Accounts Payable Intern

 

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

Our Finance team plays a pivotal role in supporting the organization’s financial health and operational efficiency. The Accounts Payable function ensures accurate invoice processing, timely payments, and compliance with internal controls and policies. As an AP Intern, you will work closely with the Accounts Payable and Treasury & Procurement teams in a structured, process-driven environment and gain hands-on exposure to core finance operations. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Accounts Payable Intern is responsible for providing operational and administrative support to the Accounts Payable and Expense Management function. This is a junior support role focused on invoice processing, vendor documentation, payment list preparation, maintenance of accurate Accounts Payable records, and the review of employee expense claims, including preliminary GL coding for travel, accommodation, meals, and related expenses across ALU entities. The AP Intern works under the supervision of the AP / Finance Associate and provides support to the wider Finance team. 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Invoice Processing & AP Operations

• Capture and process supplier invoices in the accounting/ERP system.
• Validate invoices against purchase orders, contracts, and approved documentation.
• Check coding accuracy, tax treatment (VAT/WHT where applicable), and completeness of supporting documents.
• Ensure invoices are recorded within agreed timelines and payment cut-offs.
• Follow up on pending approvals or missing information and escalate when required. 
  

2. Vendor Management & Data Maintenance

 

• Support vendor onboarding by collecting and verifying required documentation (bank details, tax documents, Reconciliations).
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date vendor records in the system.
• Ensure vendor master data changes are processed only with proper approvals and documentation. 

 

3. Payment Processing Support

 

• Support preparation of scheduled payment runs (e.g., mid-month and month-end).
• Maintain payment trackers, invoice ageing reports, and payment readiness lists.
• Ensure invoices included in payment runs are fully approved and compliant.
• Assist with urgent payment requests, ensuring correct escalation and approvals are followed

4. Reconciliations & Month-End Support

 

• Assist with supplier statement reconciliations.
• Identify discrepancies and escalate them for resolution.
• Support month-end AP activities, including accrual, Prepayment & Allocation support and invoice cut-off checks

5. Administrative & Compliance Support

• Maintain organized AP documentation for audit and compliance purposes.
• Follow segregation of duties and approval workflows strictly.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing required documentation.
• Ensure adherence to finance policies, procedures, and internal controls.  

6. Travel & Expense (T&E) management Support

 

• Reviewing employee expense claims for completeness and receipt validation
• Ensuring compliance with company travel & expense policy
• Performing preliminary GL coding for travel, accommodation, meals, and related expenses
• Flagging policy exceptions for review
• Support preparation of employee reimbursements in scheduled payment runs.
• Work closely with the People Ops and Finance teams to support reimbursement and claims processing.  

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. 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

•  Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial documentation.
• Exposure to ERP or accounting systems (Netsuite & Rydoo) is an advantage.
• Basic to intermediate Excel or Google Sheets skills. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow procedures and controls strictly.
• Organized, reliable, and disciplined in task execution.
• Comfortable working with numbers and operational finance tasks.
• Ability to escalate issues appropriately.
• Team-oriented and professional mindset.

Additional Responsibilities

Perform any other duties or responsibilities as may be reasonably assigned by the Finance Associate, consistent with the scope of the role, the individual’s level of experience, and the organization’s operational requirements.