Accounts Payable Team Leader

Safran; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Company performance bonus scheme

Pension scheme - up to 10% employer

Private medical insurance

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Training and career development

Job summary

Safran UK in Gloucester seeks an experienced Accounts Payable Team Lead to own the day-to-day AP function, leading the team to deliver accurate and compliant processing. You will collaborate with Financial Controllers and Directors to provide timely financial information and drive improvements.

The role focuses on building strong supplier relationships, supporting month-end activities, and implementing new technologies to enhance service levels across the business unit.

Qualifications

• Experience in accounts payable roles.
• Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Experience with ERP systems.
• Understanding of the 'purchase to pay' process.
• Accurate data entry and management.
• Knowledge of general accounting procedures.
• Analytical skills across written, numerical and statistical data.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the Accounts Payable team.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of invoices and credit notes.
• Manage supplier reconciliations and multi-currency payments.
• Oversee month-end activities and provide financial information.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Identify process improvements and support new technologies.
• Ensure compliance with group policies and internal controls.
• Maintain secure supplier master data and bank details.

Skills

Accounts Payable experience

MS Office

ERP systems

Data entry

Numerical skills

Organizational skills

Purchase to Pay

General accounting

Analytical skills

Education

AAT Accounting Qualification

Tools

SAP

Job description

Accounts Payable Team Lead
Gloucester
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.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Accounts Payable professional to join our team as an Accounts Payable Team Leader. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of the day-to-day AP function, deliver a high-quality service across the business and play a key role in driving operational excellence. Combining strong financial and analytical skills with effective people leadership, you will lead, support and develop the Accounts Payable team, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and compliance across all activities. You will build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders, identify opportunities for process improvement and support the introduction of new technologies to enhance the service we deliver. As the key point of contact for Accounts Payable within the business unit, you will work closely with operational teams, Financial Controllers and Directors to provide accurate financial information, support business decision-making and help shape the future of the Accounts Payable function.

Key Responsibilities

• * Lead, coach and develop the Accounts Payable team, supporting performance, engagement and professional growth.
• * Ensure accurate and timely processing of invoices, credit notes, supplier reconciliations and multi-currency payments.
• * Oversee month-end activities and support operational teams with financial information, contract margins and provisions.
• * Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders, resolving queries promptly and maintaining high service standards.
• * Act as the key contact for Accounts Payable within the business unit, including regular reviews with Financial Controllers and Directors.
• * Identify and implement process improvements, supporting the introduction of new technologies.
• * Ensure compliance with Group accounting policies, accounting standards, audit requirements and internal controls.
• * Maintain secure supplier master data and bank details processes to protect against fraud.

Looking after the people who make Safran great is our priority.

We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you, both in and out of work, including:

• * Competitive salary
• * Company performance bonus scheme
• * Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution
• * Private medical insurance
• * 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• * We support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities.

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