Purchase Ledger Team Leader

Inspire Education Group; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider based in Cambridgeshire is seeking a proactive Purchase Ledger Team Leader to oversee all aspects of purchase ledger processing and ensure efficient payment cycles. The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge and leadership skills, along with proficiency in finance software and MS Office. This role offers 30 days' annual leave, a supportive team, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

30 days' annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Enhanced DBS check fully funded

Qualifications

• Experience in a finance role, including purchase ledger and payment management.
• Strong understanding of double entry, VAT basics and financial procedures.
• Ability to manage changing priorities and lead effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Purchase Ledger team.
• Oversee recording and processing of purchases.
• Manage payment runs and maintain financial controls.
• Complete key account reconciliations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Leadership

MS Excel

Education

Level 2 English and Maths

Level 3 qualification in a relevant discipline

Professional qualification such as AAT

Tools

Finance software

Job description

Overview

Inspire Education Group (IEG) is seeking a proactive and highly organised Purchase Ledger Team Leader to oversee all aspects of purchase ledger processing and expenditure recognition across the Group., Reporting to the Senior Financial Accountant, you will take responsibility for the timely and accurate processing of all accounts payable transactions, ensuring efficient payment cycles, full compliance with finance procedures, and excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders., In this role, you will:

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and develop the Purchase Ledger team, allocating workloads to meet the cyclical demands of the academic year.
• Oversee the recording and processing of all purchases across the Group, including new supplier setup, invoice processing and batch posting.
• Manage the production and administration of payment runs, ensuring suppliers are paid on time and in line with ESFA payment requirements.
• Process manual supplier invoices and maintain full financial controls over payment activity.
• Complete key account reconciliations, including bank accounts, and manage month‑end and year‑end close procedures.
• Monitor, tidy and maintain accurate Purchase Ledgers in accordance with KPIs.
• Produce and post monthly journals, maintaining compliance with audit standards and segregation of duties.
• Support and train colleagues in the use of the purchase order system (DOLi).
• Respond promptly to queries received via the accounts payable inbox, delivering high-quality customer service.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities to enhance financial processes and documentation.
• Liaise with auditors, provide requested information and ensure finance procedures remain up to date.
• Support wider finance activities, including enrolments and cross-group events.
• Uphold all finance regulations, policies and safeguarding requirements in line with IEG standards.

This role is ideal for an experienced finance professional with strong technical knowledge, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to lead a high‑performing team within a busy and dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Level 2 English and Maths, and a Level 3 qualification in a relevant discipline.
• A professional qualification such as AAT, or willingness to work towards it.
• Recent experience in a finance role, including purchase ledger and payment management.
• Strong understanding of double entry, VAT basics and core financial procedures.
• Experience delivering innovation and improvement within finance systems.
• Excellent communication, planning and organisational skills.
• The ability to work accurately under pressure, manage changing priorities and lead a team effectively.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity, discretion and commitment to safeguarding and equality.
• Competency in MS Office, particularly Excel and Outlook, and comfort using finance software.
• Experience within an FE environment is desirable but not essential.

Benefits

• 30 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays and discretionary days.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Enhanced DBS check fully funded.
• A supportive, collaborative finance team and opportunities for progression.
• A culture committed to professional development, innovation and continuous improvement.