Purchase Ledger Controller

SF Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Purchase Ledger Controller to oversee the accounts payable function, ensuring accurate and timely payments to suppliers. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with Sage 200 (or Sage 50) and a solid background in managing purchase ledgers, ideally within the education sector. This role is a temporary-to-permanent opportunity based in Coventry.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a purchase ledger or accounts payable role.
• Strong knowledge of Sage 200 or Sage 50.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Experience in purchase ledger

Knowledge of Sage 200 or Sage 50

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Excel proficiency

Education

AAT Level 3 or higher

Tools

Sage 200

Sage 50

Microsoft Excel

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.

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 Arrangements

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