Accounts Payable Specialist

Crane Company; Leicester; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Crane Company in Leicester is seeking an Accounts Payable Specialist to manage vendor invoices and payments, ensuring accuracy and timeliness across the full AP cycle.

You will validate invoices, perform 2-way/3-way matching, code to GL and cost centers, and collaborate with Procurement and Supply Chain. Strong Excel and SAP FI/AP experience required.

The role supports month-end close, vendor relations, and process improvement, including automation initiatives and audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field.
• 3–5 years of accounts payable or related experience.
• Strong understanding of the accounts payable cycle and matching processes.
• Experience with ERP systems and invoice processing tools.

Responsibilities

• Review, validate, and process high volumes of vendor invoices accurately and efficiently.
• Perform 2-way and 3-way matching (PO, receipt, invoice).
• Ensure accurate coding of invoices (GL, cost centers, approvals).
• Manage invoice workflow queues and follow up on pending approvals.
• Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies (pricing, quantity, missing information).
• Collaborate with Procurement, Supply Chain and internal stakeholders to resolve issues.

Skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Multi-currency

Problem solving

Communication skills

Advanced Excel

SAP FI/AP + Ariba

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ERP systems

SAP FI/AP

Ariba

Job description

The Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices and payments. This role supports the full accounts payable cycle, including invoice validation, discrepancy resolution, and vendor communication, while maintaining compliance with company policies and internal controls.

This position plays a key role in maintaining strong vendor relationships, supporting month-end close activities, and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency across AP processes.

Key Responsibilities

Invoice Processing

• Review, validate, and process high volumes of vendor invoices accurately and efficiently

• Perform 2-way and 3-way matching (purchase order, receipt, invoice)

• Ensure accurate coding of invoices (general ledger, cost centers, approvals)

• Manage invoice workflow queues and follow up on pending approvals

• Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies (pricing, quantity, missing information)

• Collaborate with Procurement, Supply Chain and internal stakeholders to resolve issues

• Follow up on invoices placed on hold to ensure timely resolution

Payment Processing

• Prepare and review payment proposals in the ERP system

• Support weekly and ad-hoc payment runs (BACS, wire & manual payments)

• Ensure all payments are accurate, approved, and processed within deadlines

• Reconcile payment runs and investigate exceptions

Vendor Management

• Respond to vendor inquiries regarding invoice status and payments

• Maintain strong professional relationships with vendors

• Perform vendor statement reconciliations and resolve outstanding items

• Support reporting and provide insights on AP ageing and accruals

• Support month-end close activities, including accruals and balance sheet reconciliations

• Ensure transactions are recorded accurately and in a timely manner

• Identify opportunities to improve processes and increase efficiency

• Support automation and efficiency initiatives across the AP function

• Support audit requests and ensure compliance with company policies and contribute to strengthening AP processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 3–5 years of accounts payable or related experience

• Strong understanding of the accounts payable cycle and matching processes

• Experience with ERP systems and invoice processing tools

Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume environment

• Experience working in a multi-entity or multi-currency environment preferred

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, Lookups, data reconciliation & large dataset analysis)

• Strong SAP experience (FI/AP module), with exposure to Ariba or similar invoice processing/Procure-to-Pay platform

• Strong reconciliation skills and ability to perform variance analysis and investigate discrepancies