Accounts Payable Officer in Liverpool

14 months contract with a Local Authority

Liverpool City Council is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Officer to join its Transactional Services team within Finance & Resources. This is a business-critical temporary role, supporting the Council’s purchase-to-pay (P2P) processes by ensuring the accurate and timely processing of invoices and payments using SAP. The post holder will deliver a customer-focused, compliant and efficient accounts payable service while working collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Key Duties/Accountabilities

• Process purchase order and non-purchase order invoices, credits, expenses and payments accurately and within strict deadlines using SAP.
• Support end-to-end P2P processes, proactively resolving invoice, reconciliation and supplier query issues.
• Apply correct VAT and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) deductions in line with HMRC regulations.
• Use duplicate and erroneous payment tools to identify, prevent and correct payment errors.
• Reconcile supplier statements and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Chase goods receipt notes and approvals across the organisation to ensure timely payment.
• Promote best practice and compliance with Financial Regulations and Contract Standing Orders (CSOs).
• Maintain and update financial systems, spreadsheets and databases, producing reports where required.
• Handle confidential and sensitive financial information with discretion and professionalism.
• Support debt recovery activity and undertake general administrative duties as required.

Skills/Experience

• Proven experience working in an accounts payable or similar finance role.
• Previous data entry experience within a financial environment (SAP experience preferred).
• Strong understanding of VAT, CIS and IR35 regulations.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to liaise effectively at all levels.
• Good numeracy skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage workload, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident IT skills, including MS Office and financial systems.
• Ability to work independently using initiative, while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• High standards of confidentiality and data protection awareness.

Additional Information

• The closing date: 13/02/2026.
• AAT qualification or other relevant business or finance qualification.
• Location: Cunard Building, Liverpool (Hybrid – minimum 2 office days per week once trained).