Head Of Accounts Payable

Axon Moore are delighted to be partnering with a highly successful, PE-backed organisation to recruit a Head of Accounts Payable & Banking into its growing Group Finance function.

This is a newly important leadership position with responsibility for the end-to-end Purchase-to-Pay, Accounts Payable and banking functions, ensuring robust controls, accurate reporting and efficient processes across the wider Group.

The successful candidate will take ownership of a key finance function, driving process improvement, automation and standardisation, whilst also supporting the month-end close and wider financial performance review.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious finance professional to join a growing, PE-backed business and have genuine influence over the development of its finance operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end Accounts Payable and Purchase-to-Pay process, overseeing invoice processing, approval workflows and timely payments.
• Take ownership of cash management, including accounting, reconciliations, forecasting and reporting.
• Manage and optimise the Group's ERP / purchase order system, driving consistency and best practice.
• Develop and implement standardised AP processes, policies and controls across the organisation.
• Lead relevant automation, systems and technology initiatives.
• Oversee accurate reporting, including AP ageing, accruals and payment forecasting.
• Establish and monitor appropriate KPIs across P2P and cash management, identifying trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Effectively manage team resources to ensure all month-end and payment deadlines are achieved.
• Support the month-end close, including reviewing monthly performance against budget.
• Prepare and post relevant month-end journals.
• Perform regular control reviews, with particular focus on CAPEX, prepayments and other accounting adjustments.
• Drive continuous improvement across processes, systems and controls.
• Lead, develop and support the finance team, identifying training requirements and ensuring the function is appropriately structured to support future growth.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across finance and the wider business.

About You We're looking for an experienced finance professional with a strong background in Accounts Payable, Purchase-to-Pay and transactional finance, alongside proven leadership and process improvement experience.

You'll ideally have:

• Strong experience across Accounts Payable / P2P, ideally with exposure to banking and cash management.
• Experience working with ERP systems and finance technology.
• A proven track record of delivering process improvement, automation and standardisation.
• Strong understanding of financial controls and reporting.
• Previous experience managing and developing a finance team.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong Excel skills and general IT literacy.
• The ability to work to tight deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with a genuine focus on continuous improvement.
• Experience with in a PE-backed or high-growth environment would be advantageous.

What's on Offer

• £50,000 - £70,000 depending on experience.
• Hybrid working - 3 days office / 2 days home.
• 35 days' annual leave including bank holidays.
• Group pension scheme with matched contributions of up to 5%.
• The opportunity to join a PE-backed, growing organisation in a key leadership position.
• Significant scope to improve systems, processes and controls.
• Excellent exposure to senior stakeholders and the wider Group Finance function.

Location:

Lancashire Working Pattern:
Hybrid - 3 days office / 2 days home

Axon Moore is a leading specialist recruitment consultancy, partnering with businesses across the North West to attract and retain high-calibre finance professionals.

We work with a broad range of organisations, from ambitious SMEs and fast-growth businesses through to PE-backed and private equity-owned groups, supporting appointments across the full finance function.

If you're an experienced finance professional looking for your next career move, we'd be keen to hear from you.

To apply or find out more, please contact George Oyston at Axon Moore.