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- Tasks: Lead and transform the Accounts Payable function in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a highly successful business in Derbyshire with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior-level Accounts Payable experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Derbyshire - Hybrid Role (Initially 3 days office based & 2 days home)
Competitive salary, car allowance and benefits package
Eaton Syalon are delighted to be partnering exclusively with a highly successful business in Derbyshire to recruit a Head of Accounts Payable. This is a key leadership opportunity for an experienced Accounts Payable professional to lead the Accounts Payable function, driving operational excellence, governance, and transformation initiatives within a complex, fast-paced environment. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and transform a large-scale Accounts Payable function within a PLC environment.
This pivotal role will suit a senior finance leader with extensive Accounts Payable and Procure-to-Pay experience, who is passionate about continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and developing high-performing teams.
Key Responsibilities:- Provide leadership, direction, and development support to the Accounts Payable team
- Support talent development and succession planning initiatives across the function
- Ensure all Accounts Payable activities operate in line with internal policies, audit requirements, and regulatory compliance standards including VAT, CIS, and RCT
- Maintain oversight of legislative and regulatory changes, including IR35, to minimise business risk and ensure ongoing compliance
- Serve as the key Accounts Payable contact for audit activity, control reviews, and governance-related matters
- Oversee the full procure-to-pay (P2P) process in partnership with Procurement and wider finance teams
- Manage core Accounts Payable operations including invoice processing, supplier payments, master data maintenance, and query management
- Ensure the accurate and efficient processing of high-volume transactions across multiple entities within agreed service levels
- Track and analyse operational KPIs to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and service delivery
- Maintain effective operational controls across a large and complex supplier network
- Work collaboratively with Treasury, Credit, and Financial Control teams to support cash flow management and working capital objectives
- Oversee payment scheduling processes and ensure critical supplier payments are managed effectively
- Contribute towards departmental budgeting and cost management objectives
- Maintain and strengthen the Accounts Payable control environment, ensuring audit actions and control improvements are implemented where necessary
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with senior stakeholders across Finance, Procurement, Business Services, and operational teams
- Manage supplier relationships and escalations effectively, ensuring professional communication and adherence to agreed payment practices
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to enhance supplier onboarding processes, payment term strategies, and dispute management procedures
- Support and lead system enhancement projects, implementations, and automation initiatives within the Accounts Payable function
- Drive process standardisation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and consistency
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across the wider finance function
- Identify and implement opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen controls, and improve overall service performance
- Significant senior-level Accounts Payable leadership experience within a large, complex organisation (FTSE, PLC, or equivalent is essential)
- Proven experience managing large-scale or shared service Accounts Payable teams is essential
- Strong understanding of Procure-to-Pay processes, financial controls, and audit requirements
- Working knowledge of CIS and/or RCT deductions within the P2P cycle is desirable
- Experienced in driving change, process improvement, and finance transformation initiatives
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Strong analytical mindset with a focus on risk mitigation and continuous improvement
- Compassionate and inspiring leadership style with a passion for developing high-performing teams
Please apply with your most up to date CV for a confidential discussion about this role.
Head of Accounts Payable employer: Eaton Syalon Limited
Contact Detail:
Eaton Syalon Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Accounts Payable
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend finance events, join LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and its culture. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in Accounts Payable. Practice common interview questions and come ready with examples of how you've driven change and improved processes in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Accounts Payable, your leadership style matters! Be ready to discuss how you've developed high-performing teams and managed stakeholder relationships. Share specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire and drive operational excellence.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream role! We’re all about making connections and helping you find the right fit, so make sure your application stands out and showcases your passion for continuous improvement in Accounts Payable.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Accounts Payable
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Accounts Payable role. Highlight your leadership experience and any specific achievements in Accounts Payable or Procure-to-Pay processes that align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use examples from your past roles to show how you've driven change, improved processes, or managed teams effectively. We want to see your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively with stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eaton Syalon Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Accounts Payable, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of financial metrics. Brush up on key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the role, such as invoice processing times and payment accuracy rates. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these metrics in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through change or improved processes. Think about specific situations where you inspired your team or resolved conflicts, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Understand Compliance and Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations affecting Accounts Payable, such as VAT, CIS, and IR35. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles and how you would approach this in the new position. This shows you're proactive and knowledgeable about the industry.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder management is crucial for this role. Think about how you've built relationships with senior stakeholders in the past. Prepare to discuss your communication strategies and how you've handled challenging conversations, ensuring you convey your ability to collaborate effectively across departments.