Accounts Payable Manager in London

Accounts Payable Manager in London

London Full-Time 46000 - 52000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in managing accounts payable and enhancing financial processes.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing global retail & design scaleup with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous bonus, and flexible hybrid working.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-growth environment while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years of team management experience and strong attention to detail.
  • Other info: Work in beautifully designed offices in Central London with excellent career growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ per year.

Harmonic are proud to have been engaged exclusively by a global retail & design scaleup in their search for an AP Manager. We are looking for an excellent people manager who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

This role has been newly created in response to their continued growth. With a reporting line into the Finance Manager, this role joins a business which has experienced 25% year-on-year growth, seeing turnover exceed £70m whilst balancing out having sustainable and ethical products and practices. The business is recognised for their inclusive, down-to-earth culture. With beautifully designed offices in Central London, the team are highly collaborative, enjoy a sociable atmosphere, and regular involvement in design and industry events. They are entrepreneurial and are highly reputable in their space.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced and technically strong Accounts Payable Manager to take ownership of a high-impact role. You'll lead a team of four, bringing structure, consistency, and clarity to the AP function. The business is looking for someone who thrives in transactional finance, enjoys managing people, and brings a calm, methodical approach to balancing multiple priorities.

With significant investment planned across systems and processes, you'll play a key role in transforming the purchase-to-pay cycle. This includes moving payment runs from Excel into NetSuite, redesigning the PO process, and introducing smarter, more insightful reporting.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead, support, and coach a team of AP Assistants, encouraging their development and performance
  • Take full ownership of the Accounts Payable function across multiple entities
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy
  • Oversee the timely and accurate processing of supplier invoices and execution of payment runs
  • Manage the AP month-end close, including ledger reviews and reconciliations
  • Monitor supplier accounts, ensuring statement reviews and resolution of aged items
  • Collaborate with project and operational teams to ensure accurate PO alignment and approval workflows
  • Establish and maintain strong internal controls across all AP procedures
  • Prepare and manage cash flow forecasts linked to AP activity
  • Oversee staff expenses and ensure corporate credit card transactions are accurately reconciled
  • Act as a key point of contact for both internal stakeholders and external suppliers on AP-related queries
  • Assist the Finance Manager with audit readiness and contribute to year-end reporting activities

Essential criteria:

  • Excellent team management skills
  • 5+ years of team management experience (ideally teams of 5+)
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work to deadlines
  • Excellent communication skills, with a proactive and solution-focused mindset

Desirable criteria (non-essential):

  • Experience using NetSuite
  • Exposure to multi-entity businesses
  • Experience in product/stock based industry (retail, ecommerce, beauty, fashion, food & beverage, interiors, furniture)

Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 + generous bonus + company benefits

Location: Central London / Hybrid (3 days in the office after probation)

Start date: ASAP (can be flexible)

If this role is of interest, please apply online. Due to the high volume of applications we are receiving, if you have not heard back from us, please assume your application was unfortunately unsuccessful on this occasion.

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.

Accounts Payable Manager in London employer: Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp

Join a dynamic global retail and design scaleup in Central London, where you'll thrive in a collaborative and inclusive culture that values your contributions. With a strong focus on employee development and significant investment in systems and processes, this role offers the opportunity to lead a talented team while enjoying a sociable atmosphere and engaging in industry events. Experience meaningful growth in a company recognised for its ethical practices and entrepreneurial spirit.
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Contact Detail:

Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Accounts Payable Manager in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in retail or design. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Since this role is all about collaboration and inclusivity, think of examples from your past where you’ve thrived in similar environments. Show them you’re a perfect fit!

Tip Number 3

Don’t just wait for job alerts! Regularly check our website for new opportunities. We often post roles that might not be on other job boards, so keep an eye out and apply directly through us for the best chance.

Tip Number 4

Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate why you’d be a fantastic addition to their team!

We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Payable Manager in London

Team Management
Accounts Payable
Process Improvement
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Deadline Management
NetSuite
Cash Flow Forecasting
Internal Controls
Supplier Relationship Management
Audit Readiness
Multi-Entity Business Experience
Proactive Problem-Solving

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Accounts Payable Manager role. Highlight your team management experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our collaborative environment!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your experience aligns with our values. A personal touch goes a long way in making your application stand out.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it’s improving processes or leading a successful team, we love to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles. Numbers and specific examples can really help us understand your contributions.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!

How to prepare for a job interview at Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp

Know Your Numbers

As an Accounts Payable Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to accounts payable, such as DPO (Days Payable Outstanding) and cash flow forecasts. Being able to discuss these figures confidently will show that you understand the financial landscape of the role.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to talk about your leadership approach. Think of specific examples where you've successfully coached or developed team members. Highlight how you foster collaboration and maintain a positive team culture, which aligns with the company's inclusive ethos.

Process Improvement Mindset

The job description mentions transforming the purchase-to-pay cycle. Come ready with ideas on how you would identify and implement process improvements. Discuss any past experiences where you've streamlined operations or introduced new systems, especially if you've worked with tools like NetSuite.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Prepare for questions like how you would handle a delayed invoice or a dispute with a supplier. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your proactive, solution-focused mindset.

Accounts Payable Manager in London
Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp
Location: London
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