Accounts Payable Manager in City of London

Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will ensure deadlines are met and work is delivered to a high standard while driving continuous improvement in controls and procedures. The Accounts Payable Manager will lead the AP team, maintain strong internal controls, ensure compliance with company policies and accounting standards, and support month-end and year-end close activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounts payable activities, including invoice processing, payment runs, vendor maintenance, and expense reimbursements.
• Manage bank balances and accounts, ensuring sufficient currency in each account for payment runs and daily cash receipt management.
• Ensure accurate coding, approval, and posting of invoices in line with company policies.
• Monitor AP aging reports and resolve discrepancies to ensure timely payments and avoid late fees.
• Manage expense processing timelines; act as second-line responder for expenses outside policy guidelines.
• Oversee the management of the accounts inbox.
• Maintain positive relationships with vendors; respond professionally to inquiries.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies, payment issues, and vendor disputes promptly.
• Take full ownership of the creditors listing, reviewing vendor terms to optimise cash flow.
• Request and review monthly statements of accounts from all vendors.

Vendor Management

• Maintain positive relationships with vendors; respond professionally to inquiries.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies, payment issues, and vendor disputes promptly.
• Take full ownership of the creditors listing, reviewing vendor terms to optimise cash flow.
• Request and review monthly statements of accounts from all vendors.

Management

• Lead and develop the accounts payable function.
• Establish and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Manage the Accounts Assistant within the team.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and company policies.
• Maintain strong internal controls to prevent errors or fraud.
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and explanations as needed.

Reporting & Month-End Close

• Prepare and review accounts payable reports such as aging reports, unbilled GRV listings, and accruals.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes.
• Reconcile the AP sub-ledger to the general ledger.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Identify opportunities for process improvements through automation or best practices.
• Work towards reducing month-end close timelines for ledgers.
• Participate in ERP system implementations or upgrades as needed.
• Ensure data accuracy within accounting systems at all times.

Experience & Qualifications Required

• Minimum 4 years of experience in collections, invoicing, and bank-related activities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; strong Excel skills are essential.
• Experience using ERP/accounting systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and AP best practices.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills combined with leadership ability.
• Ability to analyse large datasets while working effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of familiarity with accounts reconciliation processes.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Part Qualified Accounts Payable Manager.