Accounts Payable Specialist (Temporary) in London

Cultivates and maintains strong, professional relationships with both internal stakeholders and external vendors of Moët Hennessy UK by investigating complex queries and providing training on Accounts Payable processes and best practices. Responsible for the accurate and timely processing of invoices, expense reports, and payment runs, along with reconciling vendor statements, reviewing and resolving aged creditors, and resolving complex payment discrepancies.

Job Responsibilities

• Invoice and Payment Management: Oversee the end-to-end invoice processing cycle, ensuring accuracy, proper coding, and adherence to company policies and internal controls. Manage and prioritize high-volume and complex supplier invoices, including those with intricate terms or multi-line items. Review and approve invoice batches and payment runs (e.g., BACS, transfers) prepared by AP Clerks, ensuring compliance and accuracy. Collaborate with procurement and other departments to resolve purchase order discrepancies and invoice variances.
• Aged Creditors & Financial Reporting: Lead the monthly review and analysis of aged creditors, investigating long-standing balances and driving resolution efforts. Prepare detailed aged creditor reports with insightful commentary for management, highlighting risks and proposing solutions. Assist with month-end and year-end close activities, including journal postings as needed and reconciliations specific to accounts payable. Contribute to the preparation of various financial reports related to AP metrics, cash flow forecasting, and vendor performance.
• Employee Expenses & Support: Oversee the monthly processing of employee expenses, ensuring compliance with company policy and timely payment. Review and validate complex or escalated employee expense claims, ensuring appropriate documentation and adherence to guidelines. Act as an escalation point for and resolve complex employee queries regarding expense policies and processing. Ensure smooth employee onboarding to AP-related finance systems (e.g., Concur or other expense management platforms), providing initial setup and guidance.
• Query Resolution & Stakeholder Engagement: Proactively engage with budget holders and internal departments to streamline the invoice approval process and resolve recurring issues. Provide guidance and training to new employees within the AP team and internal stakeholders on AP processes, policies, and system usage.
• Process Improvement & Compliance: Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation within the Accounts Payable function to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Assist in the development, documentation, and implementation of AP policies and procedures to ensure best practices and compliance. Participate in internal and external audit preparations, providing necessary documentation and explanations related to accounts payable.

Profile

• Languages: English, second language is a plus.
• Professional experience & know-how: Minimum 3-5 years of proven experience in Accounts Payable, with a strong background in high-volume invoice processing and automated workflow systems. Demonstrated experience in reconciling complex vendor statements, analyzing aged creditors, and resolving payment discrepancies. Ability to manage multiple priorities, work autonomously, and deliver results under tight deadlines. Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of identifying root causes, proposing effective solutions, and driving process improvement.
• Technical & management skills: Advanced proficiency in Accounts Payable specific systems (e.g., SAP, Ariba, Concur). Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis) for reporting and reconciliation. Proficient in other Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook). Familiarity with financial reporting tools and data extraction.
• Personal & interpersonal skills: Proactive and results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex financial information to diverse internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and guide colleagues and internal customers on AP processes and policies. A collaborative team player who can also work independently and take initiative. Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills for handling difficult vendor issues and internal escalations. Adaptable and resilient, thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and embracing change. High level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive financial information.

Temp Role: One-Year Contract. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.