At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Purchase-to-Pay cycle and optimise processes for our Grain Isle facility.
- Company: Join LNG Grain, a dynamic company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and flexible benefits including pension schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in PtP/AP, strong Excel skills, and experience with integrated business software.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 42781 - 50738 £ per year.
About the role
Join our dynamic team at LNG Grain as a Purchase to Pay Accountant. The role will be leading the Purchase-to-Pay (PtP) cycle of the Grain Isle facility and JV group companies (~GBP300m revenue, ~£1.1bn assets, ~250 employees) and to ensure it is carried out efficiently, effectively and in line with best practice. To ensure right‑first‑time purchasing, accurate invoice processing, compliant payments and optimised working capital. Lead the configuration, implementation, operation and continuous improvement of PtP processes within the Tier 2 ERP (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics or NetSuite), embedding strong controls, data integrity and audit readiness consistent with private‑equity governance.
You will partner with Procurement, Operations/Engineering, Stores, and Finance to translate operational needs (maintenance, outages, projects, spares) into well‑controlled purchasing and timely supplier payments, while delivering clear visibility of spend, liabilities, and cash requirements. This role is based from our world-class facility in the Isle of Grain, Kent, and you can enjoy our hybrid working from office and home, with the expectation of being in the office at least 3 times a week. Please note, due to the location of the site you must have a full UK driving licence and car to be able to travel to site.
What you'll do
- Define, operate, and continuously improve the end to end PtP process (requisition → PO → receipt → invoice → payment → reporting)
- Maintain clear SOPs, RACI, and close calendar for AP accruals, GRNI clearing and supplier payment runs
- Enforce Delegation of Authority (DoA) for approvals and embed independent verification controls
- Own vendor master data standards (naming, tax/VAT details, bank accounts, payment terms, categories).
- Execute supplier onboarding controls: KYC, bank detail verification, sanctions checks, conflicts of interest, GDPR compliance
- Prevent duplicates and maintain data quality through periodic reviews and change control
- Ensure all spend follows PO-before-commitment policy (exceptions tightly controlled)
- Configure and maintain ERP approval workflows, budget checks, and coding (GL, cost centre, project/site)
- Achieve high three way match rates (PO, receipt, invoice); minimise manual overrides and ensure documented justification
- Plan and run payment cycles (BACS/Faster Payments), ensuring approvals, segregation of duties, and secure bank file handling
- Issue remittances; manage supplier queries/escalations and maintain positive supplier relationships
- Align payment timing to working capital targets (DPO), early payment discounts, and cash flow forecasts
- Configure PtP modules: vendor master, PO policies, approval workflows, matching rules, tax codes, payment terms, and bank integrations
- Lead data migration/cleansing (vendors, open POs, GRNs, AP open items) and validate with trial balances/recons
- Develop and run UAT/test scripts for PtP scenarios; log defects and sign off fixes; create user guides and deliver training
- Increase automation (recurring POs, service entry sheets, supplier portal/e invoicing, exception rules)
- Map and streamline PtP processes; deliver improvements (supplier portal, e invoicing, touchless matching, dynamic discounting).
- Standardise templates and introduce exception KPIs; reduce manual interventions and cycle times.
- Contribute to broader finance transformation and private equity value creation initiatives.
What you'll need
- At least five years end‑to‑end PtP/AP experience in complex, operational businesses
- Experience of PE reporting environment and/or US Corporate reporting requirements preferred
- Experience of working in a SME scaled business and large company environments
- Strong understanding of UK VAT rules and invoice compliance; confident in matching, coding, and AP/GL reconciliations.
- Hands-on experience with integrated business software (Tier 2) finance/procurement modules including its design, implementation and operation
- Experience with OCR/e‑invoicing and supplier portals
- Strong internal control perspective and ability to identify and implement improvements to processes and procedures
- Advanced Excel skills (lookups, pivots, data validation) and disciplined reconciliation mindset
- Familiarity with capital projects / capex governance
What you'll get
A competitive salary between £42,781 - £50,738 per annum– dependent on capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
More Information
This role closes on 17th February at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. LNG Grain is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, LNG Grain may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.
Purchase to Pay Accountant in Rochester employer: natgridProd
Contact Detail:
natgridProd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchase to Pay Accountant in Rochester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their Purchase-to-Pay processes and think of ways you can contribute to optimising them. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your experience with ERP systems and your understanding of UK VAT rules. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that Purchase to Pay Accountant role!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchase to Pay Accountant in Rochester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchase to Pay Accountant role. Highlight your relevant experience in PtP processes and any specific software you've used, like Microsoft Dynamics or NetSuite. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team at LNG Grain. Mention your experience with compliance, invoice processing, and any improvements you've made in previous roles. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've improved processes or saved costs in past roles. We love seeing how you've made a difference in your previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you'll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at natgridProd
✨Know Your PtP Process Inside Out
Make sure you understand the entire Purchase-to-Pay cycle, from requisition to payment. Be ready to discuss how you've improved processes in your previous roles and how you can apply that knowledge at LNG Grain.
✨Showcase Your ERP Experience
Since the role involves working with Tier 2 ERP systems like Microsoft Dynamics or NetSuite, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've configured and optimised these systems in past positions. Highlight any experience with automation and data integrity.
✨Demonstrate Your Compliance Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with UK VAT rules and invoice compliance, as this is crucial for the role. Be ready to explain how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles and how you would maintain it at LNG Grain.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in the PtP process and how you overcame them. This will show your ability to handle the complexities of the role.