

It may be beneficial for your company to invest in training for its staff members. As there are financial and tax advantages for doing so, please speak with your employer or Training / HR manager about the possibility of paying for this training.

Third Party

If you have someone who is willing to pay for your studies, such as a parent or relative, they can either log in and pay on our website or they can pay via any of the payment options above on your behalf.

Payment Terms

Once off payment – R 590.00

Corporate Training Solutions

At SA Accounting Academy, we recognise the evolving needs of businesses in today's dynamic environment. Beyond our standard webinar offerings, we provide tailored corporate training solutions designed to empower your team with the latest in accounting and professional skills. Whether you're looking for online sessions or face-to-face training, our programs are crafted to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

Drawing inspiration from modern training methodologies, our corporate solutions are interactive, adaptable, and focused on real-world applications. We prioritise hands-on learning, ensuring your team can immediately apply their newfound knowledge in practical scenarios.

Interested in a bespoke corporate training experience? Reach out to us at corporate@accountingacademy.co.za or call 010 593 0466. Together, let's design a training program that elevates your team's capabilities and aligns with your organisational goals.

Contact Us

• Online chat through our website www.accountingacademy.co.za
• WhatsApp: Start chatting (+27635026114)
• Phone: 010 593 0466
• E-mail: support@accountingacademy.co.za

To register for this course: click here.