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- Tasks: Lead the Accounts Payable function and optimise financial processes in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Sleek, a top London marketing agency known for innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, early finishes, fitness perks, and private healthcare after one year.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Accounts Payable and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values communication and continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Sleek
Sleek is a global, full-service experience marketing agency, renowned for innovative strategies that elevate leading brands. We are among London's top 50 fastest-growing companies. Our philosophy is simple: People before Profit—inside and out. We are on a mission to be the market-leading agency, where excellence is the norm. Rooted in the belief that together we can be better, we foster a community where every individual, client, and team member thrives. With a strong commitment to equality, we maintain a high colleague engagement score and have been recognised by Campaign UK as a top workplace. We partner with world-class brands to deliver experiences from large-scale exhibitions to luxury high-end events across diverse industries. Join us on our mission to create beautiful, engaging experiences.
Our Culture
Communication is at the heart of our agency. We attract and retain the best people and ensure individuals feel challenged and supported with opportunities to progress. Sleek values collective decision making and empowers colleagues to help shape the business. We aim to support one another as we grow and push boundaries. We believe in self-motivation, high standards, and continuous learning. What you put in, we will always give back.
The Role
Reporting to the Finance Director, our Accounts Payable Lead will oversee the Accounts Payable function and contribute to procurement activities. This is a newly created role that blends best-practice AP management with hands-on execution. The role supports ethical, efficient, and high-quality financial management to maintain Sleek’s position as a market-leading experience partner. The role is responsible for end-to-end AP process management, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with company policies and financial regulations. The AP environment is high-volume and involves foreign currency payments. As the sole in-house AP lead, you will be self-starting and comfortable handling day-to-day AP tasks. As the business scales, you will own the supplier onboarding process and the end-to-end supplier experience.
Responsibilities
- Oversee and lead the AP function (including potential line management) ensuring best practice and security compliance within the team
- Develop and implement AP policies, procedures, and controls to optimise efficiency and mitigate risks
- Collaborate with senior management to align AP processes with broader financial and business objectives
- Review, authorise, and oversee the processing of all accounts payable transactions, including vendor security checks and domestic/international payments
- Be hands-on with daily accounts payable activities such as matching POs, invoices, and receipts
- Reconcile expenses and ensure reporting and posting are up to date
- Monitor and manage cash flow related to payables, optimising payment schedules and working capital
- Check for international VAT compliance and reclaim opportunities
- Serve as the primary contact for supplier and vendor finance enquiries
- Collaborate with other departments to resolve payment-related issues and maintain stakeholder relationships
- Ensure adherence to timely and accurate purchase order, invoice, payment, and expense reimbursement policies
- Assess and mitigate AP-related risks, escalating issues when necessary
- Efficiently use software to manage AP processes (e.g., Procim and Xero)
- Drive automation and system enhancements to improve AP efficiency and accuracy
Financial Reporting and Reconciliation
- Perform monthly reconciliations for AP records and resolve discrepancies
- Prepare AP reports, analysis and aging summaries
- Assist in month-end and year-end closing processes with accurate data and reports
- Support the Finance Director and Project Accountant with ad hoc AP reporting and analysis
Procurement Operations
- Conduct supplier due diligence and background checks to ensure compliance
- Contribute to supplier policy documentation (e.g., supplier code of conduct)
- Own end-to-end supplier onboarding
- Manage supplier relationships
- Engage with vendors to obtain quotes, negotiate prices, and oversee contracts
- Engage with legal advisors for contract queries or disputes as required
- Assess and mitigate procurement risks, escalating as necessary
- Support procurement projects as needed
- Contribute to periodic reviews of key suppliers
Compliance & Risk Management
- Identify compliance and financial risks within procurement and AP operations; report issues and recommend mitigations
- Ensure documentation complies with internal policies and external regulations
- Lead audit preparations and respond to AP-related queries
- Stay updated on changes in financial regulations impacting AP
- Maintain best practices in payment security and integrate them into policies
- Monitor secure payment practices and prevent unauthorized payments
Requirements
- Proven experience in a senior Accounts Payable role, with leadership experience in an events, creative, or fast-paced industry
- Professional certification (e.g., AAT, ACCA, CIMA, CPA) is preferred
- Strong understanding of financial regulations, tax laws, and AP compliance
- Strong understanding of supplier contracts and procurement compliance
- Experience with AP automation and financial systems; proficiency in Procim and Xero is ideal but not essential
- Strong Excel skills and analytical/problem-solving abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication; collaborative and independent working capability
About You
- Human-led leadership that promotes high standards and accountability
- Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail in financial transactions
- Enjoys following established protocols and optimising procedures
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and manage multiple deadlines
- Enthusiasm for the role, the company and the team values
- Self-motivated and a true team player
- Seeks and welcomes feedback
- Supports peers to be better and helps colleagues with tasks
- Builds long-term, mutually beneficial relationships
Benefits
- 27 days holiday plus additional days per year of service (capped)
- Weekday birthdays off
- Last Friday of the month early finish (15:00)
- Standard Pension Plan
- Fitness membership
- Company discounts and perks
- Company social events and weekly office drinks
- Annual Company Offsite
- Private health care after 1 year of service
- Opportunity for overseas familiarisation trips
Accounts Payable Lead employer: Sleek Events
Contact Detail:
Sleek Events Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Payable Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Accounts Payable Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sleek and its culture. Understand their values and how they prioritise people over profit. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in AP operations and leadership can drive process improvements at Sleek. Highlight specific examples where you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Sleek and contributing to their mission of creating beautiful experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Payable Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Accounts Payable Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in AP operations and leadership, and don’t forget to showcase any achievements that align with our mission of excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Share how your values align with ours—remember, we’re all about people before profit!
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your skills in action! Mention your proficiency with financial systems like Procim and Xero, and highlight your analytical abilities. If you’ve driven process improvements before, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sleek Events
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Accounts Payable Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to accounts payable, such as DPO (Days Payable Outstanding) and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these metrics in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves overseeing the AP function and potentially managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and drive process improvements, as this aligns with Sleek's culture of collective decision-making.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in high-pressure situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to resolve discrepancies or manage supplier relationships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Sleek values communication and self-motivation. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how you embody these traits. Show enthusiasm for their commitment to equality and community, and think about how you can contribute to their thriving workplace.
