Accounts Payable Manager

Paul Card Recruitment; Thornaby-on-Tees; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent recruitment agency seeks a driven professional to lead its Accounts Payable function in Thornaby-on-Tees. This pivotal role requires experienced management of the AP team and oversight of the purchase-to-pay process within a large organization. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills and a solid background in Accounts Payable, aiming to enhance efficiency and reporting. The position allows for hybrid working, combining office presence with remote flexibility, and offers a competitive salary along with additional holidays and a pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days holiday

Group private pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience running the AP function in a Shared Services Centre or large business.
• Ability to motivate and manage a team effectively.
• Skills in reporting, controls, and processes.

Responsibilities

• Managing and motivating an experienced AP team.
• Overseeing the full AP cycle, from invoice input to payment.
• Reporting on KPIs and identifying potential issues.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Communication

Job description

You've managed AP teams before. Now it's time to shape the function.

This role isn't about treading water. It's about improving what works and fixing what doesn't, and doing so with the backing of Senior Management who want someone who thinks critically, not just ticks boxes.

You'll be leading the Accounts Payable function for a large, group-wide business, not a small, siloed unit. This means you'll be overseeing the full purchase-to-pay process, working closely with procurement and other departments, and making sure controls and processes aren't just followed, but actually make sense.

The team's capable. The systems are sound. But there's scope for better consistency, better reporting, and better insight across the AP function. That's where you come in.

You'll be doing things like:

• Managing and motivating an experienced AP team, making sure the day-to-day runs like clockwork
• Overseeing the full AP cycle, from invoice input through to payment
• Supporting monthly GRNI reviews and intercompany reconciliations
• Training staff, spotting inefficiencies, and tightening up the way procurement and AP interact
• Reporting on KPIs, identifying issues before they become problems, and recommending practical fixes
• Acting as the link between Finance, Procurement and the wider business, ensuring AP adds value, not just transactions

What you'll bring:

This isn't a first-time manager role. You've probably spent a few years running the AP function in a Shared Services Centre, or in a large, multi-management entity business. You've led people, improved systems, and you're confident around reporting, controls, and processes.

What really matters here is your ability to manage, not just the work, but the people doing it. You know how to motivate a team, develop individuals, and get the best out of them. You bring structure, consistency, and clarity, even when priorities shift.

You'll also be someone who enjoys solving problems. Who spots where things don't quite add up and isn't afraid to ask 'why'. And who can bring people with them when change is needed.

Location & Flexibility

The role is based at the office in Teesside. Hybrid working is available, typically 3 days onsite, 2 from home.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• 25 days holiday
• Group private pension scheme
• The chance to make your mark on a key function within a large, stable business

Want to know more before you apply?

No problem. You can apply with your CV, or just drop a message to Natalie at Paul Card Recruitment for a confidential chat, by phone, email or LinkedIn.

This is your chance to take the lead on a function that's ready for someone like you to take it further. Get in touch.