Accounts Payable Lead

As a dynamic and growing accountancy firm with over 1,000 employees, we are seeking an Accounts Payable Lead to join our internal finance team, reporting to the Transactional Finance Manager. The Accounts Payable Team Lead plays a key role in supporting Dains Accountants and Dains Audit Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) process across a multi‑office environment. The role ensures that supplier invoices, expenses, credit cards and payment activities are processed accurately, on time, and in full compliance with Group Finance policies, internal controls, and statutory requirements. This position contributes directly to strong supplier relationships and the integrity of financial data across the Group.

Key Responsibilities

• Invoice Processing: Process supplier invoices for Dains Accountants and Audit entities within Yooz. Ensure accurate nominal and department posting. Maintain clean, timely invoice queues within Yooz, supporting month‑end cut‑off discipline.
• Supplier Management: Serve as a first point of contact for supplier queries, ensuring professional and timely resolution. Perform supplier statement reconciliations and follow up on missing invoices or credits. Support supplier onboarding in line with Group controls, including verification checks and documentation requirements.
• Payments & Controls: Prepare bi-weekly payment runs for assigned entities, ensuring compliance with the Group Delegation of Authority (DoA). Verify that all invoices are appropriately authorised and supported before payment. Monitor aged creditors, highlight overdue items, and work with local finance teams to resolve bottlenecks. Support internal and external audit requests, ensuring completeness and accuracy of AP documentation.
• Expenses & Corporate Cards: Process employee expense claims in accordance with the Dains Expenses Policy and HMRC requirements. Reconcile corporate credit card statements, ensuring timely submission of receipts and correct coding.
• Systems & Reporting: Maintain accurate supplier and invoice data within the Group finance system. Produce AP reports for Group Transactional finance manager, including aged creditors, unapproved invoices, and KPI dashboards. Support month‑end close activities, including accruals and cut‑off procedures.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Accounts Payable Experience: You have 3+ years’ experience working in an Accounts Payable role, ideally within a multi‑entity or professional services environment, with a strong grasp of end‑to‑end processes.
• P2P and Financial Controls Knowledge: You demonstrate a solid understanding of procure‑to‑pay (P2P) processes, financial controls, and audit requirements, ensuring accuracy.
• Attention to Detail: You bring a high level of attention to detail and accuracy, enabling you to maintain data integrity and minimise errors in financial reporting.
• Communication Skills: You are a confident communicator, able to liaise effectively with stakeholders across Group Finance and local entity teams.
• Time Management and Deadlines: You have the ability to work efficiently to deadlines while managing competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Technical and Systems Skills: You are proficient in using finance systems, including Sage Intacct, and have strong Microsoft Excel skills to support reporting and analysis.
• Professionalism and Organisation: You are professional, organised, and proactive in your approach, taking ownership of tasks and following them through to completion.
• Problem‑Solving Ability: You are strong at identifying issues and applying practical, solutions‑focused problem‑solving skills.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: You work collaboratively, supporting both Group Finance and local entity teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: You demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and standardisation across the Group, contributing to more efficient and consistent financial processes.

Join us to advance your expertise in a dynamic environment where growth and learning are prioritised and your ability to lead and collaborate is valued and nurtured.

Job Benefits

At Dains, we are committed to your professional growth and development. We provide a comprehensive suite of training and development opportunities designed to enhance your skills and expand your career possibilities. Our leaders utilise a coaching style and provide on-the-job training. You will have access to continuing professional development courses and will be sponsored to undertake a coaching training course if you are not already a trained coach. We support every team member in achieving their full potential. Our development programmes are tailored to nurture your unique talents and ambitions, ensuring you not only meet but exceed your professional goals.

We offer a highly competitive salary, and our generous benefits package includes, but is not limited to:

• Flexible and hybrid/smart working options
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Option to buy and sell annual leave
• Health Insurance
• Life Assurance
• A generous discounted shopping platform for all staff
• Greener car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme

Joining us also brings many social benefits; we have a full social calendar!