Group Accounts Payable Manager

Lanes Group Plc; Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of water and wastewater services in the UK is seeking an experienced Group Accounts Payable Manager to lead a team and ensure efficient AP processes. The role requires strong managerial experience, knowledge of accounting principles, and proficiency in ERP systems. Candidates should possess excellent organizational and problem-solving skills. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing team with a strong mission in maintaining vital water systems.

Qualifications

• Proven managerial experience in accounts payable.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles.
• Proficiency in relevant ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of ~20 in Group Accounts Payable.
• Oversee AP operations across multiple entities and ERP systems.
• Implement and maintain compliance with policies and controls.
• Manage supplier relationships and onboarding.
• Drive automation for efficiency improvements.
• Develop team capability and present AP performance insights.

Skills

Team leadership

Supplier relationship management

Accounting principles

Stakeholder management

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Further qualifications in finance

Tools

SAP

Oracle

NetSuite

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are seeking a highly professional and experienced Group Accounts Payable Manager to lead and oversee the accounts payable function. This pivotal role ensures the integrity, accuracy, and efficiency of all AP processes, while maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

• Lead and manage a team of ~20 in Group Accounts Payable, ensuring timely and accurate invoice and payment processing.
• Oversee AP operations across multiple entities and ERP systems, driving consistency and scalability.
• Implement and maintain robust AP policies, controls, and compliance with audit and regulatory standards.
• Manage supplier relationships, including onboarding, payment terms, and dispute resolution.
• Drive automation and improvements to enhance efficiency and support month/year-end close processes.
• Develop team capability and present AP performance insights to senior leadership. The Lanes Group plc comprises of a range of established service providers subsidiaries, which complement the specialist service of Lanes, by both work type and geography. Increasing our overall capability, assets and offering to our customers.
• Strong experience in a managerial accounts payable role within a corporate or large-scale business environment.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and AP practices.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field is desirable but not essential
• Further qualifications are also desirable but not essential
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and Microsoft Excel.
• A strategic mindset and excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Professional communication style and stakeholder management capabilities.
• At Lanes Group, we're proud to be the UK's largest independent provider of water and wastewater services. Since 1992, we've been helping keep the country's water systems running smoothly - and we're growing fast, thanks to our incredible team of over 4,000 people and our cutting-edge fleet and equipment.