Accounts Payable Manager

Accounts Payable Manager
South Derbyshire
£50,000 - £55,000 + Car + Enhanced Benefits including private health, enhanced pension & bonus
The option to work one day from home (4 days site-based)

The Opportunity:

We are looking for a proactive, systems-focused Accounts Payable Manager to lead and develop our client's Purchase Ledger function within a fast-paced business environment based in South Derbyshire

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional who combines strong technical knowledge with a passion for process improvement, systems optimisation and team leadership. Working closely with senior finance colleagues and teams across the wider business, you will play a key role in improving processes, enhancing system functionality and supporting the continued development of the finance function.

Key Responsibilities:

Management of Purchase Ledger Processing:

* Oversee the end-to-end purchase ledger function, including the processing of high-volume supplier invoices, credit notes, purchase orders and contra charges.

* Manage multiple BACS payment runs, ensuring suppliers are paid accurately and on time, while monitoring upcoming payment commitments and escalating cashflow concerns where appropriate.

* Lead month-end processes, ensuring deadlines are met and working collaboratively with the wider finance team.

* Act as the primary point of contact for complex supplier queries and disputes, ensuring issues are resolved promptly and effectively.

Systems/Processes:

* Drive efficiency and accuracy through the effective use of finance systems and technology.

* Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce manual processing and improve the overall effectiveness of the purchase ledger function.

* Collaborate with Finance, Commercial and IT teams to enhance system functionality, develop integrations and support the implementation of new software solutions.

* Liaise with external software providers to resolve system issues and support ongoing development.

* Utilise Microsoft applications and reporting tools to analyse performance, identify trends and present improvement proposals to senior management.

* Champion continuous improvement, ensuring processes evolve in line with changing business requirements

Leadership/Development:

* Lead, motivate and develop the purchase ledger team, setting clear objectives and performance expectations.

* Allocate workloads effectively, recognising individual strengths and ensuring resources are aligned with business priorities.

* Foster a positive, collaborative and accountable team culture, encouraging ownership, initiative and continuous learning.

* Provide ongoing coaching, training and support to improve team capability and consistency.

* Proactively manage deadlines and month-end requirements, identifying potential challenges early and implementing solutions to maintain service levels.

* Build strong working relationships across the business, supporting colleagues with purchase ledger processes and resolving issues constructively

Compliance & Financial Controls:

* Apply a sound understanding of VAT and the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), ensuring transactions are treated and coded correctly.

* Support the development of tax knowledge across the purchase ledger team and liaise with the Tax and Compliance function on complex queries and legislative changes.

* Maintain awareness of relevant compliance requirements, including Payment Practices Reporting, Corporate Criminal Offence legislation, IR35, anti-money laundering and cyber security.

* Support the correct treatment of tax-sensitive transactions, escalating complex matters where necessary.

* Act as the primary purchase ledger contact for external auditors, ensuring information and supporting documentation are provided accurately and promptly.

Person Profile:

To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced Accounts Payable professional with a strong track record of managing transactional finance operations and leading a team. You will bring a combination of technical expertise, commercial awareness and a continuous improvement mindset, with the confidence to challenge existing processes and implement practical solutions.

You will ideally bring:

* Proven experience managing a high-volume accounts payable or purchase ledger function.

* Previous experience leading, coaching and developing a transactional finance team.

* Strong knowledge of invoice processing, supplier reconciliations, payment runs and month-end procedures.

* Excellent IT and systems skills, with experience identifying opportunities to improve processes and system functionality.

* Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and reporting tools.

* Knowledge of VAT and CIS, ideally within a construction or construction-related environment - Desirable

* An understanding of financial controls, audit requirements and relevant compliance legislation.

* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across finance and the wider business.

* A proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver against tight deadlines

We're looking for:

We are particularly interested in individuals who are comfortable working in a changing business environment and who see accounts payable as more than a transactional function. You will be someone who can combine hands-on operational oversight with strategic thinking, using systems, data and team development to deliver measurable improvements.

If you are a confident people manager who enjoys improving processes, developing systems and building a high-performing team, this could be an excellent next step in your career. Please apply for a confidential discussion about the role
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed