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: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and a chance to make an impact.
- Other info: On-site role in Birmingham with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of a major finance transformation project.
- Qualifications: Strong AP expertise and problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
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 & Backlog Management
- Support Invoice Processing Assistants with high-volume transactional work.
- Clear backlog caused by new system bedding-in.
- Undertake manual entry when automation fails or exceptions occur.
- PO / Procurement Liaison
- Work with Procurement to resolve PO data issues causing match or posting failures.
- Support improved PO compliance and quality upstream.
- Integration & Banking Support
- Investigate and resolve payment file integration issues.
- Manage and troubleshoot bank acknowledgement failures and reconciliation gaps.
About You
We're looking for someone who brings:
- Strong AP subject matter expertise, ideally within large or complex organisations.
- Experience working in environments undergoing transformation or system change.
- A hands-on, detail-focused approach with excellent problem-solving capability.
- Confidence liaising with suppliers, Procurement, Finance, and technical teams.
- Ability to work under pressure and sustain business-critical payment operations.
- Must have experience with Oracle Fusion (essential for senior candidates).
Midlands Base - 5 days a week on Site
Interested? If you have the relevant Accounts Payable expertise and project experience, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with your up-to-date CV to be considered for this opportunity.
Accounts Payable Surge Lead in Birmingham employer: Hays
Hays is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham where you can make a significant impact on finance transformation initiatives. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative culture, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills while working alongside dedicated professionals in a hands-on role that directly contributes to business continuity and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Payable Surge Lead in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with 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 AP knowledge and problem-solving skills. Think of real-life scenarios where you resolved complex issues, as these will impress potential employers and show you're the right fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Actively search for opportunities on our website and apply directly. This shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates who are just waiting for roles to come to them.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can keep you top of mind for hiring managers. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase your enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Payable Surge Lead in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your Accounts Payable expertise and any relevant experience with transformation projects. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills:Since this role is all about resolving complex issues, include examples in your application that demonstrate your analytical capabilities and proactive approach. We love seeing how you tackle challenges head-on!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate a professional tone, don’t hesitate to let your personality shine through. A bit of authenticity can make your application stand out from the crowd, so feel free to express your passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and consider you for the Accounts Payable Surge Lead position!
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, especially around complex invoice processing and 3-way match failures. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've resolved issues in the past, as this will show your expertise and hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled payment delays or workflow breakdowns in previous roles. Highlight your analytical capabilities and proactive approach, as these are key traits they’re looking for in a candidate.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Oracle Fusion
Since experience with Oracle Fusion is essential for senior candidates, make sure you can speak confidently about your experience with this system. If you’ve worked with similar platforms, be ready to draw parallels and explain how that experience translates.
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork and Communication Skills
This role involves liaising with various teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated with suppliers, procurement, and finance teams in the past. Share examples that showcase your ability to work under pressure while maintaining strong relationships.
