Accounts Payable Manager in Slough

Accounts Payable Manager
South Derbyshire
£50,000 - £55,000 + Car + Enhanced Benefits including private health, bonus & enhanced pension
The option to work one day from home (4 days site-based)
The Opportunity:
We are looking for a proactive, systems-focused Accounts Payable Manager to lead and develop our client's Purchase Ledger function within a fast-paced business environment based in South Derbyshire This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional who combines strong technical knowledge with a passion for process improvement, systems optimisation and team leadership. Working closely with senior finance colleagues and teams across the wider business, you will play a key role in improving processes, enhancing system functionality and supporting the continued development of the finance function.
Key Responsibilities:
Management of Purchase Ledger Processing: Oversee the end-to-end purchase ledger function, including the processing of high-volume supplier invoices, credit notes, purchase orders and contra charges. Manage multiple BACS payment runs, ensuring suppliers are paid accurately and on time, while monitoring upcoming payment commitments and escalating cashflow concerns where appropriate. Lead month-end processes, ensuring deadlines are met and working collaboratively with the wider finance team. Monitor ledger balances and reconciliations, proactively investigating and resolving discrepancies. Act as the primary point of contact for complex supplier queries and disputes, ensuring issues are resolved promptly and effectively. Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures to minimise financial risk Systems/Processes:
Drive efficiency and accuracy through the effective use of finance systems and technology. Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce manual processing and improve the overall effectiveness of the purchase ledger function. Collaborate with Finance, Commercial and IT teams to enhance system functionality, develop integrations and support the implementation of new software solutions. Liaise with external software providers to resolve system issues and support ongoing development. Utilise Microsoft applications and reporting tools to analyse performance, identify trends and present improvement proposals to senior management. Champion continuous improvement, ensuring processes evolve in line with changing business requirements Leadership/Development:
Lead, motivate and develop the purchase ledger team, setting clear objectives and performance expectations. Allocate workloads effectively, recognising individual strengths and ensuring resources are aligned with business priorities. Foster a positive, collaborative and accountable team culture, encouraging ownership, initiative and continuous learning. Provide ongoing coaching, training and support to improve team capability and consistency. Proactively manage deadlines and month-end requirements, identifying potential challenges early and implementing solutions to maintain service levels. Build strong working relationships across the business, supporting colleagues with purchase ledger processes and resolving issues constructively Compliance & Financial Controls:
Apply a sound understanding of VAT and the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), ensuring transactions are treated and coded correctly. Support the development of tax knowledge across the purchase ledger team and liaise with the Tax and Compliance function on complex queries and legislative changes. Maintain awareness of relevant compliance requirements, including Payment Practices Reporting, Corporate Criminal Offence legislation, IR35, anti-money laundering and cyber security. Support the correct treatment of tax-sensitive transactions, escalating complex matters where necessary. Act as the primary purchase ledger contact for external auditors, ensuring information and supporting documentation are provided accurately and promptly. Person Profile:
To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced Accounts Payable professional with a strong track record of managing transactional finance operations and leading a team. You will bring a combination of technical expertise, commercial awareness and a continuous improvement mindset, with the confidence to challenge existing processes and implement practical solutions. You will ideally bring: Proven experience managing a high-volume accounts payable or purchase ledger function. Previous experience leading, coaching and developing a transactional finance team. Strong knowledge of invoice processing, supplier reconciliations, payment runs and month-end procedures. Excellent IT and systems skills, with experience identifying opportunities to improve processes and system functionality. Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and reporting tools. Knowledge of VAT and CIS, ideally within a construction or construction-related environment - Desirable An understanding of financial controls, audit requirements and relevant compliance legislation. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across finance and the wider business. A proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver against tight deadlines We're looking for:
We are particularly interested in individuals who are comfortable working in a changing business environment and who see accounts payable as more than a transactional function. You will be someone who can combine hands-on operational oversight with strategic thinking, using systems, data and team development to deliver measurable improvements. If you are a confident people manager who enjoys improving processes, developing systems and building a high-performing team, this could be an excellent next step in your career. Please apply for a confidential discussion about the role.
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