Accounts Payable Manager

Accounts Payable Manager – 9‑Month Fixed Term Contract

Location:

To be based in Solihull 2‑3 days a week

Hours:

37.5

Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) Europe is a family of leading veterinary care providers committed to creating a better world for pets. Our network includes trusted brands such as Ani Cura and Linnaeus, operating over 500 animal hospitals and clinics across 17 European countries. Together, our teams deliver high‑quality, modern veterinary care for companion animals, ensuring peace of mind for pet owners through excellent access and patient safety.

Ani Cura, our largest brand in Europe, provides care to over three million patients each year through 12,500 dedicated professionals. Linnaeus, operating primarily in the UK and Ireland, is home to over 6,000 Associates empowered to deliver exceptional care through a culture of collaboration, clinical excellence and continuous development.

At MVH Europe, we prioritize a culture of accountability, inclusion and wellbeing. We believe our purpose to make A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with building a better world for our people. We support our teams through strong governance, comprehensive wellbeing programs and a shared passion for delivering exceptional outcomes in veterinary care.

The Accounts Payable Manager leads the AP function, ensuring efficient invoice processing, accurate balance sheet reconciliations, robust supplier onboarding and timely period‑end closure. The manager will oversee a team of AP Assistants and drive continuous improvement, control and operational excellence within the procure‑to‑pay process. This is a 9‑month fixed‑term contract.

• Lead, coach and develop the AP Assistants, ensuring workloads are prioritised and performance objectives are met.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, provide training and support career development within the team.
• Monitor team performance KPIs (invoice turnaround, query resolution times, supplier set‑up accuracy, etc.).
• Foster a high‑performing culture based on accountability, customer service and process ownership.

• Oversee timely and accurate processing of supplier invoices, credit notes and payments in accordance with internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, HMRC regulations and audit requirements.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve escalated queries.
• Manage AP inboxes and workflow systems to maintain service‑level expectations.

• Own and deliver the AP period‑end timetable, ensuring all cut‑offs, accruals and reconciliations are completed accurately and on time.
• Prepare monthly AP‑related journals (GRNI, accruals, prepayments where relevant).
• Provide ageing analysis, KPIs and commentary for month‑end reporting.
• Liaise with Management Accounts to ensure completeness and accuracy of AP data feeding into financial statements.

• Prepare and review all AP‑related balance sheet reconciliations, including:
  • Trade creditors
  • Goods received not invoiced (GRNI)
  • Supplier deposits or prepayments
  • Unallocated cash
• Investigate and resolve aged items promptly, ensuring reconciliation integrity and audit readiness.

• Oversee the supplier onboarding process, ensuring accurate and compliant creation of supplier records.
• Perform required checks (VAT validation, bank validation, due diligence).
• Maintain strong data quality and control within the supplier master database.
• Work closely with Procurement and Operational teams to streamline onboarding and mitigate risks.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance automation, efficiency and accuracy within the AP function.
• Strengthen financial controls, ensuring clear policies, documented procedures and consistent execution across the team.
• Support system upgrades or transitions (ERP enhancements, OCR tools, automated workflows).
• Champion best‑in‑class AP practices across the wider finance team.

• Proven experience managing an Accounts Payable team or a senior AP role with leadership responsibilities.
• Strong…