At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a high-performing Accounts Payable team while driving process improvements.
- Company: Join The Crown Estate, a purpose-led organisation focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, private healthcare, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a visible impact in finance transformation and develop your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading Accounts Payable teams and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Looking for your next step in Accounts Payable leadership? Ready to shape processes, lead a high-performing team, and drive real impact? This could be the role for you.
At The Crown Estate, we’re looking for an experienced Accounts Payable Lead to take ownership of our function, leading a talented team, strengthening supplier relationships, and driving continuous improvement across systems and processes.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead & inspire
- Manage and develop the Accounts Payable team, driving performance and engagement
- Coach and mentor team members through regular 1:1s and development plans
- Act as the first point of escalation for supplier and business queries
- Deliver operational excellence
- Oversee end-to-end invoice processing and payment cycles
- Ensure accurate coding, timely approvals, and smooth month-end close
- Validate payment runs and support cash balancing processes
- Champion our commitment to paying supplier invoices within 30 days
- Drive improvement & innovation
- Identify process inefficiencies and implement improvements through automation and system enhancements
- Develop KPIs and reporting to support data-driven decision-making
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies and audit requirements
- Collaborate & influence
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the business
- Partner with operational teams and property managers to resolve queries quickly and effectively
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience leading an Accounts Payable team
- Excellent knowledge of invoice processing, coding, and payment procedures
- Experience with accounts payable systems and automation tools (e.g. Agresso Unit4, Proactis, Medius)
- Strong communication skills with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
- A continuous improvement approach with strong problem-solving capability
- Bonus points for experience in real estate/property or a public sector environment.
Why join The Crown Estate?
- Work in a purpose-led organisation with a long-term view
- Play a key role in transforming finance processes through technology and innovation
- Lead a team where your impact will be visible and valued
- Be part of a culture that champions development, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Our Offering / benefits:
As well as a competitive salary, pension and performance related bonus offering, we have a wealth of benefits available ranging from flexible working; market leading family policies and shopping discounts in the West End, to private healthcare; life and critical illness cover and 28 days holiday with the option to buy more. We value work life balance and your wellbeing highly, enabling you to be your best self to work.
We are a proud disability confident employer and operate the offer of interview scheme Disability Confident employer scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Accounts Payable Lead (2 year FTC) employer: The Crown Estate
At The Crown Estate, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-led organisation that values innovation and collaboration. As an Accounts Payable Lead, you will not only have the opportunity to lead a talented team but also play a pivotal role in transforming our finance processes through technology. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working options, and a commitment to work-life balance, we offer a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Payable Lead (2 year FTC)
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like The Crown Estate. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Payable Lead (2 year FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to The Crown Estate.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on The Crown Estate's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Crown Estate
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with The Crown Estate.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at The Crown Estate will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former The Crown Estate employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
