Accounts Payable Manager

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 absolutely must have experience and the confidence in managing a team of at least 4-5 people.

Please note that this is a full-time office-based role 8.30am – 5pm.

My client is a dynamic and fast paced company, and they are well known and highly respected in their field.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management:

Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 6 AP professionals, with a view to expand the team as the business grows.

Allocate responsibilities effectively across the team to manage workloads, priorities, and deadlines.

Provide regular coaching and performance feedback, fostering a high-performing and collaborative 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, corporate credit cards and credit notes.

Ensure adherence to country-specific tax, compliance, and regulatory requirements in AP processes

Manage and approve supplier payment runs in line with agreed payment terms and cash flow forecasts.

Maintain and review supplier master data for accuracy and consistency.

Follow up on Returns to Vendors ensuring credits note are received against product returns

Regular review with the team of Goods Received not invoiced balance to ensure that all stock booked in is invoiced against

Ensure the team is regularly reviewing their open payments reports and ensuring that all payments on account are allocated against invoices.

Proforma payments are to be reviewed monthly to ensure tax invoices are received and processed in the correct reporting month

Queries are followed up and resolved in a timely manner and all communication with suppliers and other departments are kept professional and courteous

Daily management of the shared accounts payable mailboxes with the team ensuring that unread emails are kept to a minimum and any emails requiring action are followed up

Month-End Reporting & Review:

Lead monthly AP close process including review and reconciliation of AP ledgers.

Prepare and present monthly AP review reports including aged creditors, open payments, GRNI (Goods Received Not Invoiced), and RTV (Returns to Vendor) / credit notes to the Group Financial Controller.

Identify and explain material variances, overdue balances, or unreconciled items.

Controls & Compliance:

Ensure all AP processes are compliant with internal controls and relevant regulatory/tax requirements.

Perform regular reviews and reconciliations of AP ledgers, GRNI, and aged creditor reports.

Support internal and external audits with all required AP documentation and reports.

Process Improvement & Systems:

Identify opportunities to automate or streamline AP processes and systems.

Support the implementation and optimisation of finance systems related to AP.

Collaborate with Customer Services to improve purchase-to-pay efficiency.

Stakeholder Management:

Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and the wider finance team.

Act as the key point of contact for AP escalations and supplier disputes.

Work closely with Treasury and Group Reporting team to align payment processes with cash management and reporting needs.

Key Skills & Experience:

Proven experience managing a multi-entity, multi-currency AP function.

Strong team leadership and people management skills.

In-depth understanding of end-to-end AP processes, controls, and compliance.

Proficient in ERP systems and Excel; experience with automation tools is a plus.

Ability to prioritise and manage high volumes of work in a fast-paced environment.

Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable Qualifications:

* AAT qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA) preferred but not essential.

* Experience working in an international group structure or shared service environment.

Perks and Benefits!

* Gym equipment for staff use

* 22 days holiday - Plus bank holidays. Plus Xmas shutdown

* Perk Box

* Virtual Care – GP Service

* Chance to work with a fast-growing electronics company

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