Accounts Payable Manager in Watford

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This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining hands-on operational responsibility with team leadership, process improvement and stakeholder engagement. You'll have the chance to shape and strengthen accounts payable processes, improve controls, support cash flow management and make a visible impact across the organisation.

About the role

As Accounts Payable Manager, you'll take ownership of the end-to-end accounts payable function, ensuring supplier invoices, expenses, credit notes and payment runs are processed accurately, efficiently and in line with company policies and regulatory requirements. Reporting to the Financial Controller, you'll lead and develop a Senior Accounts Payable Assistant while acting as the subject matter expert for AP systems and processes. You'll work closely with suppliers, procurement teams and internal stakeholders to resolve issues, improve processes and maintain strong financial controls.

This role offers a balance of leadership, operational management and continuous improvement, making it ideal for someone who wants to drive high standards while remaining close to day-to-day activity. It is therefore vital that you are comfortable being hands on with BAU operations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day Accounts Payable function and ensure a high-quality service is delivered.
• Manage, coach and support the development of the Senior Accounts Payable Assistant.
• Oversee the accurate processing of supplier invoices, credit notes, employee expenses and company credit card transactions.
• Manage weekly payment runs and support cash flow planning and payment scheduling.
• Ensure timely supplier statement reconciliations and resolution of discrepancies.
• Act as the escalation point for complex supplier queries, disputes and payment issues.
• Maintain strong financial controls, including VAT compliance and adherence to internal policies and audit requirements.
• Monitor and report on key AP performance measures, including aged creditors and payment performance.
• Partner with procurement and internal teams to improve procure-to-pay processes and resolve PO-related issues.
• Act as the subject matter expert for Dynamics 365 AP processes and support system improvements, testing and automation initiatives.
• Contribute to month-end activities and financial reporting requirements.

What we're looking for

We're looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Accounts Payable professional who can lead with confidence while maintaining a hands-on approach. You'll bring:

• Proven experience in a senior Accounts Payable leadership or management role.
• Strong experience overseeing end-to-end accounts payable operations, including payment runs, supplier reconciliations, employee expenses and company credit cards.
• Expert knowledge of Accounts Payable processes within Dynamics 365.
• A solid understanding of VAT requirements and financial controls.
• Previous experience managing, coaching and developing team members.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build strong relationships internally and externally.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills.
• AAT qualification or equivalent relevant experience.

Desirable

• Experience using Agresso.
• Exposure to AP automation tools, workflow systems or finance process improvement initiatives.
• Experience working closely with procurement teams to improve procure-to-pay processes.

If you're an experienced Accounts Payable professional looking to take ownership of a critical finance function and drive meaningful improvements, we'd love to hear from you.

BRE Benefits

At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, well-being, and career development.

Financial & Security Benefits

• Pension scheme – 5% employer-matched contribution
• Life assurance – 4x your basic salary
• Enhanced maternity package

Health & Wellbeing

• HealthPartners cashback scheme – Reclaim costs on prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care, and more
• Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery, and free parking, including at-cost EV charging points

Career Development

• Learning & development – Free access to BRE Academy and our online learning platform
• Professional membership reimbursement

For full details on our benefits, visit: BRE Employee Benefits

Work Location Options

Mostly Remote – This role is primarily home-based, with occasional travel to our head office in Watford for planned meetings (2-3 times per month).

Our Recruitment Process

As part of our recruitment process we will be conducting 10-30 minute phone screening calls via an AI recruiter called Ryan with all shortlisted candidates. The information gathered from this screening will be used to help assess your suitability for the position.

Note to Employment Agencies

At BRE, we value the relationships we have built with our preferred recruitment partners. We do not accept unsolicited CVs from employment agencies. Any CVs submitted directly to a BRE employee or hiring manager without a signed BRE Employment Agency Agreement and an active engagement for the specific role will be considered unsolicited. In such cases, no fees will be payable should the candidate be hired through this or any other means.

Equal Opportunities Statement

BRE is an equal opportunities employer. We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.