AP Specialist - Denton

In June 2021, Just Childcare was acquired by the Partou group of companies, followed by their acquisition of All About Children in September 2022. The merger of both organisations will establish Partou UK as one of the largest childcare providers in the UK. Through organic growth and targeted acquisition, plans are in place to significantly grow the UK estate, making it an exciting and rewarding time to be part of the journey ahead.

The Accounts Payable Specialist plays a key role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of supplier invoices and payments across the organisation. As the senior member of the Accounts Payable (AP) team, the postholder provides technical expertise, supports day-to-day operations, and acts as a bridge between the Finance Transactions Manager and the wider AP team. They will drive process improvements, maintain strong financial controls, and ensure compliance with company policies and statutory requirements.

• Oversee daily invoice processing, ensuring accuracy, correct coding, and adherence to approval policies.
• Manage the shared AP inbox and workflow queues, ensuring timely response to queries.
• Prepare and review payment runs, ensuring accuracy, appropriate authorisation, and fraud controls.
• Maintain supplier master data, ensuring accuracy and completeness of information.
• Process complex or high-value invoices, intercompany transactions, and credit notes.
• Perform regular supplier statement reconciliations, resolving discrepancies promptly.
• Support month-end close by preparing accruals, reconciliations, and aged creditor reports.
• Ensure VAT and other statutory requirements are correctly applied and recorded.
• Maintain documentation of all AP processes and internal controls.
• Assist with internal and external audits, providing requested data and explanations.
• Act as first point of contact for AP Administrators, providing day-to-day guidance, training, and support.
• Help allocate workload and monitor productivity to meet processing and payment deadlines.
• Deputise for the AP Manager during absences on operational matters.
• Contribute to team development by sharing best practice and supporting new joiners.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate AP processes.
• Support implementation of new financial systems or workflow tools.
• Ensure strong internal controls and segregation of duties are maintained.
• Produce regular reporting and analysis on AP performance and KPIs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to resolve issues and maintain goodwill.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Finance, HR, and Operations to resolve invoice and purchase order discrepancies.
• Ensure supplier onboarding and bank detail verification procedures are followed to prevent fraud.

• Demonstrable experience in an Accounts Payable role within a medium or large organisation.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end AP processes, purchase-to-pay cycle, and VAT requirements.
• High accuracy and attention to detail, with a focus on delivering quality results to deadlines.
• Proficiency with accounting systems (e.g., Sage, Xero, NetSuite, SAP, or similar) and Excel.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build relationships internally and externally.
• Experience supporting or mentoring junior team members.
• AAT qualification or equivalent finance training.

• Experience in a multi-site, service-based organisation.
• Knowledge of invoice automation tools or finance system implementations.

Please note: This job description does not form part of the Contract of Employment. It is to be used as a key guide to the fundamental duties, professional expectations and core competencies pertaining to the role as described only and is not to be taken as a definitive all encompassed list of role deliverable responsibilities or expectations. The Company reserves the right at any time to ask the role holder to carry out other reasonable duties that are both relevant and in line with the incumbent’s skills, knowledge, and experience to aid in the organisation’s overall performance. The Company also reserves the right to review and update any part of its contents at any time. Should this be determined, you will be informed and involved in this process.

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check. We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Partou is proud to be a part of the National Partnership in Early Learning and Childcare (NPELC) - a group of 10 of the largest childcare providers across England. Together, we operate over 1,300 childcare settings, employ more than 38,000 people, and take care of over 160,000 children.