Accounts Payable Team Leader

NHS Supply Chain currently has an opportunity for an Accounts Payable Team Leader to join our team during an exciting period of transformation, working to make it easier for the NHS to put patients first.

We are seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Team Leader who will lead a team of three Accounts Payable Associates. The team is responsible for ensuring invoices are processed accurately and in accordance with internal policies, accounting standards, and VAT regulations. Whilst providing leadership to the team, the AP Team Leader will support the AP Manager and peers to ensure that the team delivers in all areas and provides relevant reporting to drive business insight and decision making. This role requires a strong leader to streamline processes, drive continuous improvement, and bring new procedures to the table.

Every day you will:

• Supervise the processing and payment of supplier transactions in accordance with the agreed standards.
• Continuously review processes and procedures and identify opportunities to improve controls and simplify services.
• Maximise cash-flow and the benefits from prompt payment of suppliers.
• Ensure that the appropriate controls are implemented and maintained to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the underlying accounting transactions and Accounts Payable sub-ledgers.
• Act as a source of professional expertise and input into the development of Finance policy throughout NHS Supply Chain.
• Supervise the scanning and capture of supplier invoices in accordance with agreed standards through the designated 3rd party.
• Ensure supplier debt is continually monitored, actively managed, and challenge performance based on age of debt including UPI, adherence to payment terms, number of queries, accounts on-stop.
• Develop and maintain external stakeholder financial relationships, ensuring effective working relationships, regular communication, and the optimisation of business results.
• Develop and maintain a cross-functional internal network to ensure effective working relationships, regular communication, and the optimisation of business results.

We want to reward you for your passion, enthusiasm, and hard work so we offer much more than a competitive salary:

• Hybrid working opportunities, giving you the flexibility to work collaboratively in the office and remotely.
• Annual bonus schemes, long service, and VIP colleagues awards.
• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 5 days.
• In-house training, support, and access to external qualifications to maximise your potential.
• 1 day of paid well-being leave and free access to the 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous pension scheme (with us contributing 12% when you contribute 6%).
• Access to our Flexible Benefits Scheme, where you can choose from a variety of benefits such as Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, Income Protection, Health Cash Plan, Dental Insurance, and additional pension contributions that suit you.
• 2 days of paid volunteering leave allowing you to give back to your community.
• Access to many discounts from the Blue Light Card to NHS Discounts.

NHS Supply Chain supports the NHS to save lives and improve health. We are a part of the NHS family, sourcing, delivering, and supplying healthcare products, services, and food for NHS trusts and healthcare organisations across England and Wales.

What skills will help you thrive in this role?

• Previous experience as an Accounts Payable Team Leader is essential.
• Experience of cash flow management and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Experience in management, processing, and handling of very large volumes of data.
• Strong Excel skills with the ability to manipulate data and formula. Successful candidates will be required to complete an Excel test as part of the interview.
• Excellent communication, negotiating, and influencing skills.
• Significant experience of managing and leading a team of staff, with a focus in a Supplier Maintenance environment.
• Oracle Fusion experience would be an advantage.

Our Inclusive Commitment: At NHS Supply Chain, we are committed to building an inclusive environment where difference is valued and celebrated, giving everyone the opportunity to thrive in their career. Developing our people is key to our success, so if this role sounds like the right next step in your career but your experience doesn’t match perfectly with the job advert, we encourage you to still apply.

If you are struggling to complete our application form and require additional support, reach out to our Talent Acquisition team who will be happy to help you with alternative ways to apply.

We reserve the right to close any vacancy from further submissions when we have received sufficient applications from which to make a shortlist. Please apply without delay if you wish to be considered for this role.