Accounts Payable Manager

ABRSM; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading music examination board in London is seeking an experienced individual to manage their Accounts Payable function. This role involves overseeing a team, processing invoices, and ensuring compliance with finance procedures. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills and a thorough understanding of accounting principles. The position offers hybrid work and competitive benefits including annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Hybrid working

25+ days annual leave

Discounts on products

Contributory pension scheme

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience in Accounts Payable.
• Knowledge of finance accounting procedures.
• Ability to handle customer inquiries effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage Accounts Payable team and ensure accuracy in processing.
• Oversee supplier invoice approvals and payments.
• Resolve supplier queries and maintain good relationships.

Skills

Leadership in Accounts Payable

Understanding of double entry

Customer service skills

Self-management

Job description

Overview

• Leading UK-based music examination board
• Opportunity to lead a Accounts Payable Function

About Our Client

ABRSM is The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and a global music education charity. At the heart of everything we do is our belief that music enriches lives. Building on our heritage, we offer face-to-face and digital exams, sheet music, recordings, apps and courses for students and teachers across the world.

In partnership with four Royal Schools of Music, we carry on a long legacy of musical excellence. More than an awarding organisation, we support learners from the first note they play, and empower teachers who help build musical skills and encourage progress around the world.

As a charity, we use all of the surpluses we generate to make significant donations towards music education initiatives and to develop our support for learners and teachers around the world. We advocate for music and its many forms, playing our part to ensure the future of music education and its place in society.

Together with our partners, our teachers and others around the world, we\'ve been nurturing the future of music since 1889—to help people start or continue their journey.

Job Description

This role reports to the Head of Transactional Finance. The jobholder is one of three people working in the Accounts Payable Team, which is part of the Transactional Finance & Systems function. The Transactional Finance & Systems function is responsible for:

• recording and processing the financial transactions required to support the operations of ABRSM and its subsidiary ABRSM (Publishing) Limited and to enable it to meet its statutory obligations
• the provision of timely and accurate financial management information to departmental budget holders and to the ABRSM\'s committees.
• Management of the Accounts Payable Team including monitoring the volume of work and allocation of work to two Accounts Payable Assistants, ensuring that deadlines are met and accuracy is maintained.
• General review and oversight of the work carried out by the Accounts Payable Assistants providing leadership, support and training in Accounts Payable procedures as required.
• Ensuring all incoming Supplier invoices are shared between AP assistants and processed for authorisation daily.
• Ensuring Examiner fees are processed for weekly payment runs as set out in with ABRSM\'s payment policy.
• Ensuing Examiner and HLR expenses are processed weekly for payment.
• Ensuring Suppliers are paid in accordance with their payment terms and ABRSM\'s approval process.
• Resolving Supplier and Examiner queries, reconciling statements, and building strong relationships
• Ensuring bank Direct Debits relevant to supplier invoices are processed monthly before month end.
• Processing staff Barclaycard applications and maintaining expenditure limits.
• Meet with new staff to explain ABRSM\'s approval process before being given system access.
• Administering of travel loan applications
• Maintenance of fixed data for suppliers, examiners and HLRs.
• Dealing with internal Accounts Payable queries and responding to requests for information.
• Monthly reconciliation of aged creditor reports
• Maintaining up-to-date documentation in relation to procedures and systems used.
• Active participation in the enhancement and development of systems in relation to Accounts Payable processing.
• Support with month end activities such as control account reconciliations, bank reconciliations and the accruals process
• Provision of leave cover for the Accounts Payable Assistants and other members of the Finance Department as requested by the Head of Transactional Finance.
• Ad hoc duties as requested by the Head if Transactional Finance
• Processing Royalty payments and administration of accounts.
• Daily checking of VAT codes for invoices awaiting approval.
• Processing International Rep commission payments and administration of accounts.
• Processing Scholar termly payments and administration of accounts.

The Successful Applicant

The Successful Applicant

Previous Accounts Payable leadership experience in a fast paced, changing environment

A thorough understanding of the principles of double entry and knowledge of finance accounting procedures

Experience of providing excellent customer service, dealing with customers by phone and email

Able to work with minimal supervision

What\'s on Offer

What\'s on Offer

We would like to offer the successful candidate:

• Band D (phone number removed)
• Hybrid working, with 2 days in the office
• Christmas closure days
• 25+ days of annual leave (depending on role and length of service)
• Discounts on ABRSM and affiliated products
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance

Contact
Harry Richardson
Quote job ref
JN-(phone number removed)Z

Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.