Accounts Payable Team Leader

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and detail-driven Accounts Payable Team Leader to join a public sector finance team within a well-established authority. This is a strategic role focused on managing the full purchase-to-pay process and leading an Accounts Payable team to deliver timely, accurate, and compliant financial operations.

As the Accounts Payable Team Leader, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining robust processes, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring that all payments are properly authorised and validated. This position also includes system ownership of the Purchase Ledger and Purchase Ordering modules, with significant involvement in policy development, reporting, and system enhancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Accounts Payable team and oversee the end-to-end purchase-to-pay process
• Act as system owner for the Purchase Ledger and Purchase Ordering modules, collaborating with IT and software suppliers
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement within the team, ensuring processes remain efficient and effective
• Deliver detailed reports and insights to support senior decision-making
• Manage the reconciliation of the Purchase Ledger and Purchase Ordering systems to the General Ledger
• Oversee the timely processing of invoices and payments
• Support the preparation of annual budgets, year-end accounts, and financial reporting
• Produce transparency data related to supplier payments and respond to audit requirements
• Ensure compliance with statutory returns, data protection, and freedom of information protocols
• Review and update procedure notes in line with audit recommendations and best practices
• Identify and implement process improvements across purchasing and payments
• Provide comprehensive training and guidance to internal users of purchase order and ledger systems

Skills and Experience Required

• Proven experience in managing Accounts Payable within a large or complex organisation
• Strong knowledge of purchase-to-pay processes and financial controls
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Proficiency in finance systems and ERP modules related to purchasing and ledgers
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across multiple stakeholders
• Ability to manage system upgrades and process improvements
• Experience in public sector finance is desirable but not essential

Why Apply?

• Strategic leadership role with real influence over financial processes
• £18.72ph
• 3-6 Month rolling contract
• Free Parking
• Opportunity to shape policy and contribute to organisational improvements
• Collaborative and supportive working environment
• Competitive salary and benefits package

If you're an experienced finance professional with a passion for leading teams and driving operational excellence, we’d love to hear from you.

Thank you for your application.
Please note Lawrence Dean Recruitment is acting as an employment agency & business. Due to the high number of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to all applications individually. If you have not been contacted within 7 working days, your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion, but we may contact you about other opportunities in the future.

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