At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing Accounts Payable team in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation undergoing a major transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £100,000 plus benefits and bonus.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative and innovative setting.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance operations and drive impactful change.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience in Accounts Payable and excellent stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 30600 - 37400 £ per year.
- 08th August, 2026
- Senior Accounts Payable Manager
- London | Permanent | £100,000 plus benefits & bonus
- We are looking for an experienced
Senior Accounts Payable Manager to lead and develop a high-performing Accounts Payable function within a complex, high-volume and deadline-driven environment.
This is a key leadership role with responsibility for the effective and efficient delivery of the end-to-end Accounts Payable operation.
You will oversee people, processes, systems, governance and controls, ensuring transactions are processed accurately, compliantly and on time.
This is an exciting time to join this organisation as they go through a large scale transformation project.
As the Senior AP Manager, you will help shape and deliver a modern operating model, so if you have experience in systems change, people management and overall process improvement, it would be beneficial.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Accounts Payable function and drive operational excellence across the end-to-end AP process.
- Lead, manage and develop a team of 8, including performance management, capability development and succession planning.
- Drive the transformation and standardisation of Accounts Payable processes, systems and controls.
- Ensure invoices and credit notes are processed accurately and within agreed timescales, delivering a high-quality service to suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Own and maintain the organisation's expense policy, including approval frameworks, spend limits and compliance oversight.
- Lead month-end, quarter-end and year-end AP activity, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
- Own AP KPIs and SLAs, using data and insight to drive performance and continuous improvement.
- Act as the key escalation point for AP queries, building effective relationships across Finance, Procurement and operational teams.
- Partner with senior Finance leadership to develop and deliver the AP strategy.
- Support finance transformation, systems upgrades, projects and wider Finance Operations initiatives.
- Ensure disciplined management of payment cycles, balancing cash-flow efficiency with supplier commitments.
About You
- Strong leadership experience within an Accounts Payable environment.
- Experience leading teams through change and building capability for the future.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- A highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused approach.
- Strong experience of financial controls, audit and compliance requirements.
- A strong understanding of ERP and financial systems.
- Advanced Excel capability, including financial modelling, data analysis and macros/VBA.
- Experience using Power BI or equivalent reporting tools to create effective management information and dashboards.
- Experience of system upgrades or implementations would be advantageous.
- What you'll bring
We are looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with strong execution.
You will be data- and performance-led, commercially aware and comfortable managing risk in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
You will be a collaborative and inclusive leader who can build strong relationships, challenge constructively and create a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and service excellence.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced AP professional to take a leading role in the transformation and continued development of a strategically important Finance Operations function.
Senior Accounts Payable Manager in London employer: Trace
Join a leading renewable energy and infrastructure investment firm that prioritises innovation and sustainability, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact the growth of the organisation. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, this role provides exceptional opportunities for professional development and leadership within a collaborative environment, all set in a vibrant city known for its commitment to green initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accounts Payable Manager in London
✨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 Trace. 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 Senior Accounts Payable Manager in London
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 Trace.
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 Trace'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 Trace
✨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 Trace.
✨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 Trace 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 Trace 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.
