Operational Finance Lead (Accounts Payable) - Folkestone Hybrid in Kent

£36,000 - £41,000 per annum dependent on experienceOperational Finance Lead (Accounts Payable)Salary from £36,000 - £41,000 depending on experiencePermanent Folkestone HybridSaga Travel Group are looking to recruit an Operational Finance Lead, to join us, helping to shape the future of our operational finance function.While you will have day-to-day responsibility for the Accounts Payable team—including oversight of outputs, controls, and process improvements—you will also contribute more broadly across general finance operations.You’ll support month-end close activities, improving transactional processes, and collaborate cross-functionally to drive efficiency and accuracy in financial reporting. Our travel business is award winning and on a growth trajectory, and as our Operational Finance Lead you will be at the heart of our fast-paced finance operations, working with suppliers across the globe.It\'s an exciting time to join Saga’s Finance community as we work through the implementation of Workday for our general ledger. Reporting into the Head of Operational Finance you will lead your team of 4 through this change as we drive to continually improve.We work in a hybrid way at Saga both at home and in the office. As our Operational Finance Lead you will be required to attend our Folkestone office 3 days a week to collaborate with the wider holidays finance team.Role ResponsibilityIn this varied role, you would lead your team in transactional finance and financial review/reconciliations, all while working with a process improvement mindset.Responsibilities will include:• Producing statistics in invoice processing times and report each week.• Managing a remote team, producing KPIs and tracking against them to ensure SLAs are adhered to.• Working with the Finance Analyst to accurately post suppliers reclaims and engage with suppliers to confirm agreement• Analysis of purchase order compliance and reporting to the Head of Finance where this hasn’t been adhered to.• Reviewing aged creditors ensuring there is no duplication of invoices.• Checking the invoices processed against the accrual posted by FR&C and work with the team to raise if the accrual has been exceeded.• ReconcilingPax2Pay statements by extracting and reviewing reports, matching transactions to corresponding bookings, and resolving discrepancies. • Analysing actuals against margin reports, identifying discrepancies, and communicating necessary corrections to the team as needed.• Balance sheet reconciliations of Aged Creditors, BSP debtors• Cancellation cost analysis - ensure costs have been accurately accounted for and accrue where required.• Playing a pivotal role in the Accounts Payable automation project by ensuring data accuracy, validating system outputs, and supporting a smooth implementation of the new tool.The Ideal CandidateAs our Operational Finance Lead, you will have a strong end to end Accounts Payable background, combined with experience in leading a team.Experience within the travel sector would be desirable, however we are happy to consider candidates who have an eagerness to learn international payments and reporting regulations.Other experience required include:• Proven business partnering skills and ability to liaise with internal and external stakeholders• Excellent communication and presentation skills.• Leading automation projects (e.g., AP automation, OCR tools) and streamlining workflows• Supplier management and query resolution• Ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution• Implementing and monitoring internal controls• Ensuring adherence to audit, tax, and regulatory requirements• Risk identification and mitigation• Supplier and statement reconciliations• Accuracy in transactional reporting and accruals and cost recognition• Analysis of variances and margin performance• Liaising with FR&C and FP&A teams• Proficiency in ERP Systems, Excel and reporting tools Saga Values: Make it Happen, Do the Right Thing, Customer First, Excellence Every Day, Our People Make Us SpecialPackage DescriptionAt Saga we recognise that our people make us special. We believe our colleagues deserve rewards for the excellence they demonstrate every single day, that\'s why we have put together an amazing benefits package for all colleagues. BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO ALL COLLEAGUES: 25 days holiday + bank holidaysOption to purchase additional leave - 5 extra daysPension scheme matched up to 10%Company performance related annual bonus - Up to 5%Life assurance policy on joining us, 4 x salaryWellbeing programmeColleague discounts including family discounts on cruises, holidays and insuranceRange of reductions and offers from leading retailers, travel groups and entertainment companiesEnhanced maternity and paternity leaveGrandparents leaveIncome protectionAccess to Saga Academy, our bespoke learning platformAbout the CompanyOver the past 70 years we have become the UK\'s specialist provider of products and services to people aged over 50 in the UK. The Saga brand has become one of the most recognised and trusted brands amongst UK consumers in this demographic, recognised for its high quality products and exceptional standards of service. These include cruises and holidays, insurance, personal finance and the Saga Magazine.At Saga we are committed to treating all employees fairly and to offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement. We value diversity not just because it is the right thing to do, but because diverse teams perform better.Fair consideration is given to applications from all applicants, including those with disabilities and those over who are over 50 as we are champions of age inclusivity. We are an official Disability Confident Committed employer and ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible and we will make reasonable adjustments as required. For more information on our DEI policies please visit our Saga Careers page. Saga does not accept agency CVs unless specifically engaged on the role by the Talent Acquisition Team. Please do not forward CVs to our recruiters, employees or any other company location. Saga will not be responsible for any fees related to CVs received in this unsolicited manner.Job Reference: saga/TP/56250/3324