Accounts Payable Manager

Morgan Hunt UK Ltd; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global law firm in Southampton is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Manager to lead their AP function. The role requires 5+ years of relevant experience, managing high-volume invoices, and ensuring compliance with financial operations. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated leader within a supportive finance team, with flexibility for office attendance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' Accounts Payable experience within a law firm, with at least 2 years in a management/supervisory role.
• Experience operating in a multi-entity, multi-currency AP environment.
• Strong understanding of AP-related controls and tax compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Accounts Payable team.
• Oversee processing of supplier invoices and payment runs.
• Drive process improvement and automation initiatives.

Skills

Accounts Payable experience

Team leadership

Tax compliance

Risk management

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Excel

3E Law Firm Practice Management System

Job description

We are delighted to be supporting a highly regarded global law firm with the recruitment of an experienced and commercially minded Accounts Payable Manager to lead their established AP function. This is a key leadership appointment within the firm's finance team and will play a central role in ensuring best-in-class financial operations, controls and global compliance across the business.
Based in Southampton, the Accounts Payable Manager will oversee the day-to-day running of the multi-jurisdictional AP function, ensuring the accurate processing of high-volume invoices, matter-related disbursements, international payment runs and global employee expense management all while maintaining rigorous financial and tax compliance. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced professional services environment and enjoys developing and empowering high-performing teams. The successful candidate would be expected in the office a minimum of 3 days a week.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop the Accounts Payable team, allocating work, managing performance and fostering a culture of excellence and accountability
• Act as the first point of escalation for complex vendor, payment, and tax-related queries, providing expert guidance and support
• Oversee the timely and accurate processing of all supplier invoices, business expenses and payment runs across multiple jurisdictions and currencies
• Manage the global employee expense reporting system to ensure full compliance with internal policies and relevant tax legislation (VAT/GST)
• Review and authorise electronic payments and high-value international wire transfers, ensuring robust internal controls are upheld
• Maintain high levels of vendor data accuracy and ensure appropriate authorisation of all vendor and employee onboarding
• Ensure all AP activities adhere to local and international tax regulations, including VAT, GST, withholding tax and rules relating to offshore jurisdictions
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external audit requests relating to the AP function
• Proactively drive process improvement and automation initiatives to enhance efficiency and accuracy

About You

• 5+ years' Accounts Payable experience within a law firm, with at least 2 years in a management or supervisory role
• Proven experience operating within a multi-entity, multi-currency AP environment
• Strong understanding of AP-related controls, tax compliance and risk management
• Advanced knowledge of law firm practice management systems - experience with 3E is highly desirable
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong overall systems capability
• A strategic but hands‑on mindset, with a collaborative and solutions‑focused approach
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the confidence to engage with partners, senior stakeholders and global suppliers
• Experience supporting systems change initiatives and/or exposure to offshore financial services environments is beneficial

This firm offers an inclusive, supportive and high‑performing culture where finance professionals are recognised for their expertise and are empowered to add real value. The successful applicant will join a driven team that prides itself on accuracy, professionalism and outstanding internal client service.

If you are an experienced Accounts Payable Manager seeking the next step in a respected and forward‑thinking practice, we would be very pleased to speak with you confidentially. For further information or to discuss this opportunity in confidence, please get in touch with Finlay Clark on 0207 419 8939 or

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award‑winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual's skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.