Purchase Ledger Controller

You will be responsible for managing the end-to-end accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate operating rhythm.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete supplier ledger for multiple business entities, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.
• Manage invoice workflows, including project coding and matching with purchase orders and stock receipts to ensure correct approvals and compliance.
• Manage aged and negative balances on supplier ledger.
• Manage aged purchase orders, closing outdated or redundant orders to maintain data integrity.
• Manage the supplier master data, handling new supplier setups, and ensuring all existing records remain accurate and up to date.
• Prepare and execute daily bank reconciliations.
• Process routine batch and ad hoc payment runs across multicurrencies.
• Monitor and maintain wallet balance within the Soldo expense system.
• Manage the Accounts Payable close off process in line with monthly management accounts deadlines.
• Compile and deliver monthly analytics for Accounts Payable ledger.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor inquiries, managing email and phone channel to meet the agreed 24 hour service level agreement.
• Perform regular supplier statement reconciliations and proactively communicate with suppliers regarding any missing documentation.
• Foster and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments e.g. Engineering, Purchasing, Travel, Ground Operations.
• Provide support for the Finance Manager with the annual external audit.
• Lead on the automation of the AP software, driving efficiencies and improvement.
• Review, update and maintain comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures for the Accounts Payable function.
• Carry out other ad hoc duties as required.
• Provide holiday cover for other team members as required.
• Ensure compliance with aviation industry standards, company policies, and UK regulatory requirements.

Skills, Knowledge Expertise

Essential:

• Previous experience in an Accounts Payable or relevant finance role.
• Strong understanding of invoice processing, payment cycles, and supplier management.
• Competent in Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace and finance systems (e.g. Sage).
• Strong numeracy skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage large volumes of transactions.

Desirable:

• Experience with international suppliers and multi-currency transactions.
• Any relevant or financial qualifications (e.g. AAT).
• Understanding of VAT treatment for aviation services and international purchases.
• Experience working in a regulated industry.

Job Benefits

• Company pension scheme with Salary Sacrifice.
• Private Health Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• 25 days holiday (pro-rata) + bank holidays.
• Training development opportunities.
• Professional qualification support.
• On-site parking.
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice scheme.
• Cycle 2 Work Salary Sacrifice scheme.
• Holiday Purchase Salary Sacrifice scheme.

About DEA Aviation Ltd

DEA and our sister company ESAO are a world leading specialist technology-led provider of complex aerial data acquisition services. A pioneer in airborne data gathering, DEA/ESAO use ground-breaking techniques and the most advanced and innovative technologies in the industry to help you answer complex questions and make informed decisions in real time.