Accounts Payable Officer in Liverpool

£17.00 to £22.20 per hour, Pay Rates: PAYE £17.00 per hour / Limited/Umbrella £22.20 per hour

Contract Type: Contract

Hours: Full time

Disability Confident: No

Closing Date: 05/03/2026

About this job

Neway International are seeking an Accounts Payable Officer to join our client based with Liverpool City Council.

Location: Cunard Building, Water Street, Pier Head, Liverpool, Merseyside, L2 2BS

Hours: 35 per week

Start Date: 02 March 2026

Duration: 12 months

Work Pattern: Flexible working hours minimum 2 office days per week

About the Client

Liverpool City Council’s Finance & Resources Directorate plays a vital role in supporting the organisation’s financial stability and operational effectiveness. The Transactional Services team ensures accurate, timely, and compliant financial processing, contributing directly to the delivery of high-quality services for residents and communities. The Council is committed to excellent customer service, continuous improvement, and upholding strong financial governance.

The Role

The Accounts Payable Officer will support the Payments Manager in delivering an efficient, customer-focused payments service. Working on SAP, you will process purchase order invoices, non-order payments, and a range of financial transactions accurately and within strict deadlines. The role requires strong attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to build effective relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Process all payments accurately and on time, including invoices, credits, certificates, non-order payments, consolidated uploads, staff expenses, and emergency UK/foreign payments.
• Apply correct VAT and CIS deductions in line with regulations.
• Use duplicate/erroneous payment software to identify and prevent incorrect payments, making necessary amendments to financial records.
• Prepare and check documentation prior to processing to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, reconciling statements and resolving discrepancies promptly.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to chase goods receipt notes and approvals.
• Promote best practice in line with financial regulations and procurement standing orders, supporting colleagues with P2P processes.
• Investigate and resolve internal and external queries using initiative and established procedures.
• Maintain and update electronic systems, spreadsheets, databases, and produce required reports.
• Undertake administrative duties including telephone queries and mail administration.
• Support debt pursuance activities as required.
• Ensure responsible use of council resources, minimising waste and supporting sustainability goals.
• Contribute to the Council Plan, customer service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Uphold equal opportunities, health and safety standards, and the Council’s values.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience in an accounts payable or similar financial role.
• Data entry experience within a financial environment (SAP preferred but not essential).
• Clear, confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong numeracy and accuracy skills.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, using initiative to solve problems while knowing when to escalate.
• Confident IT skills, including MS Office and financial systems.
• Strong team-working skills.
• Methodical approach with high attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential/sensitive information appropriately.
• Good understanding of VAT, IR35 and CIS regulations.
• Ability to interpret and follow relevant policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and stakeholders.

Desirable

• AAT or other business-related qualification.
• Understanding of anti-fraud practices.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Ability to identify and recommend process improvements.
• Commitment to the Council’s Vision and Values.
• Flexible team player able to adapt to service needs.