Accounts Payable Lead

About the Client

Our client is a well-established UK-based food business specialising in the sourcing and distribution of high-quality fine foods. The business works with a wide network of suppliers and manages a diverse purchase ledger across multiple currencies.

They are looking for an experienced Accounts Payable Lead to take ownership of the purchase ledger function and ensure that supplier invoices, reconciliations and payments are processed accurately and efficiently.

The Role

The Accounts Payable Lead will be responsible for managing the day-to-day Accounts Payable function across a wide range of suppliers and currencies.

You will work closely with suppliers, the Trading team, warehouse colleagues and the wider Finance team to ensure invoices are processed accurately, queries are resolved promptly and the purchase ledger is kept up to date.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who is highly organised, commercially aware and confident managing a busy Accounts Payable workload.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable & Finance

• Check, process and accurately input supplier invoices into the accounting system.
  
• Code invoices correctly and investigate any discrepancies.
  
• Ensure invoice queries are investigated and resolved promptly to avoid late payments.
  
• Manage supplier accounts and complete regular supplier statement reconciliations.
  
• Liaise professionally with suppliers and internal stakeholders regarding invoices, payments and queries.
  
• Complete monthly reconciliations and support the month-end close of the Accounts Payable ledger.
  
• Review purchase ledgers monthly, ensuring payments have been correctly allocated.
  
• Investigate outstanding and overdue invoices and follow up where required.
  
• Chase suppliers for missing invoices relating to received purchase orders.
  
• Assist with cleansing and maintaining the supplier database, including confirming and updating supplier information.
  
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date purchase ledger records.
  
• Support the wider Finance team with accounting administration, data entry, financial reporting and other finance-related tasks.
  
• Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure financial transactions are processed accurately and on time.
  
• Provide supporting documentation and information required for audits.
  
• Maintain strong and professional relationships with suppliers and creditors.
  
• Assist with other finance and administrative duties as required.
  

Policies & Procedures

• Adhere to company policies and procedures.
  
• Follow all relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  
• Maintain confidentiality and accuracy when handling financial and supplier information.
  

Requirements

Requirements

Essential

• 3+ years of experience working as an Accounts Payable Specialist, Purchase Ledger Specialist or in a similar Accounts Payable role.
  
• Hands-on experience using SAGE 300 is essential.
  
• Strong working knowledge of Accounts Payable and purchase ledger processes.
  
• Experience processing a high volume of supplier invoices.
  
• Experience with supplier statement reconciliations and resolving invoice queries.
  
• Good understanding of month-end Accounts Payable processes.
  
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
  
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
  
• Ability to manage a complex and varied workload in a fast-paced environment.
  
• Strong communication skills with fluent English.
  
• Confident liaising with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
  
• Strong IT skills and confidence working with accounting and ERP systems.
  
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a wider Finance team.
  
• A proactive approach with the ability to identify and resolve issues independently.
  

Advantageous

• Experience working with suppliers across multiple currencies.
  
• Experience within the food, FMCG, retail, wholesale or distribution sectors.
  
• Previous experience supporting audits and month-end reporting.
  
• Experience working with purchase orders and three-way matching.
  

Key Performance Indicators

Success in this role will be measured against:

• Timely and accurate processing of Accounts Payable invoices.
  
• Effective management of the Accounts Payable inbox.
  
• Creditor days.
  
• Reduction and management of overdue creditors.
  
• Accurate supplier statement reconciliations.
  
• Timely resolution of invoice queries.
  
• Completion of month-end Accounts Payable tasks within deadlines.
  
• Overall accuracy and completion of assigned tasks.
  

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is experienced, reliable and highly organised, with a strong understanding of Accounts Payable and purchase ledger processes.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a busy environment, managing multiple priorities and communicating confidently with both suppliers and internal teams. Strong SAGE 300 experience is essential, along with at least three years of relevant Accounts Payable experience.