Accounts Payable Team Leader (3 MONTH FTC)

Hello Student Management Limited; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in Birmingham is seeking an Accounts Payable Team Leader for a 3-month fixed-term contract. The successful candidate will oversee the AP function, lead a team, ensure accurate invoice processing, and implement improvements. This role requires strong leadership and analytical skills, along with experience in AP systems and financial processing.

Benefits

25 days holiday entitlement

Birthday off

8% pension contribution

SmartTech scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Service Award Scheme

Competitive salary and benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading an Accounts Payable function.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and motivate the AP team for timely processing.
• Take ownership of the Accounts Payable process with robust controls.
• Ensure accurate posting of invoices and manage payment runs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Leadership

Tools

Microsoft Navision

OCR tools

Business Central

Microsoft Office

Job description

Accounts Payable Team Leader (3 MONTH FTC)

Role Overview:

Are you an experienced Accounts Payable Team Leader looking for your next challenge in a dynamic, fast-paced finance environment? We're seeking an Accounts Payable Team Leader to join our finance team and take ownership of a key function within our growing organisation.

As the AP Team Leader, you'll lead a dedicated team responsible for efficient, accurate invoice and payment processing, while driving process improvements and ensuring strong financial controls are in place. This is a high-impact role with significant visibility across the business - perfect for someone who thrives on responsibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Please note this is a 3 Month FTC.

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Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and motivate the AP team to ensure efficient and timely invoice and payment processing.
• Set strategic goals with senior finance leaders, and inspire the team to meet and exceed them.
• Train and develop team members, building a high-performing and engaged team culture.
• Support the team during the transition to the new accounts package.
• Lead on the implementation and documentation of a robust and effective AP process.

Process & Systems Ownership

• Take full ownership of the Accounts Payable process, ensuring robust financial controls are applied.
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities.
• Become a subject matter expert in AP systems, including Navision and OCR tools, and collaborate with IT to resolve issues quickly.
• Maintain up-to-date process documentation and secure necessary approvals for changes from the CFO and GFC.
• Manage permissions and authorization levels in HSBCnet, ensuring appropriate access and control.

Invoice & Payment Management

• Ensure accurate posting of invoices across all group companies, with correct approvals and account codes.
• Lead weekly payment runs, review for accuracy, and oversee uploads to online banking platforms.
• Maintain supplier ledger health and proactively resolve queries or issues, including supplier engagement where needed.
• Ensure all month-end deadlines are met and lead the AP team through a structured close process.

Banking, Reconciliations & Expenses

• Prepare and review monthly bank reconciliations, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
• Oversee bank journal postings and vendor account reconciliations.
• Manage company prepaid and credit card systems, ensuring compliance with expense policies and timely submission of claims.

Other Key Responsibilities

• Support VAT, CIS, and intercompany reconciliations and returns.
• Assist with external audit queries and ad hoc reporting/analysis.
• Maintain records of company bank accounts and signatories.
• Contribute to the successful implementation of a new PO system and Business Central launch.
• Participate in team meetings and collaborate across departments to ensure smooth financial operations.

What We're Looking For:

Essential

• Proven experience in leading an Accounts Payable function.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Desirable

• Experience with AP technology tools (OCR, PO systems).
• Familiarity with Microsoft Navision (NAV) or Business Central.
• Team management experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of Yardi system (Desirable).

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday entitlement (pro rata for part-time colleagues).
• Have your birthday off!
• 8% pension (7.5% employer / 0.5% employee) contribution.
• SmartTech - get the latest technology and spread the payments over time with no interest or upfront payments.
• Access to Reward Gateway and enjoy discounts with a number of leading retailers.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Service Award Scheme (one day per year up to 5 years' service).
• Competitive salary and a broad range of employee benefits.