Head Of Accounts Payable in Lancaster

Axon Moore are delighted to be partnering with a highly successful, PE-backed organisation to recruit a Head of Accounts Payable & Banking into its growing Group Finance function.

This is a newly important leadership position with responsibility for the end-to-end Purchase-to-Pay, Accounts Payable and banking functions, ensuring robust controls, accurate reporting and efficient processes across the wider Group.

The successful candidate will take ownership of a key finance function, driving process improvement, automation and standardisation, whilst also supporting the month-end close and wider financial performance review.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious finance professional to join a growing, PE-backed business and have genuine influence over the development of its finance operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end Accounts Payable and Purchase-to-Pay process, overseeing invoice processing, approval workflows and timely payments.
• Take ownership of cash management, including accounting, reconciliations, forecasting and reporting.
• Manage and optimise the Group's ERP / purchase order system, driving consistency and best practice.
• Develop and implement standardised AP processes, policies and controls across the organisation.
• Lead relevant automation, systems and technology initiatives.
• Oversee accurate reporting, including AP ageing, accruals and payment forecasting.
• Establish and monitor appropriate KPIs across P2P and cash management, identifying trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Effectively manage team resources to ensure all month-end and payment deadlines are achieved.
• Support the month-end close, including reviewing monthly performance against budget.
• Prepare and post relevant month-end journals.
• Perform regular control reviews, with particular focus on CAPEX, prepayments and other accounting adjustments.
• Drive continuous improvement across processes, systems and controls.
• Lead, develop and support the finance team, identifying training requirements and ensuring the function is appropriately structured to support future growth.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across finance and the wider business.

About You

We're looking for an experienced finance professional with a strong background in Accounts Payable, Purchase-to-Pay and transactional finance, alongside proven leadership and process improvement experience.

You'll ideally have

• Strong experience across Accounts Payable / P2P, ideally with exposure to banking and cash management.
• Experience working with ERP systems and finance technology.
• A proven track record of delivering process improvement, automation and standardisation.
• Strong understanding of financial controls and reporting.
• Previous experience managing and developing a finance team. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong Excel skills and general IT literacy.
• The ability to work to tight deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with a genuine focus on continuous improvement.
• Experience within a PE-backed or high-growth environment would be advantageous.
• What's on Offer
• £50,000 - £70,000 depending on experience.
• Hybrid working - 3 days office / 2 days home.
• 35 days' annual leave including bank holidays.
• Group pension scheme with matched contributions of up to 5%.
• The opportunity to join a PE-backed, growing organisation in a key leadership position.
• Significant scope to improve systems, processes and controls.
• Excellent exposure to senior stakeholders and the wider Group Finance function.
• Working Pattern: Hybrid - 3 days office / 2 days home
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