Purchase Ledger Lead | AP Manager & Process Optimizer

Pertemps Black Country Perms; Wednesbury; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Pertemps Black Country Perms is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Manager in the West Midlands to lead the purchase ledger and ensure accurate financial information across the business. You will oversee the AP team, drive timely invoice processing, payments, reconciliations and VAT compliance, and push for process improvements including automation and reporting.

The role requires hands-on leadership, solid knowledge of accruals and intercompany accounting, and proficiency with Xero, Sage

Qualifications

• Experience managing a team within Accounts Payable/Purchase Ledger.
• AAT Level 4 qualification or equivalent; ACCA/CIMA part qualification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of accruals, prepayments, intercompany accounting, VAT and reconciliations.
• Hands-on leadership with front-line management capabilities.
• Proficiency in finance systems (Xero, Sage 200, QuickBooks, Intacct) and advanced Excel (Pivot Tables, Lookups).
• Excellent problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Accounts Payable team and manage workload to meet period deadlines.
• Ensure invoice processing, supplier payments, reconciliations, and query resolution within timeframes.
• Authorize invoices, proper coding, and documentation.
• Manage the purchase ledger, resolve discrepancies and correct cost allocations.
• Review nominal ledger accounts, investigate errors and missing costs.
• Prepare and reconcile accruals, prepayments, control accounts and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Oversee intercompany transactions and ensure balances are reconciled.
• Produce payment runs and maintain financial controls, minimising payment risks.
• Support month-end reporting with cost analysis, journals and reconciliations.
• Identify improvements in processes, automation and reporting.
• Maintain VAT compliance and audit-ready records.
• Coach and support team.

Skills

Team leadership

Purchase Ledger

Excel skills

Problem solving

Education

AAT Level 4

ACCA/CIMA part qualified

Tools

Xero

Sage 200

QuickBooks

Intacct

Job description

Pertemps Black Country Perms is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Manager in the West Midlands to lead the purchase ledger and ensure accurate financial information across the business. You will oversee the AP team, drive timely invoice processing, payments, reconciliations and VAT compliance, and push for process improvements including automation and reporting.

The role requires hands-on leadership, solid knowledge of accruals and intercompany accounting, and proficiency with Xero, Sage