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 champions development and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance transformation and be valued for your contributions.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in Accounts Payable and strong problem-solving 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.
Disability Disclaimer: We are a proud disability confident employer and operate the offer of interview scheme Disability Confident employer scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). We are happy to offer alternative application methods or formats and can be flexible on our process to enable you to have the best opportunity. If you have any questions about our recruitment process or would like to talk about adjustments, please contact us directly, or at careers@thecrownestate.co.uk
Please note that if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close this advert early. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Accounts Payable Lead (2 year FTC) in London 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 shape finance processes but also lead a dedicated team in a supportive environment that champions personal and professional growth. With a competitive benefits package, including flexible working options and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, you'll find a rewarding career where your contributions are recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Payable Lead (2 year FTC) in London
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like The Crown Estate.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like The Crown Estate might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Payable Lead (2 year FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at The Crown Estate will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at The Crown Estate. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give The Crown Estate confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Crown Estate
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with The Crown Estate.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure The Crown Estate that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
