At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Accounts Payable team to enhance and stabilise financial processes.
- Company: Join a local council committed to finance transformation.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in a critical finance role with potential for contract extension.
- Other info: On-site role in Birmingham with a dynamic team focused on performance improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by resolving payment issues and improving cashflow.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in Accounts Payable and strong analytical skills required.
Location: Birmingham (On-site, 5 days per week)
Contract Length: Initial 5-6 months
About the Role
Hays is partnering with a local council to recruit an Accounts Payable Surge Lead to support a major finance transformation programme. You will join a dedicated AP Surge Team, created to stabilise, enhance, and accelerate performance across cashflow-critical and customer-facing transactional processes. This is a hands-on SME role, requiring deep Accounts Payable expertise, strong analytical capability, and a proactive approach to preventing payment delays, resolving defects, and protecting business continuity.
Key Responsibilities
- Accounts Payable SME Support
- Resolve complex supplier invoice processing issues.
- Investigate and fix 3-way match failures (PO / GR / Invoice).
- Identify and correct vendor master data defects.
- Troubleshoot and resolve payment run errors.
- Address workflow approval breakdowns and bottlenecks.
- Invoice Processing
Accounts Payable Surge Lead employer: Hays
As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. Located in Birmingham, our team enjoys the benefits of working closely with local councils on impactful finance transformation projects, offering unique opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on employee well-being and a commitment to excellence, we provide a rewarding environment where your contributions directly enhance community services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Payable Surge Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in accounts payable. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills. Since this role requires deep Accounts Payable expertise, make sure you can confidently discuss complex supplier invoice processing and troubleshooting payment run errors.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! During interviews, be ready to share examples of how you've resolved issues in the past, like fixing 3-way match failures or addressing workflow approval breakdowns. Real-life stories make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Accounts Payable Surge Lead role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Payable Surge Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your Accounts Payable expertise and any relevant experience. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Accounts Payable Surge Lead position. Share specific examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past.
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, make sure to mention any tools or methods you’ve used to resolve complex issues. We love seeing how you approach problem-solving!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Accounts Payable Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Accounts Payable knowledge. Understand the key processes, especially around invoice processing and 3-way match failures. Being able to discuss specific scenarios where you've resolved complex issues will show your expertise.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that test your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Think of examples from your past experience where you've tackled payment delays or fixed vendor data defects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company’s Processes
Research the local council's finance transformation programme and understand their current challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate how your skills can directly contribute to stabilising and enhancing their AP processes.
✨Show Your Proactive Approach
Be ready to discuss how you've taken initiative in previous roles to prevent issues before they arise. Highlight any strategies you've implemented to streamline workflows or improve approval processes, as this aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.
