Accounts Payable Manager

Carey Olsen Group Services Limited; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Manager to oversee the end-to-end management of their global Accounts Payable function. The role requires 5+ years in Accounts Payable, with at least 2 years in a management position within a law firm. Strong leadership and analytical skills are essential, along with proficiency in major practice management systems and Microsoft Excel. This position is based in Southampton or London.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Accounts Payable experience in a law firm.
• At least 2 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven track record in a multi-entity multicurrency environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily Accounts Payable operations.
• Implement robust internal controls and compliance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the AP team.

Skills

Accounts Payable management

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Financial processing accuracy

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office Suite

3E and Cosine

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Manager to join our Southampton or London office.

Reporting to the Group Finance Director

, you will be responsible forthe end-to-end management, control, and efficiency of the firms global Accounts Payable function.

Principal duties

• Oversee daily Accounts Payable operations across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, expenses, and payment runs.
• Manage the firmwide expense reporting system and ensure compliance with policies and tax regulations.
• Act as the escalation point for internal and external queries.
• Implement and enforce robust internal controls to safeguard assets and mitigate fraud risk, especially for high-value international payments.
• Ensure compliance with local and international tax requirements (e.g., VAT, GST, withholding tax).
• Maintain accurate vendor and employee data across all entities.
• Liaise with auditors, providing clear documentation and process explanations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the AP team, setting goals and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, drive automation, and optimize ERP functionality.
• Collaborate with Finance Systems to maintain correct system configuration and data integrity.

Professional Qualifications / Skills / Experience

• 5+ years of Accounts Payable experience in a law firm with at least 2 years in a management / supervisory role.
• Proven experience managing Accounts Payable in a multi-entity multicurrency environment.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing and enforcing robust internal controls and process improvements.
• Advanced proficiency with major law firm practice management systems (specific knowledge of 3E and Cosine is highly desirable) and Microsoft Excel.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Visio, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook)
• Some system change management experience is desirable.
• Knowledge of offshore financial service regulations or operational experience in one of the firms key jurisdictions

Personal characteristics required

• Ability to lead a team, delegate effective and develop talent
• Exceptional precision and accuracy in financial processing and data review
• Strong analytical skills to quickly resolve complex payment, vendor, and compliance discrepancies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to liaise with senior stakeholders, legal professionals, and external vendors across different cultures and time zones
• Ability to work under pressure and flexibly when required

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