Accounts Payable Lead in London

ABOUT SLEEK

Sleek is a global, full-service experience marketing agency, renowned for innovative strategies that elevate leading brands. 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. With a strong commitment to equality, we proudly maintain an impressive colleague engagement score of 87%, positioning Sleek as a top UK employer.

We’re honoured to partner with some of the world’s biggest brands, delivering experiences that range from large-scale exhibitions to luxury high-end events across a vast range of industries. Together, we create unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact.

OUR CULTURE

Communication is at the heart of our agency. We are proud to attract and retain the best people and we know it’s critical that individuals feel both challenged and supported with opportunities to progress. Sleek believes in a collective effort when it comes to decision making - we value everyone’s contribution and empower our colleagues to help shape us.

No two days are the same and our client base and growth pattern means it can be intense at times. This is when the agility of the Sleek team really comes into its own. We work hard to ensure we are supporting one another to keep pushing boundaries.

As individuals we are self-motivated, have high standards and are always willing to learn, regardless of seniority. We know how vital it is for team members to know their value to the business and feel rewarded for their contribution.

OUR WORK PLACE

Sleek is based in a modern office a short walk from Wimbledon where we share everything from playlists to weekend baking efforts. We genuinely have a lot of fun together. We regularly socialise after work including our Thursday early finish office drinks. In addition, we arrange social events for the team including weekends mini breaks, team away days, Christmas wreath making and more.

You’ll find Sleek to be a welcoming place for everyone, from those just starting out in their careers to well-seasoned pros. We will always support you as an individual within an environment where you can realise your true potential. Our learning and development initiatives are structured, meaning what we say when we invest in you.

We anticipate and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and needs. If any reasonable adjustments would make the interview process more comfortable for you, just let us know.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Finance Director, our Accounts Payable Lead will be a detail-driven professional responsible for overseeing the Accounts Payable function, whilst also contributing where needed to our procurement activities. You’ll help ensure the ethical, efficient, and high-quality management of Sleek’s finances — critical to maintaining our position as a market-leading experience partner.

The role is responsible for managing the end-to-end AP process, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with company policies and financial regulations. Our AP environment can be complex with high volume and a large proportion of foreign currency payments, suiting someone who thrives under pressure.

As our volume of suppliers increases, this role will also ensure an effective and efficient onboarding process.

Extensive experience in AP operations, leadership skills, and a strategic mindset to drive process improvements and cost efficiencies will help our successful candidate succeed in this role.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• AP OPERATIONS: Oversee and lead the AP function 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 on AP processes with broader financial and business objectives. Ensure adherence to timely and accurate purchase order, invoice, payment, and expense reimbursement policies. Review, authorise, and oversee the processing of all accounts payable transactions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely settlement. Monitor and manage cash flow related to payables, optimising payment schedules and working capital. Check for international VAT compliance and reclaim opportunities. Collaborate with other departments to resolve payment-related issues. Serve as the primary contact for supplier and vendor finance enquiries. Assess and mitigate AP-related risks. Provide hands-on support with daily accounts payable activities. Efficiently use software to manage and streamline AP processes. Drive automation and system enhancements to improve AP efficiency and accuracy. Reconcile Pleo expense card payments.
• FINANCIAL REPORTING AND RECONCILIATION: Perform monthly reconciliations for AP records and resolve any discrepancies. Prepare AP reports, analysis and aging summaries. Assist in month-end and year-end closing processes by providing accurate data and reports.
• PROCUREMENT OPERATIONS: Conduct supplier due diligence and background checks. Contribute to company-wide supplier policy documentation. Own end-to-end the new supplier onboarding process. Manage supplier relationships. Liaise with vendors and suppliers to obtain quotes, negotiate prices, oversee contractual agreements. Engage with legal advisors to resolve contract-related queries or disputes. Assess and mitigate procurement-related risks. Support on business-related procurement projects.
• COMPLIANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT: Proactively identify compliance and financial risks within procurement and AP operations. Ensure all documentation is accurately filed and complies with internal policies and external regulations. Lead audit preparations and respond to queries related to AP. Stay updated on changes in financial regulations impacting AP operations.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior Accounts Payable role, preferably having led a team.
• Professional certification (e.g., AAT, ACCA, CIMA, CPA) is preferred.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements related to AP.
• Experience with AP automation and financial systems - proficiency in Procim and Xero would be ideal but not essential.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently when required.

ABOUT YOU

We are seeking individuals who demonstrate:

• A human-lead leadership approach, promoting and creating an environment of shared high standards and accountability.
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail especially when managing financial transactions.
• Ability to stay level headed and make sound decisions in the face of pressurised situations.
• Enthusiasm towards the role, the company and your colleagues.
• A true team player who works collaboratively.
• Passionate about supporting your peers to be better.

Benefits

Our benefits were created by Team Sleek to ensure they appeal to a wide range of individuals. Here is a taster of the types of things they include:

• 27 days holiday (excl. UK public holidays).
• Week-day birthdays off.
• Last Friday of the month early finish (15:00).
• Standard Pension Plan.
• Fitness membership.
• Company discounts and perks.
• Company social events including weekly office drinks.
• Annual Company Offsite.
• Additional Benefits after 1 years’ service including Private Health Care.