Accounts Payable Manager (remote with some travel to London)

3-month initial contract, remote with some travel to London

Accounting/Auditing – Finance

Reports to: Financial Controller

Role Mission: We have recently implemented our Target Operating Model by bringing inhouse outsourced finance functions from our legacy acquisition partners, streamlined processes, consolidated legal entities, rationalised our bank accounts and transitioned to Workday from Xero as our financial reporting ledger system. Now the new processes have been embedded we are able to focus our attention on a smoother more centralised corporate finance function, where we can begin to add value rather than just process transactions.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the recording and processing of the financial transactions required to support the operations.
• Liaising with colleagues and budget holders to escalate approvals and investigate queries for timely resolution.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and resolve any payment discrepancies.
• Carrying out due diligence and verification of any new suppliers, and existing suppliers on a periodic basis in adherence to Group Policy.
• Ensuring supplier invoices are coded correctly and paid in accordance with payment terms.
• Reconciling supplier accounts to ensure costs incurred are correct and recharged accurately.
• Preparing settlement files for payment and approving payment runs.
• Ensuring AR payments/commission payments are calculated accurately and made on a timely basis.
• Raising contingent income invoices on a timely basis and ensuring funds are received.
• Regular bank reconciliations to ensure accurate reporting and bank Direct Debits relevant to supplier invoices are processed on an ongoing basis to reflect in the ledger.
• Cash management to ensure adequate funds in relevant entity bank accounts to clear upcoming payments such as payroll, supplier payments, dividend payments and clearing intercompany balances, raising payment requests accordingly.
• Ensure prepayments, fixed assets and VAT are reported accurately and adhere to Group policy.
• Ensure VAT, Corporation tax and any payroll related payments paid to HMRC on a timely basis.
• Ensure personal expenses adhere to Group policy, are approved and paid bi-weekly.
• Ensure credit card expenses are supported with receipts and reconciled on a monthly basis.
• Support HR by providing information in relation to the annual P11d and PSA calculations.
• Liaising with Treasury regarding new credit card applications and monitoring expenditure limits.
• Monitoring the mileage expenses rate table in Workday and ensuring terms are updated according to Group policy by HR, as well as reduced rates for those with car allowance.
• Maintenance of customer and supplier master data and bank account details, approving updates/making changes for approval in a timely manner.
• Monthly reconciliation of aged creditor reports.
• Support with month end activities such as control account reconciliations, bank reconciliations and the accruals process, accruing for material operating expenditure expected in the period but not received before close.
• Provision of leave cover for other members of the Finance Department as requested by the Financial Controller.
• Monitor AP performance metrics and provide regular reporting to senior finance leadership.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and audit requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including automation and process standardization.

Requirements:

• 5 years+ of proven accounting experience in a financial control environment
• Part qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent or qualified by experience
• Must have experience using Workday
• Experience in Insurance and Financial Services or other regulated organisation.
• A thorough understanding of the principles of double entry and knowledge of finance accounting procedures
• Experience of providing excellent customer service, dealing with customers by phone and email
• Able to work with minimal supervision

Desirable:

• Bachelors degree in business or accounting or related field.
• Public accounting experience is advantageous as well as experience of an IPO.
• Knowledge of UK GAAP and FCA reporting requirements.