At a Glance
- Tasks: Own the end-to-end Accounts Payable process in a dynamic global environment.
- Company: Join a leading global organisation establishing a new Shared Services Centre.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, and clear progression opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow into leadership roles as the team expands.
- Why this job: Shape processes from the ground up and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in Accounts Payable and strong Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
A leading global organisation is establishing a new Shared Services Centre in Leicestershire, bringing Accounts Payable operations in-house as part of a strategic transformation. Operating within a large corporate environment, the business handles high-volume transactions across multiple international entities and currencies. This is an exciting opportunity to join at a pivotal stage, helping to shape processes and systems from the ground up as the function transitions.
You will take ownership of the end-to-end Accounts Payable function, initially working as a standalone specialist responsible for the full AP life cycle. This is a highly hands-on role with exposure to multiple stakeholders and international operations.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing the full AP process from vendor setup through to payment
- Vendor sourcing, onboarding, and maintaining supplier records
- Processing high volumes of invoices using 2-way matching
- Managing weekly payment runs and handling manual payments where required
- Responding to vendor queries promptly and effectively
- Producing and managing regular reporting
- Working across multiple legal entities weekly (typically 4-5), including international regions such as China and France
- Supporting transactions across multiple currencies (GBP, USD, INR, etc.)
This role also offers a clear progression path, with the opportunity to help build and lead an AP team as the function grows.
What you'll need to succeed:
- Proven experience in Accounts Payable, ideally within a large, global or corporate environment
- Strong understanding of end-to-end AP processes
- Experience working with SAP (essential)
- Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and handling large datasets
- Ability to manage high volumes efficiently and meet deadlines
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- A proactive mindset, with the ability to work independently and contribute to process improvements
- A Bachelor’s degree is preferred
- Ambition to grow into a leadership or team management role
What you'll get in return:
- Salary of £35,000 - £40,000
- 5% annual bonus
- The opportunity to play a key role in setting up a brand-new Shared Services function
- Clear progression into AP Team Leader or Manager role as the team expands (if wanted)
- Exposure to international operations and multi-entity finance structures
- A dynamic and evolving environment where you can genuinely make an impact
This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior AP professional who is looking to step into a more strategic, developmental role with long-term career growth.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Senior Accounts Payable Specialist employer: Hays
Join a leading global organisation in Leicestershire as a Senior Accounts Payable Specialist, where you will be part of an exciting transformation to establish a new Shared Services Centre. Enjoy a dynamic work culture that fosters employee growth with clear progression opportunities into leadership roles, while being part of a high-volume, international finance environment that values your contributions and offers competitive benefits including a salary of £35,000 - £40,000 and a 5% annual bonus.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accounts Payable Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in Accounts Payable. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals that could land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your AP knowledge and SAP skills. We recommend practising common interview questions related to high-volume invoice processing and stakeholder management. Show them you’re the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team and help shape the future of Accounts Payable.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accounts Payable Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in Accounts Payable, especially in a corporate environment. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your SAP expertise and Excel prowess!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute to shaping the new Shared Services Centre. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, mention specific examples of how you've effectively managed relationships with vendors or internal stakeholders. We value strong communication skills, so let us know how you’ve navigated those waters!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your AP Processes
Make sure you brush up on your end-to-end Accounts Payable processes. Be ready to discuss how you've managed vendor setups, invoice processing, and payment runs in previous roles. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the position.
✨Showcase Your SAP Skills
Since experience with SAP is essential for this role, be prepared to talk about your proficiency with the software. Share specific examples of how you've used SAP to streamline AP processes or manage high volumes of transactions effectively.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management
This role involves working with multiple stakeholders across international entities. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated with vendors or internal teams to resolve queries or improve processes. Highlight your strong communication skills!
✨Exhibit a Proactive Mindset
Employers love candidates who take initiative. Prepare to discuss instances where you've identified areas for improvement in AP processes and how you implemented changes. This will show that you're not just a doer but also a thinker who can contribute to the team's growth.
