Accounts Payable Supervisor in Bournemouth

Your Company: A well-established multi-site retail organisation is seeking an Accounts Payable Supervisor to join its Head Office finance team. Operating across multiple locations in the UK, the business manages high volumes of supplier transactions relating to retail stock, hospitality operations, and central business services. The finance department plays a critical role in maintaining strong supplier relationships, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting the operational teams across the organisation.

This role will oversee the day-to-day running of the Purchase Ledger function while leading and developing a small team to deliver efficient and accurate financial operations.

Your Role and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the Accounts Payable / Purchase Ledger function.
• Provide line management for the Purchase Ledger team, including recruitment, training, development, and performance management.
• Conduct team appraisals and support staff in achieving departmental objectives and service standards.
• Take a hands-on approach by supporting the processing of invoices, credit notes, and supplier transactions where required.
• Process central office and group overhead invoices, credit notes, and supplier statements.
• Prepare, review, and validate mid-month and end-of-month BACS payment runs prior to authorisation to ensure suppliers are paid accurately and on time.
• Ensure supplier statement reconciliations are completed correctly by the team and investigate any discrepancies.
• Process petty cash requests and company credit card expenses within agreed timeframes.
• Ensure Purchase Ledger processes remain compliant with VAT regulations and financial governance requirements.
• Provide effective support to internal departments while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers.
• Manage supplier credit note requests and ensure outstanding credits are received and processed promptly.
• Complete new supplier credit applications and liaise with the buying and procurement teams.
• Oversee the setup and maintenance of supplier accounts within the finance system, ensuring compliance with internal security and verification procedures.
• Identify potential risks within Accounts Payable processes and implement controls to protect against fraudulent activity.
• Manage finance department interaction with the procurement team regarding foreign currency payments.
• Investigate Goods Received Not Invoiced (GRNI) accounts to ensure balances are accurate and fully reconcilable.
• Drive continuous improvement within the Purchase Ledger function, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and processes.
• Maintain accurate departmental records including supplier files, payment authorisation records, and direct debit lists.
• Contribute to wider company projects and finance initiatives as required.

What You Will Need to Apply:

• Proven experience managing an Accounts Payable or Purchase Ledger team.
• Experience recruiting, training, and developing team members within a finance environment.
• Strong experience handling high volumes of invoice transactions within a mid-to-large organisation.
• Good understanding of Accounts Payable processes and financial controls.
• Demonstrable knowledge of VAT regulations relating to Purchase Ledger processing.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise, and manage workloads for both yourself and your team.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a logical and analytical approach.
• Strong IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Broad understanding of how finance departments operate within a commercial business environment.
• Studying towards or holding a recognised finance or accountancy qualification.
• Experience using finance systems such as Open Accounts or similar ERP software.
• Previous experience within a retail or multi-site business environment.

What You Will Get in Return:

This is a full-time opportunity within a well-established and growing organisation, offering the chance to lead a key finance function within a collaborative and supportive environment. The role provides exposure to a busy, multi-site business and the opportunity to influence and improve financial processes while developing your leadership experience. You will receive a competitive salary of up to £35,000 depending on experience, alongside company benefits and the opportunity for continued professional development within the finance team.