Accounts Payable Manager

Forge Talent; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite gym

Industry discounts

Annual bonus

Hybrid working

Free onsite parking

Initial 9 month contract

Job summary

Forge Talent is seeking an Accounts Payable Manager to lead the Indirect Costs team of four clerks. You will ensure accurate invoice processing, strong supplier relationships, and robust internal controls across multi-entity operations.

Role requires prior AP leadership, expertise in P2P and invoice workflows, and a track record of delivering KPI-driven improvements. Hybrid working is offered with onsite parking and industry discounts, starting as a 9-month contract with extension potential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience leading an Accounts Payable team (3+ members) in indirect spend.
• Subject matter expert in P2P processes, invoice workflows, and controls.
• Exposure to e-invoicing or reporting models (EMEA/global).
• Experience mentoring teammates to maximise skillset.
• Experience in a global, multi-entity environment or Shared Service Centre advantageous.
• Ability to handle high-volume workflows in a fast-moving business.
• Strong analytical skills and KPI monitoring.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Proven record of continual improvements and efficiencies.
• Advanced Excel and BI tools; familiarity with ERP systems (D365) is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day output of indirect payables, including 1:1s, reviews, and development plans.
• Oversee processing of indirect invoices and credit notes for accuracy.
• Ensure timely responses to queries and effective resolutions.
• Adhere to payment terms, policies, and approval workflows.
• Guide AP team on data analytics and non-PO invoice workflows.
• Maintain internal controls aligned with audit, procurement, and compliance.
• Ensure supplier account setup, onboarding, and periodic reviews.
• Support PO and VAT GL compliance across indirect procurement.
• Oversee month-end tasks including accruals, intercompany postings, and reconciliations.
• Handle escalated queries and ensure timely resolutions.
• Build strong supplier and stakeholder relationships across procurement, finance and operations.
• Partner with procurement to improve supplier terms and streamline buying.
• Oversee invoice and PO workflow systems and resolve issues.
• Produce dashboards and KPIs on productivity, accuracy, ageing, and compliance.
• Drive continual improvements, automations and service-level enhancements.
• Promote standardisation of AP processes across regions and entities.
• Support data migration for ERP transitions.

Skills

Leadership

P2P processes

Invoice workflow tools

Analytical skills

Advanced Excel

BI tools

Microsoft D365

Job description

Accounts Payable Manager / Indirect Costs Manager / Excellent Benefits – Onsite Gym – Industry Discounts- Annual Bonus – Hybrid Working – Free Onsite Parking/ Initial 9 Month Contract (Potential to Extend)

Forge Talent have partnered with a highly reputable global business to support with a requirement for an Accounts Payable Manager. This is a business-critical role that will be responsible for leading the Indirect Costs team, made up of four Purchase Ledger Clerks.

The successful applicant will work closely with Finance, Procurement, and business teams to ensure timely and accurate invoice processing, strong supplier relationships, and compliance with internal controls.

Previous experience of managing an Accounts Payable team in a fast paced and multi entity environment is essential.

Although this will be an initial 9-month fixed term contract, there is a strong potential for this vacancy to be extended or become permanent.

The ability to start work on a reduced notice period is hugely advantageous.

Accounts Payable Manager Core Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day output of the Indirect payables team, including 1:1s, performance reviews, and development plans.
• Oversee the processing of indirect purchase invoices, credit notes, ensuring accuracy.
• Ensure that queries are responded to in a prompt manner and that suitable resolutions are reached.
• Ensure that payment terms, company policies, and approval workflows are adhered to.
• Guide the Accounts Payable Team on data analytics and non-PO invoice workflows.
• Maintain effective internal controls aligned with audit, procurement, and compliance requirements.
• Ensure accurate supplier account setup, onboarding, and periodic reviews.
• Support PO and VAT general ledger compliance across indirect procurement activity.
• Oversee month-end tasks including accruals, intercompany postings, and reconciliations.
• Take responsibility for any escalated or advanced queries, ensuring that effective resolutions are met in a timely manner.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and business partners across procurement, finance, and operations.
• Partner with procurement to improve supplier terms and streamline buying processes.
• Oversee invoice and PO workflow systems, addressing any issues as required.
• Produce dashboards and KPIs on productivity, accuracy, ageing, and compliance.
• Support continual improvements projects including implementing process improvements, automations and service-level enhancements.
• Promote the standardisation of Accounts Payable processes across multiple regions and entities.
• Support data migration for ERP transitions.

Accounts Payable Manager Required Experience

• Previous experience in an Accounts Payable leadership capacity (Team of 3+) with management of or exposure to indirect spend processes.
• Be a subject matter expert in P2P processes, invoice workflow tools, and Accounts Payable controls.
• Exposure to e-invoicing or reporting compliance models (EMEA/global).
• Experience of mentoring and developing team members to maximise their skillset.
• Previous experience of working in a global, multi entity environment. Experience of working in a Shared Service Centre environment is highly advantageous.
• The ability to handle high-volume workflows in a fast moving and high-volume business environment.
• Strong analytical skills with experience of producing and monitoring operational KPIs.
• Effective communication and partner management skills with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven experience of riving forwards continual improvements and advancing efficiencies
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with BI tools. Experience with ERP systems (Microsoft D365) is highly advantageous.

Only applicants currently living within a commutable distance of South Manchester will be contacted.