Accounts Payable Manager

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for an Accounts Payable Manager to join the Finance team, based in the A&O Shearman Belfast office.

Our Accounts Payable function plays a critical role in delivering operational excellence across a complex, multi-jurisdictional environment. Supporting offices across the A&O Shearman network, the team is driven by a strong client service ethic and a commitment to meeting service level agreements, targets, and deadlines. As part of this high-performing function, you will contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and outstanding stakeholder experience.

As Accounts Payable Manager, you will be a strong and inspirational leader responsible for managing end-to-end AP operations while fostering performance, collaboration, and accountability. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing the accurate and timely processing of invoices, payments, and employee expenses across multiple jurisdictions.
• Owning and standardising AP processes, driving automation and efficiency improvements, including the use of workflow tools and vendor self-service solutions.
• Embedding and maintaining a strong internal control framework, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and tax requirements.
• Building trusted, influential relationships with senior stakeholders globally and acting as a credible adviser.
• Setting clear expectations, driving high performance, and leading a wider team of AP Assistants and direct reports.
• Leading change in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and supporting continuous improvement across processes and systems.
• Managing challenging conversations constructively and maintaining strong, collaborative internal and external relationships.

You will bring the capability, confidence, and leadership presence to support and elevate a high-performing AP team. We are looking for someone with:

• Proven experience leading large, high-performing Accounts Payable teams in a complex or professional services environment.
• Strong analytical skills and advanced Excel capability (Power BI knowledge beneficial).
• Experience managing KPIs, SLAs, and performance metrics in high-volume AP operations.
• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements, implement automation, and influence organisational change.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build credibility quickly and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong relationship-building, conflict-resolution, and coaching skills.
• Knowledge of internal controls, risk management, and audit preparation.
• Personal attributes including self-awareness, resilience, inclusivity, and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach.

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, online discounts and lifestyle management services.

We recognise the value of flexible working and embrace hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do, however, remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

If this role is not of interest we may have another suitable opportunity here for you at A&O Shearman! Visit our careers portal at A&O Shearman Careers and submit your CV to our Talent Network to be notified when the perfect opportunity becomes available.