Purchase Ledger Controller

SF Recruitment; Coventry; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-regarded organisation in the education sector in Coventry is seeking an experienced Purchase Ledger Controller to manage the accounts payable function. You will ensure timely payments and accurate records while maintaining compliance with internal controls. The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of related experience and a strong working knowledge of Sage 200 or Sage 50. This is a temporary-to-permanent opportunity, offering standard working hours.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in a purchase ledger or accounts payable role.
• Strong working knowledge of Sage 200 (or Sage 50).
• Excellent attention to detail, with high levels of accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the purchase ledger function.
• Liaise with internal budget holders to validate expenditure.
• Monitor and reconcile supplier statements.
• Ensure timely and accurate supplier payments via BACS.

Skills

Sage 200

Microsoft Excel

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

AAT Level 3 or higher

Job description

Overview

A well-regarded organisation within the education sector, based in Coventry are looking for an experienced Purchase Ledger Controller to take ownership of the accounts payable function, ensuring that our suppliers are paid accurately and on time, and that all expenditure is properly recorded and controlled.

Role Overview

The Purchase Ledger Controller will be responsible for managing the full purchase ledger cycle, with a particular focus on accuracy, compliance, and reporting. Experience using Sage 200 (or Sage 50) and prior experience in the education sector is desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the purchase ledger function, ensuring efficient processing of all supplier invoices.
• Accurately enter, match, and code invoices using Sage 200 (or Sage 50).
• Liaise with internal budget holders and departments to validate expenditure against purchase orders.
• Monitor and reconcile supplier statements, resolving any discrepancies quickly.
• Ensure timely and accurate supplier payments via BACS.
• Manage the aged creditors ledger, ensuring old balances and disputes are followed up and resolved.
• Maintain accurate and complete supplier records, in line with internal controls and audit requirements.
• Support internal and external audits, especially where public or government funding is involved.
• Assist with monthly reporting and accruals preparation.
• Suggest and help implement improvements in purchase ledger processes and systems.

Requirements

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in a purchase ledger or accounts payable role.
• Strong working knowledge of Sage 200 (or Sage 50).
• AAT Level 3 or higher, or equivalent accounting qualification.
• Excellent attention to detail, with high levels of accuracy.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables).
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

Desirable

• Experience working within the education sector, ideally in a school, college, academy trust, or university environment.
• Experience supporting external audit processes in a public or regulated environment.

Working hours are 8.30am - 4.30pm with 1 hour for lunch. This is a temporary - permanent opportunity.