Accounts Payable Manager

Accounts Payable Manager

A fast-growing, multi-jurisdictional professional services group is seeking to recruit an experienced Accounts Payable Manager on a fixed-term contract basis to join their team in Southampton.

Responsible for the end-to-end management, control, and efficiency of the firm's international Accounts Payable function. This hands‑on leadership role requires a detail-oriented, commercially minded leader with expertise in multi-currency invoice processing, international tax compliance, and finance operations across multiple jurisdictions.

Reports to:

Group Finance Director

• Lead and develop a multi-office AP and finance function, standardising processes across the UK, Channel Islands, Caribbean, and Asia.
• Own the full AP lifecycle, including vendor onboarding, invoice processing, approvals, payment runs, disbursements, and supplier management.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and tax requirements across all jurisdictions.
• Maintain robust internal controls, safeguard assets, and mitigate fraud risk.
• Oversee day-to-day finance operations for Caribbean and Asia offices, including AR/AP, banking, payroll inputs, journals, and general ledger maintenance.
• Provide finance business partnering and insight to Office Heads, Partners, and local leadership teams.
• Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and enhanced data quality.
• Act as a trusted finance partner to senior stakeholders across Finance, IT, and Operations.
• Produce, analyse, and report KPIs, aged creditors, payment performance, supplier concentration, and AP efficiency metrics.

• 6+ years of Accounts Payable experience in a professional services, legal, or multi‑entity environment, with at least 4 years in a management/supervisory role.
• Hands‑on experience with finance systems, automation tools, and process improvement initiatives.
• Proven ability to lead multi-jurisdictional finance operations and manage cross‑border payments.
• Strong people leadership and team development experience.
  
  Excellent understanding of financial controls, audit requirements, and segregation of duties.

• Credible, confident, and calm under pressure.
• Process‑driven with a strong control mindset and exceptional attention to detail.
• Pragmatic, solutions‑focused, with strong analytical skills.
• Skilled at influencing senior stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong leadership capability with the ability to delegate effectively and develop high‑performing teams.