Accounts Payable Analyst in Manchester

About Us

At Travel Counsellors, our customers, communities, and colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. For over 30 years, we’ve empowered 2,200+ independent travel agents worldwide, helping them build successful businesses while providing deeply personal, human connections with their customers. Supported by a talented team of over 400 people in our Support Offices, we create unique travel experiences that keep customers coming back. Named the Best Place to Work in Travel (2022) and ranked in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work (2023, 2024 & 2025), we’re expanding rapidly and looking for exceptional individuals to join our Head Office team.

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Accounts Payable Analyst to join our Finance team. This is a dual‑focused role, combining accounts payable query management and supplier support with hands‑on purchase ledger responsibilities within Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365). Approximately 50% of the role will be dedicated to managing high‑volume travel‑related accounts payable queries and ticket triage through Freshdesk, ensuring an excellent service experience for Travel Counsellors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders. The remaining 50% will focus on core purchase ledger activities, including supplier payments, invoice validation, reconciliations, and aged creditor management. The successful candidate will be a proactive problem‑solver with strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. PLEASE NOTE - This role is a 12‑month fixed‑term contract position.

Principal Accountabilities

• Accounts Payable Query Management & Support: Manage a high volume of inbound accounts payable queries from Travel Counsellors, travel suppliers, and internal stakeholders. Investigate and resolve issues relating to invoices, payments, credit notes, supplier accounts, and reconciliations in a timely and professional manner. Deliver exceptional customer service while maintaining agreed service levels and response times. Conduct root‑cause analysis on recurring issues and work with stakeholders to implement corrective actions and process improvements. Maintain clear and consistent communication with stakeholders, ensuring expectations are effectively managed.
• Freshdesk Inbox & Ticket Management: Monitor and triage multiple Freshdesk inboxes and ticket queues supporting accounts payable operations. Categorise, prioritise, and assign tickets according to urgency, complexity, and SLA requirements. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including Triage, Duty Office, Open Destinations, Accounts Receivable, and other Finance teams to resolve complex issues. Maintain ticketing system accuracy and hygiene through status updates, ticket merging, documentation, and complete audit trails. Identify trends in ticket volumes and recurring issues, escalating risks where appropriate. Review, verify, and maintain supplier bank account details in line with internal controls and compliance requirements. Support travel counsellors on live chat with urgent accounts payable queries and support.
• Purchase Ledger Operations (D365): Process and validate supplier invoices within Microsoft Dynamics 365, ensuring accuracy, appropriate approvals, and compliance with company policies. Support supplier payment runs, ensuring timely and accurate settlement of supplier balances. Process urgent and ad‑hoc payments, prioritising time‑sensitive supplier settlements. Review, verify, and maintain supplier bank account details in line with internal controls and compliance requirements. Maintain supplier master data, ensuring records are accurate and up to date. Perform Direct Debit reconciliations, investigating and resolving discrepancies. Perform Virtual Credit Card (VCC) reconciliations, ensuring transactions are accurately matched and accounted for. Review aged creditors reports, identifying overdue balances and supporting resolution activities.

Essential Required Experience

• Previous experience in Accounts Payable, Purchase Ledger, or Finance Operations.
• Experience managing high‑volume query handling and stakeholder communications.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) or similar ERP systems.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• A proactive, customer‑focused approach with strong problem‑solving abilities.

Desirable

• Experience within the travel industry.
• Experience with supplier reconciliations, payment runs, Direct Debit processing, and VCC reconciliations.
• Experience using ticketing systems such as Freshdesk or similar case management platforms.
• Understanding of financial controls, compliance requirements, and audit processes.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Flexible hybrid working
• Career development opportunities
• 25 days holiday (increasing to 28 after 5 years)
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity pay
• 1 day paid charity day
• Company events and incentives
• 3x salary death in service benefit
• Pension scheme
• Private Medical Insurance or Healthcare Cash Plan
• Free breakfast and beverages

Inclusive Recruitment at Travel Counsellors

Travel Counsellors is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, or any protected characteristic. We provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and will make every effort to accommodate reasonable adjustments where required. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our team and encourage all to apply.