Accounts Payable Supervisor in Chelmsford

Salary: £35,000 – £37,000

Location: Near Chelmsford

Hybrid working

Hours: This role requires flexibility during month-end periods, where overtime may be required (typically up to 6pm). Standard working hours are 8:00am – 4:30pm.

Important: Due to the location of our client, a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.

Overview: We are currently recruiting on behalf of a financial services company, based near Basildon, who provide global business services. Working as part of the corporate support function, you are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the department, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality service to customers. The role will involve Accounts Payable responsibilities – experience with AP is therefore essential; however, the role will be split between finance and administrative support.

Responsibilities:

• Managing team workloads across accounting, risk management, and administrative activities, ensuring deadlines, accuracy, and control standards are consistently met.
• Overseeing accounts payable processes, including final review and approval prior to supporting trade risk activities, including credit line application reviews, trade insurance applications, and related reporting.
• Ensuring effective administration of the Sage accounting system.
• Leading, developing, and supporting team members to build capability across all areas of the team’s remit.
• Maintaining and improving processes to strengthen efficiency, controls, and compliance.
• Liaising with stakeholders across finance, logistics, and front office functions to ensure coordinated and effective operations.
• Providing clear and timely reporting to management on performance, risks, and supporting month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial processes.

The role holder will be capable and willing to:

• Communicate effectively with line management, team members, shareholders, and others in the business.
• Autonomously manage own personal workload and take on responsibilities within the department.
• Plan, prioritise, and distribute work within the team to ensure deadlines and service levels are met.
• Take ownership of team performance, accuracy, and service quality.
• Show flexibility while working under pressure towards multiple deadlines.
• Support training and development activities to enhance team capability and knowledge.
• Use initiative to identify issues and implement solutions.

Education & Experience:

• Accounting qualification AAT Level 2 preferred or equivalent.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, etc.).
• Experience with SAP or Sage accounting software is desirable.
• Previous experience in a leadership role is essential.
• Strong administrative and communication skills.

Essential Skills:

• Problem-solving: methodical, logical, and objective.
• Strong organisation and time management.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• High attention to detail.
• Leadership and team motivation.
• Proactive and self-motivated approach.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and learning.
• Delegation: trust in the team, appropriate distribution of responsibilities, and empowerment of others to contribute effectively.

Superb Benefits:

• Income Protection insurance (75% of salary paid for you to 3 years after 6 months service).
• Life insurance – 4 times salary from day 1.
• BUPA health care (after passing probationary).
• Dental Insurance.
• Company sick pay – 5 days in probationary period/4 weeks after passing.
• Hybrid working after passing probationary: 2 days working from home, 3 days in the office.
• Personal leave – 12 hours per holiday year after passing probationary period.
• Pension: 5% employer, 4% employee (can opt in for salary sacrifice scheme).
• Holiday – 30 days including Bank holidays (need to work Bank holidays) and 3 additional days holiday around your wedding.
• Snacks and fruit and hot and cold drinks available in the office.
• 3 months full pay maternity leave.
• 2 weeks full pay parental leave.