Accounts Payable Team Leader

Safran; England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company performance bonus scheme

Training and career development

Mobility opportunities

Job summary

Safran UK is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable professional to lead and develop the AP team, delivering high-quality service across the business. The role combines strong financial acumen with people management to drive accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement within the AP function.

You will oversee payroll-related and supplier invoicing processes, manage month-end close, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to optimise working capital and supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• Experience in Accounts Payable roles.
• Proficient with MS Office and ERP systems.
• Strong administration and numerical skills.
• Understanding of the 'purchase to pay' process.
• Accurate data entry and management.
• Significant accounts payable/general accounting experience.
• Analytical skills across numbers and data.
• Knowledge of general accounting procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and develop the Accounts Payable team to deliver accurate processing.
• Ensure timely invoice processing and approvals across currencies.
• Build relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve queries.
• Monitor month-end close and ensure compliance with procedures.
• Recruit and coach AP staff; drive continuous improvement.
• Support integration of new technologies.
• Attend monthly review meetings with Financial Controllers/ Directors.
• Ensure compliance with group accounting procedures.
• Oversee weekly payment runs and supplier reconciliations.

Skills

MS Office proficiency

ERP systems experience

Purchase-to-Pay knowledge

Analytical skills

Data entry accuracy

Team leadership

Education

AAT Accounting Qualification

Tools

SAP

Job description

Safran UK (SUK) is a shared services entity within the Safran Group. We are at the heart of the Group's companies across UK, providing administrative and operational support. By centralising processes and services, we help improve operational efficiency, standardise procedures, and optimise resources throughout the organisation.

We primarily provide financial and administrative support services in areas such as Finance and Purchasing; as well as specialised Human Resources functions and a broad range of expertise areas including HR Management Systems, Talent Acquisition, Central Payroll Account Management, UK Graduate Scheme Management, International Tax & Mobility and Safran University, which is responsible for talent development through training programs and structured learning and career paths.

Using best practices and technological tools, we work closely with Safran Group companies across the UK, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and promoting continuous process improvement - acting as an important contributor to the Group's growth and competitiveness.

• Company performance bonus scheme

• We support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities.

We're looking for an experienced and proactive Accounts Payable professional to join our team and play a key role in delivering a high-quality AP service across the business. You'll combine strong financial and analytical skills with people leadership, supporting and developing the team while driving accuracy, efficiency and continuous improvement. This is a great opportunity to make a real impact, build strong relationships across the business and help shape the future of our Accounts Payable function.

• Assistance for operational teams on economic issues
• Support for calculation of margins on contracts, provisions, etc. for each accounting period
• The responsibilities associated with these roles are:
• oprovide the information needed for operational accounting purposes
• oPeople Management responsibility for Accounts Assistants. Part of the role will be to support, develop and coach members of team with their personal and professional development, ensuring that they are appropriately involved in operational issues and project work as appropriate.
• Ensure the timely and accurate processing of invoices/credits received
• Ensure that non purchase order invoices obtain the necessary level of authorisation.
• Build excellent relationships with Suppliers and internal departments to resolve any queries on a timely basis.
• Reconciling supplier's statements to AP Ledger and GRNI (goods received not invoiced), ensuring all discrepancies are resolved.
• Weekly Payment runs for all currencies are accurate and on time.
• Exhibit positive role model behaviour, ensuring an environment that promotes a professional, open culture, fosters teamwork, flexibility, and enables continuous development of the team.
• Ensure service levels are always a high standard and customer satisfaction is priority.
• Identification of process improvement opportunities and creation of action plans.
• Support the integration of new technologies.
• Face of Accounts Payable service for the Business Unit, including monthly & quarterly review meetings with Financial Controllers/Directors.
• Support with all Accounts Payable recruitment, as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with Group accounting procedures.
• Ensure month end tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Ensure the team comply with all legal, audit and internal control requirements.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

• Attend meetings at other locations is required
• Adhere to all Accounting standards relating to accounts payable.
• Follow strict procedures when dealing with master data and bank details updates to protect the company against fraud.
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably required.
• Undertake any training and development activities at the request of your line manager.
• Represent the company in a professional manner at all times.

Essential

• Demonstrate experience of working within similar Accounts Payable roles.
• Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Previous experience of working with ERP systems.
• Proficient administration, numerical, planning and organizational skills.
• A comprehensive understanding of the 'purchase to pay' process.
• Knowledge of general accounting procedures
• Proficient and accurate in data entry and management
• Significate accounts payable or general accounting experience
• Analytical skills covering written, graphic, numerical & statistical information

Desirable

• Previous experience of working with SAP.
• Previous experience of working within a managerial role.
• Previous experience within a dynamic, responsive, fast paced team.
• Experience of working within a Shared Service Centre environment.
• Implemented new technologies
• Previous project work experience
• Change Management
• Strong coaching and people management skills
• AAT Accounting Qualification