Accounting Manager - Accounts Payables

Job purpose:

The Accounting Manager - Accounts Payable is responsible for leading and developing the Accounts Payable function across a diverse Travel Retail business operating Retail and Food & Beverage locations throughout the UK and Ireland.

This role will ensure the accurate, efficient, and timely processing of supplier payments while maintaining strong financial controls, compliance, and vendor relationships.

A key focus of the position, particularly during its initial phase, is to review, challenge, and enhance current Accounts Payable processes, identifying opportunities for standardisation, automation, cost reduction, and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will combine strong people leadership with technical accounting expertise and a continuous improvement mindset to create a best-in-class accounts payable function capable of supporting a growing and fast-paced business.

Simplyhealth cash plan, Retail Trust, life insurance, andup to 25% in-store discounts

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the Accounts Payable function across UK and Ireland entities.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of supplier invoices, employee expenses, payment runs, and vendor account reconciliations.
• Maintain robust controls to ensure compliance with company policies, financial regulations, VAT requirements, and audit standards.
• Monitor accounts payable performance against agreed service levels and KPIs, driving accountability and continuous improvement.
• Manage supplier escalations and resolve complex queries professionally and effectively.

• Lead, coach, motivate, and develop a team of Accounts Assistants and Senior Accounts Assistants.
• Set clear objectives and performance expectations aligned to business priorities.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, development discussions, and succession planning activities.
• Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and customer-focused team culture.
• Ensure adequate resource planning and workload allocation across the team.

• Conduct a comprehensive review of current accounts payable processes, systems, controls, and ways of working.
• Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, manual workarounds, and opportunities for automation.
• Design and implement process improvements that enhance accuracy, productivity, compliance, and supplier experience.
• Partner with the Operations teams to streamline end-to-end purchase-to-pay processes.
• Drive standardisation of accounts payable processes across retail and F&B operations.
• Support implementation of new systems, workflows, and digital solutions where appropriate.
• Establish meaningful management information and reporting to support decision-making and performance management.

• Ensure adherence to internal controls, delegation of authority, and financial governance frameworks.
• Oversee supplier statement reconciliations and resolution of aged balances.
• Support month-end activities including accruals, accounts payable close processes, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Partner with internal and external auditors and ensure all accounts payable-related audit requirements are met.
• Continuously assess risks within the accounts payable process and implement mitigation plans.

• Build strong relationships with operational leaders across Retail and F&B business units.
• Act as the primary finance contact for accounts payable related matters.
• Collaborate closely with procurement to improve supplier onboarding, payment terms, and vendor management practices.
• Maintain positive relationships with key suppliers and external partners.
• Influence stakeholders to adopt best practices and support process changes.

• Invoice processing accuracy and timeliness.
• Supplier payment performance.
• Reduction in overdue supplier balances.
• Accounts payable process efficiency and productivity metrics.
• Team engagement and performance.
• Audit findings and control compliance.
• Delivery of continuous improvement initiatives and measurable cost savings.
• Stakeholder and supplier satisfaction levels.

• Qualified Accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or qualified by significant experience.
• Strong SAP experience.
• Proven experience managing an Accounts Payable function within a multi-site, high-volume environment.
• Strong people leadership experience, including managing, coaching, and developing finance teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading process improvement, transformation, or operational excellence initiatives.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, compliance, VAT, and accounting principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive change across multiple business functions.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems capability.

• Experience with in Travel Retail, Retail, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, or other high-volume…