At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Accounts Payable team to enhance and stabilise financial processes.
- Company: Join a local council in Birmingham focused on finance transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: On-site role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving essential financial operations.
- Qualifications: Strong Accounts Payable expertise and problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham (On-site, 5 days per week)
Contract Length: Initial 5-6 months
About the Role
Hays is partnering with a local council to recruit an Accounts Payable Surge Lead to support a major finance transformation programme. You will join a dedicated AP Surge Team, created to stabilise, enhance, and accelerate performance across cashflow‑critical and customer‑facing transactional processes. This is a hands‑on SME role, requiring deep Accounts Payable expertise, strong analytical capability, and a proactive approach to preventing payment delays, resolving defects, and protecting business continuity.
Key Responsibilities
- Accounts Payable SME Support
- Resolve complex supplier invoice processing issues.
- Investigate and fix 3‑way match failures (PO / GR / Invoice).
- Identify and correct vendor master data defects.
- Troubleshoot and resolve payment run errors.
- Address workflow approval breakdowns and bottlenecks.
- Invoice Processing & Backlog Management
- Support Invoice Processing Assistants with high‑volume transactional work.
- Clear backlog caused by new system bedding‑in.
- Undertake manual entry when automation fails or exceptions occur.
- PO / Procurement Liaison
- Work with Procurement to resolve PO data issues causing match or posting failures.
- Support improved PO compliance and quality upstream.
- Integration & Banking Support
- Investigate and resolve payment file integration issues.
- Manage and troubleshoot bank acknowledgement failures and reconciliation gaps.
About You
- Strong AP subject matter expertise, ideally within large or complex organisations.
- Experience working in environments undergoing transformation or system change.
- Hands‑on, detail‑focused approach with excellent problem‑solving capability.
- Confident liaising with suppliers, Procurement, Finance, and technical teams.
- Ability to work under pressure and sustain business‑critical payment operations.
- Must have experience with Oracle Fusion (essential for senior candidates).
- Midlands Base - 5 days a week on Site.
If you have the relevant Accounts Payable expertise and project experience, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with your up‑to‑date CV to be considered for this opportunity.
Accounts Payable Lead. Job in Birmingham LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
As an employer, Hays offers a dynamic and supportive work environment in Birmingham, where you will play a crucial role in a transformative finance programme. With a focus on employee growth and development, the company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that team members are equipped with the skills and resources needed to excel in their roles. The opportunity to work on-site five days a week allows for strong team cohesion and immediate access to support, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Payable Lead. Job in Birmingham LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience in accounts payable. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your AP knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you resolved them. We want to see that hands-on expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for roles that excite you and fit your skills perfectly!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to highlight your fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Payable Lead. Job in Birmingham LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your Accounts Payable expertise and any relevant experience with transformation projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Accounts Payable Lead position. Share specific examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past, and let your personality come through.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep your language clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like invoice processing and payment issues.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Accounts Payable Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Accounts Payable knowledge, especially around complex invoice processing and 3-way match failures. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've resolved issues or improved processes in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your analytical capabilities and how you've tackled payment delays or workflow bottlenecks. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Oracle Fusion
Since experience with Oracle Fusion is essential, make sure you can speak confidently about your familiarity with the system. If you’ve encountered challenges or successes while using it, share those insights during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork and Communication Skills
As this role involves liaising with various teams, be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with Procurement, Finance, and technical teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where your communication made a significant impact on project outcomes.
