Accounts Payable / Planning Specialist in Slough

Our client is currently searching for an Accounts Payable / Planning Specialist to join their team. In this role, you will take ownership of both financial operations and forward-looking planning activities for Key Accounts, ensuring not only accurate Accounts Payable delivery but also robust budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning. This is a highly visible position where planning and financial insight are critical, enabling the business to make informed decisions and effectively manage account performance.

Alongside core AP responsibilities, you will play a key role in budget ownership, forecasting cycles, account planning, and performance tracking, working closely with Key Account Managers and Finance teams. You will also support business reviews, audits, pricing and launch communications, vendor and customer setup, and value-adding initiatives such as Key Accounts digitisation.

• Own and manage Accounts Payable processes for Key Accounts, including invoice processing, Proof of Performance (POP) review, and timely query resolution.
• Act as a key point of contact for customers, internal stakeholders, and third-party finance teams, building strong working relationships.
• Ensure controls, compliance, and audit readiness in line with internal policies, providing supporting documentation as required.
• Lead process improvements and efficiencies, including contributions to the Key Accounts digitalisation project.
• Deliver regular reporting, insights, and updates to the business, including weekly financial and performance reports.

• Take ownership of Key Account financial planning, including budgeting, forecasting cycles, and ongoing financial tracking.
• Manage the Key Accounts budget, ensuring alignment with targets (OB, RF), while proactively identifying risks and opportunities.
• Provide forecasting, variance analysis, and performance insights, working closely with KAMs to support strategic decision-making.
• Act as the primary contact for all planning, budget, and cost-related queries, partnering with Finance and stakeholders to ensure accuracy and alignment.
• Maintain and oversee Account Deployment Plans (ADPs), ensuring they are accurate, regularly updated, and aligned to contractual commitments and approvals.
• Support business planning cycles by providing data-driven recommendations and scenario analysis.

• Train, coach, and support Key Account Managers (KAMs) on POP requirements, budget management, forecasting, and financial processes.
• Manage purchase orders (SAP & Coupa), including creation, monthly updates, monitoring, and closure to minimise accruals.
• Oversee month-end and year-end processes, including accruals, reconciliation of open POs, and validation of supporting documentation.
• Reconciliation of open POs to be accrued each month.

• Proven experience in an Accounts Payable or finance role, with end-to-end process ownership.
• Strong knowledge of invoice processing, PO management, and query resolution.
• Demonstrable experience in financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights.
• Experience with variance analysis and supporting commercial decision-making.
• Ability to support month-end/year-end close, including accruals and reconciliations.
• Experience using SAP, Coupa, or similar financial systems.
• Advanced Excel skills (e.g. pivot tables, formulas, data analysis).
• Solid understanding of financial controls, compliance, and audit requirements.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including working with non-finance teams.
• Proven track record of process improvement and driving efficiencies, ideally within digitisation initiatives.
• Highly organised with a proactive approach to planning, prioritisation, and deadline management.

If you are interested in this role, please do not hesitate to apply!