Accounts Payable Team Lead

We are seeking a highly hands-on Accounts Payable Team Leader to oversee the day-to-day AP function while actively processing invoices and supporting the wider finance team. This role combines leadership with operational delivery, requiring someone who leads from the front, ensures accuracy, and drives process improvements.

• Process high volumes of supplier invoices, ensuring accuracy and correct coding
• Perform 2-way and 3-way matching against purchase orders and goods received notes
• Manage supplier statement reconciliations and proactively resolve discrepancies
• Prepare and run weekly/monthly payment runs (BACS/CHAPS/Faster Payments)
• Maintain the AP inbox, responding to supplier queries in a timely manner
• Handle escalated supplier issues and resolve payment disputes directly
• Post journals related to AP, including accruals and prepayments
• Ensure VAT is applied correctly and in line with HMRC regulations
• Manage new supplier onboarding and maintain accurate master data
• Supervise and support a team of AP clerks/assistants
• Allocate workloads and monitor team performance against KPIs
• Provide training, coaching, and ongoing development to team members
• Review and approve invoices, payment runs, and reconciliations
• Act as the first point of escalation for team and supplier queries

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce errors
• Ensure strong financial controls and compliance with internal policies
• Support automation initiatives and system enhancements within AP
• Assist with audit requests and provide supporting documentation
• Produce and review AP ageing reports and manage overdue liabilities

• Build strong relationships with internal departments (procurement, operations, finance)
• Work closely with suppliers to maintain positive relationships
• Partner with the wider finance team during month-end close

• Proven experience in a hands-on Accounts Payable role, with supervisory responsibility
• Strong understanding of end-to-end AP processes
• Experience managing high-volume invoice processing
• Confident running payment cycles independently
• Strong reconciliation and problem-solving skills
• Experience using ERP systems

• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy
• Proactive, organised, and able to manage competing priorities
• A “roll up your sleeves” attitude – willing to be operational as well as lead
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in process automation or system implementations

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Opportunity to lead and improve a key finance function
• Hybrid working (if applicable)
• Career progression within a growing finance team