Accounts Payable Manager — Hybrid, Lead & Optimize

Topps Group; Leicester Forest East; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount

Pension and life assurance

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Topps Group is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Manager to lead our Purchase Ledger function in Leicester. You will drive end-to-end AP processing, manage a high-performing team, and uphold strong financial controls while delivering excellent service to internal stakeholders and suppliers.

Join a growing listed retailer and influence process improvements, governance, and finance transformation initiatives within a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a Purchase Ledger or Accounts Payable function.
• Strong understanding of financial controls and governance.
• Experience managing and developing teams.
• Excellent organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience operating within a high-volume transactional environment.
• Strong ERP systems experience.
• Advanced Excel and reporting skills.
• Desirable experience in retail, FMCG or multi-site settings.
• Experience within a listed company or regulated environment.
• Experience of shared service operations.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics Business Central or similar ERP systems.
• Accounting qualification (AAT, part-qualified ACCA/CIMA or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the Accounts Payable team.
• Set clear objectives and performance standards.
• Build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and customer service.
• Manage resource planning to ensure appropriate service levels are maintained.
• Oversee the end-to-end supplier invoice process from receipt through to payment.
• Ensure accurate coding, approval, posting and matching of supplier invoices.
• Manage supplier statement reconciliations and prompt resolution of queries.
• Ensure payment runs are prepared accurately and in accordance with delegated authorities.
• Monitor aged creditors and outstanding balances.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, policies and procedures.
• Maintain strong segregation of duties across vendor setup, invoice processing and payments.
• Review and approve key transactions and exceptions.
• Support internal and external audit requirements.
• Ensure compliance with VAT and accounting requirements relating to supplier transactions.
• Identify and implement opportunities to automate and streamline processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across Accounts Payable.
• Utilise ERP and workflow systems to improve efficiency and reporting.
• Support finance transformation and system enhancement projects.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Act as an escalation point for complex supplier issues.
• Work closely with Buying, Operations and Finance teams to improve ways of working.
• Ensure a professional and responsive service to the wider business.
• Ensure timely completion of period-end activities.
• Maintain AP-related balance sheet reconciliations.
• Provide reporting and analysis on payment performance, creditor balances and team KPIs.
• Support cash-flow forecasting and working capital management.

Skills

Accounts payable management

Team leadership

ERP systems

Excel & reporting

Stakeholder management

Education

Accounting qualification (AAT, ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics Business Central

Job description

Topps Group is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Manager to lead our Purchase Ledger function in Leicester. You will drive end-to-end AP processing, manage a high-performing team, and uphold strong financial controls while delivering excellent service to internal stakeholders and suppliers.

Join a growing listed retailer and influence process improvements, governance, and finance transformation initiatives within a hybrid working environment.