Payments Manager

Maternity Cover
5 days per week, with 4 days in the office and 1 day working from home. Early finish at 3:30 pm on Fridays.
Location: Shirley, Solihull

The Role

We are recruiting for an experienced Payments Manager and Treasurer to join a busy finance team on a maternity cover contract. This varied role will combine responsibility for the day-to-day payments function with treasury activities, including cash management, cash flow forecasting, banking relationships and financial controls.

The successful candidate will ensure payments are processed accurately and on time, maintain effective cash flow management and oversee banking and treasury operations. They will work closely with the wider finance team and senior stakeholders to ensure the smooth running of financial operations throughout the maternity cover period.

This role would suit a well-organised finance professional with strong payments and treasury experience who can quickly adapt to a new environment and manage competing priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Payments Management

Oversee the day-to-day payments function, ensuring transactions are processed accurately and within agreed deadlines.

Manage payment runs, including BACS, CHAPS, Faster Payments and international payments where applicable.

Ensure payments are appropriately authorised and comply with internal financial controls.

Investigate and resolve payment queries, discrepancies and failed transactions.

Maintain accurate payment records and ensure transactions are reconciled against bank statements and accounting systems.

Liaise with banks, suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve payment-related issues.

Produce regular payment reports and management information.

Review payment processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Treasury and Cash Management

Oversee daily cash management and ensure sufficient funds are available to meet business requirements.

Prepare and maintain accurate cash flow forecasts.

Monitor bank balances, cash movements and liquidity positions.

Manage banking relationships and liaise with banking partners.

Oversee bank accounts, cash transfers and treasury transactions.

Monitor borrowing facilities and funding arrangements where applicable.

Identify and manage financial risks, including foreign exchange and interest rate exposure where relevant.

Identify opportunities to improve cash management and reduce banking costs.

Financial Controls and Reporting

Ensure compliance with internal policies, procedures and relevant financial requirements.

Maintain appropriate payment and treasury controls.

Ensure bank reconciliations and financial records are accurate and up to date.

Prepare reports on payment activity, cash flow and treasury positions for senior management.

Support internal and external audits by providing accurate documentation and information.

Work closely with the wider finance team to support financial planning and reporting.

Ensure continuity of payment and treasury operations throughout the maternity cover period.

Skills and Experience

Previous experience in a Payments Manager, Treasurer or similar finance role.

Strong understanding of payment processing, banking systems and financial controls.

Experience managing payment runs and treasury transactions.

Good knowledge of cash flow forecasting and liquidity management.

Experience managing banking relationships and resolving payment queries.

Strong Excel skills and experience using financial or treasury management systems.

Excellent analytical, reconciliation and problem-solving skills.

Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to manage competing priorities and meet strict deadlines.

A proactive approach and the ability to hit the ground running in a temporary maternity cover role.

A relevant treasury or accountancy qualification would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes

Highly organised and methodical.

Commercially aware with strong numerical skills.

Trustworthy and able to handle confidential financial information.

Proactive in identifying and resolving issues.

Comfortable working independently and as part of a wider finance team
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed