Finance Supervisor

Dickson O'Brien; Knowsley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable finance firm in Knowsley is seeking a Finance Supervisor to lead the finance team and ensure efficient AP and AR operations. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in accounting, leadership skills, and proficiency in SAP. Responsibilities include oversight of financial processes, handling complex queries, and managing balance sheet reconciliations. This full-time role requires a hands-on approach, focusing on accuracy, efficiency, and process improvement.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in AP, AR and general accounting operations, ideally within an SME.
• Proven ability to lead or support a transactional finance team.
• Good understanding of balance sheet reconciliations and the month-end process.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the AP and AR processes to ensure timely processing and appropriate controls.
• Assist with high-level financial reports and KPIs.
• Review reconciliations prepared by team members and resolve outstanding items.

Skills

AP and AR experience

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving ability

Communication skills

SAP experience

Job description

The Finance Supervisor will act as the operational lead for the finance team, overseeing AP, AR and Credit Control activity while providing hands on support where needed. The role is the key link between the Finance Manager and the transactional finance team, helping to maintain accuracy, efficiency and continuous improvement across day-to‑day operations.

This position will also support the Finance Manager with more complex queries, higher level reporting and some responsibility for key balance sheet reconciliations, helping to free up time for more strategic work.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership and Oversight

• Provide day‑to‑day direction, support and guidance to the AP, AR and Credit Control team members.
• Act as the first point of escalation for operational queries from the Accounts Assistants and the Payroll Supervisor.
• Build a positive and supportive team culture focused on accuracy, efficiency and accountability.
• Be able to provide cover across all roles within the transactional finance team when required, ensuring continuity during absence or peak periods.

2. Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Credit Control Oversight

• Oversee the AP and AR processes to ensure timely processing, accurate postings and appropriate controls.
• Monitor credit control activity, ensuring overdue balances are followed up and credit limits are managed.
• Maintain the integrity of supplier and customer ledgers through regular reviews of ageing reports and resolution of discrepancies.

3. Balance Sheet Ownership

• Take responsibility for an agreed set of balance sheet reconciliations.
• Review reconciliations prepared by team members and ensure any outstanding items are resolved promptly.

4. Process Improvement and Controls

• Review and improve finance processes, controls and documentation across AP, AR, banking and credit control.
• Lead initiatives to streamline workflows and reduce manual effort.
• Support system improvements and changes, including any SAP considerations.

5. Support to the Finance Manager

• Assist with high‑level financial reports, KPIs and analysis.
• Handle more complex operational finance queries to reduce day‑to‑day involvement from the Finance Manager.

6. Month‑End and Reporting

• Ensure transactional finance tasks are completed correctly and on time for month‑end.
• Review postings, journals and reconciliations relating to AP, AR and credit control.
• Prepare management information, summaries or dashboards as required.

7. Cross‑Department Collaboration

• Work closely with procurement, sales, customer service and operations to resolve issues and improve processes.
• Provide finance guidance to non‑finance colleagues and support informed decision making.

Skills and Experience Required

• Strong experience in AP, AR and general accounting operations, ideally within an SME.
• Proven ability to lead or support a transactional finance team.
• Good understanding of balance sheet reconciliations and the month‑end process.
• High level of attention to detail with strong analytical and problem‑solving ability.
• Comfortable being hands‑on while retaining oversight of the wider function.
• Confident communicator who can work effectively with both finance and non‑finance teams.
• Experience with SAP is essential.

It's a full‑time role, hours 8:30‑5 Monday‑Thursday and 8:30‑2:30 on Fridays.