Overview
As Accounts Payable Manager you will lead and continuously improve the university’s AP function, ensuring accurate and timely supplier payments within policy and controls. You will build a high-performing, inclusive team and use data to drive performance and resolve complex issues. You’ll partner with stakeholders to streamline procure-to-pay processes and strengthen resilience and service quality. This role offers impact at scale within Strategy 2035, shaping trusted, efficient financial operations.
Pay / Benefits
- 33 days annual leave
- 9 buildings closed days
- Hybrid working
- Flexible working options
- Equality and diversity focus
- Supportive work culture
Responsibilities
- Provide visible, inclusive leadership and develop the team through coaching and performance reviews
- Allocate work, manage priorities and ensure clear expectations
- Oversee end-to-end AP service: invoices, expenses, scholarships, payments, supplier reconciliations
- Plan capacity to handle month-end, year-end, audits and pressure periods
- Maintain service standards and accessible processes to promote first-time compliance
- Ensure compliance with Financial Regulations, controls, and data integrity
- Own SOPs, process maps, and documentation; lead process improvement projects
- Develop KPIs and use data to identify risks, trends and improvement priorities
- Build stakeholder relationships and communicate complex controls clearly
- Manage external/internal audit responses and actions; implement risks and controls improvements
- Drive digital enablement with ERP (Oracle Fusion) and automation improvements
- Support staff wellbeing, recruitment, training and succession planning
- Represent AP in meetings and cross-functional projects
Key requirements
- Degree-level education, AAT qualification, or equivalent experience
- Substantial AP experience with strong financial controls and issue resolution
- Experience in Higher Education or multi-entity environments is desirable
- Proven people leadership and change management experience
- Confident ERP and data analysis skills; strong Excel
- Oracle Fusion workflow, automation or self-service improvement experience
- Understanding of segregation of duties and supplier/payment controls
- Experience leading audit actions and control-improvement programmes
- Formal change or continuous improvement experience
- Stakeholder management and ability to handle sensitive supplier or customer issues
- Emotional intelligence
- Coaching mindset
- Collaborative influence
- Oracle Fusion
- Excel
- Data analysis and MI
Accounts Payable Supervisor in Edinburgh employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Paralegal to shape and grow the University's legal function while working in a vibrant, diverse environment at our Edinburgh campus. With 33 days of annual leave, a commitment to employee well-being, and a focus on professional development, you will gain invaluable experience across various legal areas and contribute to impactful projects within a globally recognised institution. Join us to be part of a supportive community that values inclusivity and encourages career growth in a dynamic, international setting.
