Accounts Payable Manager
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Accounts Payable (AP) Manager to lead the AP function, overseeing a team of 6 across 12 companies operating in multiple countries and currencies.
This is a critical role, ensuring the smooth and accurate processing of supplier invoices, payments, and expense transactions across the Group, while maintaining strong controls, processes, and supplier relationships.
You must have proven experience managing a team of at least 5–6 people with confidence and authority.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 6 AP professionals, with scope to expand as the business grows.
- Allocate responsibilities effectively to manage workloads, priorities, and deadlines.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to foster a high-performing team culture.
Accounts Payable Operations
- Oversee end-to-end AP processes for 12 companies across multiple countries and currencies.
- Ensure timely and accurate processing of supplier invoices, staff expenses, credit cards, and credit notes.
- Manage supplier payment runs in line with payment terms and cash flow.
- Maintain accurate supplier master data and ensure compliance with country-specific tax and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee reconciliations including GRNI (Goods Received Not Invoiced), RTV (Returns to Vendor), and open payments.
- Ensure prompt resolution of queries and professional communication with suppliers and internal teams.
- Manage shared AP mailboxes to ensure timely action and minimal backlog.
Month-End Reporting & Review
- Lead the monthly AP close process including ledger reconciliations.
- Prepare and present AP review reports covering aged creditors, GRNI, open payments, and credit notes.
- Identify and resolve variances, overdue balances, and unreconciled items.
Controls & Compliance
- Ensure all AP processes comply with internal controls and external regulations.
- Support internal and external audits with required documentation.
Process Improvement & Systems
- Identify opportunities to automate and streamline AP processes.
- Support finance system upgrades and implementations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve purchase-to-pay efficiency.
- Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong supplier and stakeholder relationships.
- Act as the key escalation point for AP-related issues.
- Work closely with Treasury and Group Reporting on payment processes and cash management.
Key Skills & Experience
- Proven track record managing a multi-entity, multi-currency AP function.
- Strong people leadership experience, managing teams of at least 6.
- Deep knowledge of AP processes, controls, and compliance.
- Confident with ERP systems and Excel (automation experience desirable).
- Ability to manage high volumes of work in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
- Desirable Qualifications
- AAT qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA) preferred but not essential.
- Experience in a group structure or shared service environment.
Perks & Benefits
- Salary: £65,000 – £70,000 per annum
- 22 days holiday + bank holidays + Christmas shutdown
- Gym equipment for staff use
- Perk Box membership
- Virtual GP service
Despite our best efforts it is not always possible to respond to every application individually due to the high volume of responses we receive on each vacancy.
Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted for this particular role and if you have not heard from us within 7 days, please assume that you have not be successful. However, we will keep your details on our database, and will contact you when other suitable positions come in.
