Payments Team Leader in Northampton

This is an exciting opportunity to join the University’s busy Accounts Payable Department. This post is an integral part of the University’s Accounts Payable Team, within the Finance and Planning Department. The key purpose is to manage all outgoing payments and oversee the day to day running of the department to ensure timely and accurate payments to suppliers, students and staff.

The successful candidate will also provide leadership and management to a team of staff who have day to day responsibility for a range of accounting activities. The leadership includes objective setting, performance management, professional support, and the development of financial procedures. The post holder will be expected to deal directly with stakeholders and suppliers to resolve any issues. The successful candidate will promote and maintain excellent working relationships with other stakeholders including internal Academic and Professional Services colleagues. This post will report directly into the Head of Payments.

We require you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you wish to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy. The successful candidate would be expected to work on site, within the Finance office 2 to 3 days per week depending on meeting commitments.

The successful candidate must have the essential Accounts Payable experience for this post with experience in line management or supervision of a team. The ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, senior management, suppliers, and all colleagues across the University is vital. A focus on accuracy and consistency is essential, as is the ability to interpret structured information while planning and prioritising tasks. Be able to work effectively under pressure and have a willingness to learn new processes are also key attributes in this post. Excellent IT skills, including competence in and experience of using Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel are essential. Methodical attention to detail is crucial to ensuring accurate payments of supplier invoices.

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE’s or equivalent in Maths and English at grade C or above
• Desirable: Professional Management training qualification

The Finance and Planning team is responsible for the provision of a wide range of financial services across the University, including procurement, budgeting, financial planning and analysis, accounting, treasury and cash management, the management of income, accounts payable and credit control services. The Finance and Planning team strive to support the University’s strategic objectives by ensuring financial stability and providing accurate and timely financial information to internal and external stakeholders.

The Accounts Payable Team are responsible for the processing of all supplier invoices, credit notes, statement reconciliations and all payments leaving the University. We have a committed team who deliver exceptional, sector leading services, which in turn support, facilitate and improve the student and staff experience, transforming lives and inspiring change.

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to Work

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points-based immigration system are met. Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position. Due to this criteria, we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups. The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON

Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

• Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
• Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
• Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition