Accounts Payable Manager - FTC (VA777) in Southampton

We are seeking a high-calibre interim finance leader to take ownership of our global Payable function during a critical period of operational optimisation. This role goes beyond traditional Accounts Payable management. It is ideally suited to an Accounts Payable Manager, Finance Manager, Finance Director or CFO-level professional who is comfortable operating both strategically and hands-on, bringing leadership, control, and transformation to a complex, multi-jurisdictional environment. Based at our Southampton office and reporting to the Group Finance Director, you will be responsible for providing leadership across process, governance, systems, and team performance to ensure a best-in-class AP function aligned with wider finance and business objectives.

Principal duties

• Oversee daily Accounts Payable operations across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, expenses, and payment runs.
• Manage the firmwide expense reporting system and ensure compliance with policies and tax regulations.
• Act as the escalation point for internal and external queries.
• Implement and enforce robust internal controls to safeguard assets and mitigate fraud risk, especially for high-value international payments.
• Ensure compliance with local and international tax requirements (e.g., VAT, GST, withholding tax).
• Maintain accurate vendor and employee data across all entities.
• Liaise with auditors, providing clear documentation and process explanations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the AP team, setting goals and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, drive automation, and optimize ERP functionality.
• Collaborate with Finance Systems to maintain correct system configuration and data integrity.

Professional Qualifications / Skills / Experience

• 5+ years of Accounts Payable management or supervisory experience in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Proven experience managing Accounts Payable in a multi-entity multicurrency environment.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing and enforcing robust internal controls and process improvements.
• Exposure to 3E, Cosine, or similar platforms.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Visio, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook).
• Some system change management experience is desirable.
• Knowledge of offshore financial service regulations or operational experience in one of the firm's key jurisdictions.

Personal characteristics required

• Ability to lead a team, delegate effectively and develop talent.
• Exceptional precision and accuracy in financial processing and data review.
• Strong analytical skills to quickly resolve complex payment, vendor, and compliance discrepancies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to liaise with senior stakeholders, legal professionals, and external vendors across different cultures and time zones.
• Ability to work under pressure and flexibly when required.