Accounts Payable Lead – Africa

Airswift; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A workforce solutions provider in Manchester seeks an Accounts Payable Lead. This role involves overseeing the purchase ledger function, managing supplier payments, and providing payroll support. Candidates must have a Level 3 AAT qualification and relevant experience in Accounts Payable or similar roles. The position offers career progression within finance and hybrid work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Minimum of Level 3 AAT Qualified is required.
• Previous experience in Accounts Payable, Management Accounts, Payroll, or Billing.
• Knowledge of legal entities and correct accounts payable procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full purchase ledger function for Africa entities.
• Manage supplier invoices ensuring processing within 24 hours.
• Process bank uploads for contractor payroll.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Strong work ethic

Ability to work independently

Education

Level 3 AAT Qualification

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics365

Job description

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Airswift is an international workforce solutions provider and strategic partner to the energy, process and infrastructure industries. By aligning our services to the unique needs of each client, our turnkey workforce solutions capture and deliver the top talent that clients need to achieve their goals successfully. Our level of experience, exposure and expertise is unparalleled. With more than 50 offices worldwide, $1bn turnover, 700 employees, 6,000 contractors and a candidate database of more than 500,000, our geographical reach and pool of available talent is unmatched in the industry.

About the job

The Accounts Payable Lead is a key role within the regional finance team, responsible for overseeing the full purchase ledger function and payroll administration for all Africa entities. This position ensures the accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of supplier payments, staff expenses, and payroll while maintaining robust financial controls.

In addition to day-to-day transactional duties, the role requires proactive oversight of processes, vendor relationships, and control frameworks to safeguard financial integrity and support operational efficiency. This position offers exposure across multiple finance functions, providing a strong platform for career progression within the finance team.

Key Accountabilities

Purchase Ledger & Accounts Payable

· Lead the purchase ledger function for all Africa entities, ensuring efficient and compliant processing.

· Set up new supplier accounts in line with internal controls and supplier onboarding requirements.

· Manage the Accounts Payable (Africa) inbox, ensuring supplier invoices are processed within 24 hours.

· Process staff expense claims and high-volume corporate credit card transactions.

· Generate bi-monthly supplier payment runs and ensure accurate allocation of payments to invoices.

· Perform supplier statement reconciliations to confirm Aged Creditors reflect true liabilities.

· Manage online supplier portals, scheduling payments to maintain uninterrupted service.

· Complete month-end AP close procedures by working day 3.

· Provide statements of account on request.

Payroll Administration

· Responsible for processing bank uploads for contractor payroll

· Oversee quality control checks before and after payroll processing.

· Liaise with and resolve bank-related queries relating to contractor payment promptly.

· Maintain accurate pay history records.

· Liaise with the Financial Controller and Treasury team to provide payroll-related information when required.

Cashbooks & Banking

· Reconcile and post virtual credit card transactions to bank statements.

Operational Finance Support & Controls

· Support with reconciliations and control checks (non-GL).

· Identify and escalate anomalies, risks, or process gaps.

· Assist with finance projects and process improvement initiatives.

Abilities required

· Minimum of Level 3 AAT Qualified is required.

· Knowledge of legal entities and correct accounts payable procedures

· Strong work ethic, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.

· Attention to detail to ensure delivery of accurate reports.

· Able to demonstrate the ability to work independently and use own initiative is desirable.

Person Specification

· Must be located in Manchester, United Kingdom and meet hybrid work requirements as defined by the President for EMEA

· Good level of work experience in either Accounts Payable, Management Accounts, Payroll and/or Billing role (or similar).

· Ability to prioritise workload and work to strict deadlines. Must be able to manage own time efficiently.

· Previous experience working with either one or more accounting system, ideally Microsoft Dynamics365.

· Effective communicator who is articulate, professional and confident at all times, both with finance and non-finance colleagues.

· Confident in challenging existing processes and holding colleagues to standards set out by Senior Management.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Airswift is an equal opportunity employer

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