At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Accounts Payable team and ensure smooth financial operations.
- Company: Join a dynamic service business that values wellbeing and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving financial processes and supporting team development.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified or studying, with experience in leading finance teams.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community-focused company with excellent career prospects.
This role takes ownership of the Accounts Payable function within a fast-moving, multi-location service business. You will oversee the smooth running of the purchase ledger, ensuring all supplier transactions are processed accurately, controls are maintained, and payments are made correctly and on time.
You will lead the AP team of 5 on a day-to-day basis, organising workloads, setting standards, and supporting development, while remaining hands-on in key areas. The position covers the full supplier lifecycle, from onboarding and invoice processing through to reconciliations, payment runs and audit support. Alongside maintaining strong controls, you will play a central part in improving processes, supporting new systems and ensuring newly acquired businesses are brought into aligned ways of working. This is a practical leadership position for someone who enjoys creating order, maintaining consistency and quietly strengthening financial processes behind the scenes.
- Oversee the daily operation of the Accounts Payable function
- Allocate and manage team workloads to maintain consistent performance
- Ensure robust controls across invoice processing, approvals, PO matching and supplier setup
- Run weekly and monthly payment cycles with a focus on accuracy and cashflow control
- Act as a senior escalation point for supplier issues and queries
- Review aged creditors, control accounts, GRNI and supplier reconciliations
- Support the testing, rollout and adoption of AP systems and workflow tools
- Assist with onboarding new acquisitions into standard AP processes
- Identify opportunities to strengthen controls and improve efficiency
- Encourage accountability, accuracy and continuous improvement
- Share knowledge and best practice across the finance team
- Provide support for audits and external partners as required
Key Experience and skills:
- AAT qualified or actively studying
- Strong working knowledge of the full Accounts Payable lifecycle
- Proven experience leading an AP or transactional finance team
- Background in high-volume invoice environments
- Confident using ERP/accounting systems and Excel
- Experience with purchase order controls, GRNI, approvals and reconciliations
- Exposure to invoice workflow systems, automation tools or PO system improvements
- Comfortable dealing with suppliers, resolving queries and maintaining professional relationships
- Highly organised, detail-focused and able to manage competing deadlines
- Clear and confident communicator across finance, operations and senior stakeholders
- Skilled in reconciliations, supplier statements and audit preparation
- Process-led mindset with an interest in streamlining workflows
- Working knowledge of cashflow timing and payment cycles
- Comfortable supporting system changes and ensuring smooth user adoption
- Brings a practical, positive approach to change and improvement
- Leads with integrity, fairness and accountability
- Confident people manager with experience coaching and developing team members
If you would like to join a company that focuses on wellbeing, diversity and supporting the local community, this could be the place for you.
Accounts Payable Manager in St Helens employer: Medlock Partners Ltd
Contact Detail:
Medlock Partners Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Accounts Payable Manager in St Helens
β¨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 a referral.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the full Accounts Payable lifecycle. Be ready to discuss your experience with invoice processing and team management, as these are key areas they'll want to hear about.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance, share examples of how you've organised workloads and improved processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate that you're not just a doer, but a leader too.
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Payable Manager in St Helens
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience in Accounts Payable and any relevant achievements that show how you can bring value to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Accounts Payable Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've improved processes or led teams in previous positions, and donβt forget to express your enthusiasm for joining StudySmarter!
Showcase Your Skills: Be sure to mention your proficiency with ERP/accounting systems and Excel, as well as your experience with invoice workflow systems. We want to see how your technical skills align with what we need for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, it shows youβre keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Medlock Partners Ltd
β¨Know Your Accounts Payable Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the full Accounts Payable lifecycle. Be ready to discuss your experience with invoice processing, reconciliations, and payment cycles. This will show that youβre not just familiar with the role but have hands-on experience that can benefit the team.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed workloads and supported team development in the past. Highlight any specific instances where you improved processes or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your capability as a people manager.
β¨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about ERP/accounting systems and Excel. Brush up on any relevant software youβve used, especially if it relates to purchase order controls or automation tools. Being able to speak confidently about these systems will set you apart from other candidates.
β¨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex topics like cashflow control or audit preparation. Remember, youβll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, so showing that you can do this well during the interview is key.