Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the accounts payable process and mentor a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Whitbread, the UK's largest hospitality business with 1,200+ hotels and restaurants.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 10% performance bonus, Bupa healthcare, and massive discounts on stays and dining.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative finance team driving exciting changes in a thriving company.
- Qualifications: Experience in process optimisation and change management; German language skills are a plus.
- Other info: Hybrid role based in Dunstable, with a vibrant culture and opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 36000 £ per year.
We’re Whitbread, the UK’s largest hospitality business with over 1,200 hotels and restaurants across the UK. We’re the 38,000 people who make everyday experiences special that delight over 5 million guests every month. Accounts payable is a critical element of the finance shared services team, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices, making payments to suppliers, handling supplier queries and reconciling supplier statements.
The Accounts Payable Lead has responsibility for leading the end-to-end accounts payable process and all aspects of payments processing for multi-market operations.
Location: Dunstable, hybrid - a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: £33,000-£36,000
Why you’ll love it here:
- Bonus: Enjoy an annual Whitbread performance incentive worth up to 10% of base salary
- Healthcare: Bupa
- Discounts: Up to 60% discount on Premier Inn stays and 25% discount on our Restaurant brands
What you’ll do:
- Supervise and mentor the offshore accounts payable and payments team, providing guidance on daily tasks and fostering a collaborative environment.
- Manage the end-to-end accounts payable process.
- Resolve price difference queries with buyers/procurement as necessary.
- Completion of supplier statement and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Perform payment run checks.
What we need:
- Process design & optimisation - process mapping, workflow improvement, and implementing changes to enhance accounts payable efficiency and accuracy.
- Experience in change management - proven ability to drive transformation, implement automation, and manage process changes while securing stakeholder buy-in.
- German language proficiency is beneficial - verbal and written German skills to communicate with stakeholders, manage supplier inquiries, and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Be part of our Finance team at Whitbread: Times are changing and our ambition is bigger than ever. This means huge things when it comes to budget and forecasting, and that’s where our Finance team really springs into action. Finding the right answers to drive us forwards. With new concepts launching, new spaces secured and reams of plans in motion, there’s no more exciting time to join than right now. Get to experience career growth that moves as fast as we do and be part of framing where we are heading.
Accounts Payable Lead employer: Whitbread PLC
Contact Detail:
Whitbread PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Payable Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the accounts payable process and best practices. Understanding the end-to-end workflow will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience in process design and optimisation. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've improved efficiency or accuracy in accounts payable, as this is a key requirement for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
If you have German language skills, make sure to highlight them. Being able to communicate effectively with stakeholders in German can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your change management experience. Think of instances where you've successfully driven transformation or implemented automation in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the Accounts Payable Lead position.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Payable Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements for the Accounts Payable Lead position. Highlight your relevant experience in accounts payable processes, team management, and any change management initiatives you've led.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise your expertise in process design, optimisation, and any experience you have with automation in accounts payable.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed accounts payable processes and resolved supplier queries in previous roles.
Highlight Language Skills: If you have proficiency in German, make sure to mention it prominently in your application. Explain how your language skills can benefit communication with stakeholders and suppliers, especially in a multi-market operation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Whitbread PLC
✨Understand the Accounts Payable Process
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the end-to-end accounts payable process. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage invoice processing, supplier payments, and reconciliations, as these are key responsibilities for the role.
✨Showcase Change Management Experience
Highlight any previous experience you have with process design and optimisation. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven transformation and implemented automation in past roles, as this will demonstrate your ability to enhance efficiency.
✨Prepare for Team Leadership Questions
Since the role involves supervising and mentoring a team, think about your leadership style and be prepared to discuss how you foster collaboration and guide team members through daily tasks.
✨Brush Up on German Language Skills
If you have proficiency in German, make sure to mention it during the interview. Even if it's not a requirement, being able to communicate in German can set you apart and show your willingness to engage with diverse stakeholders.
