Accounts Payable Manager in London

Join to apply for the Accounts Payable Manager role at DeMellier. We are a modern affordable luxury handbag brand crafting timeless and elegant styles that are made to last. Founded with a vision to do things differently, we create handbags that empower women, are sustainably sourced and ethically made, and give back to those who need it most. Our principles guide everything we do: driving change, championing equality, and celebrating women. Through our permanent charity initiative, 'A Bag, A Life', every purchase funds lifesaving vaccines and medical treatments for children in need. To date, we have funded over 1,000,000 vaccines.

The role involves overseeing the company's accounts payable function, ensuring timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices, payments, and expense reports. This role leads the AP team, maintains strong internal controls, ensures compliance with company policies and accounting standards, and supports month-end and year-end close activities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounts payable activities, invoice processing including stock invoices by GRV, payment runs, vendor maintenance, and expense reimbursements.
• Manage bank balances and accounts – ensuring sufficient currency in each account for payment runs and daily cash receipt management.
• Ensure accurate coding, approval, and posting of invoices in accordance with company policies.
• Monitor AP aging and resolve discrepancies to ensure timely payments and avoid late fees.
• Manage the expense process, review and act as second-line responder for expenses outside of policy.
• Manage the accounts inbox.
• Maintain positive relationships with vendors and respond to enquiries professionally.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies, payment issues, and vendor disputes in a timely manner.
• Own the creditors listing, including reviewing and managing vendor terms to optimise cash flow.
• Request and review monthly statements of accounts for all vendors.

Management

• Lead and develop the accounts payable function.
• Establish and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve efficiency accuracy.
• Manage Accounts Assistant.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and company policies.
• Maintain strong internal controls to prevent errors and fraud.
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and explanations.

Reporting & Month-End Close

• Prepare and review accounts payable reports, including aging, unbilled GRV listing, and accruals.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes.
• Reconcile AP sub-ledger to the general ledger.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Identify opportunities to improve AP processes through automation and best practices.
• Find ways to continuously reduce month-end close of ledgers.
• Participate in ERP system implementations or upgrades.
• Ensure data accuracy within accounting systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of experience with collections, invoicing, and banking.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications – strong Excel skills.
• Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and AP best practices.
• High attention to detail and dedication to accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with leadership ability.
• Ability to analyse large sets of data and work in a fast-paced environment, including working under pressure.
• High degree of familiarity with account reconciliation.

Not for you if

• You’re looking for a purely strategic or hands-off role and don’t enjoy being close to the detail.
• This role blends processing, manual reconciliation, daily bank posting, together with managing the team and evolving the AP processes.
• You’re uncomfortable liaising with external vendors and cross-departmental functions.
• You want a role that is static and repetitive month on month.
• We are looking for someone who will seek opportunities to change current processes and add real value to a fast-moving finance team.