Senior Accounts Payable Specialist

Partou UK; Denton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in the UK is seeking an Accounts Payable Specialist to join their team. This role involves overseeing invoice processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance, and supporting the finance team with audits. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, demonstrable experience in an Accounts Payable role, and proficiency in accounting systems. Join a growing organization committed to quality early years learning, where you can make a positive impact.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in an Accounts Payable role within a medium or large organisation.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end AP processes and VAT requirements.
• High accuracy and attention to detail, delivering quality results to deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily invoice processing and manage shared AP inbox.
• Prepare and review payment runs ensuring compliance.
• Assist with internal and external audits providing data needed.

Skills

Accounts Payable experience

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

AAT qualification or equivalent finance training

Tools

Sage

Xero

SAP

Excel

Job description

A Bit About Us

At Partou, childcare is more than just a job; it’s a journey - one where every child leads us in a unique new direction. As part of the largest childcare group in the Netherlands, we have access to world-leading research, resources, and expertise to help you develop your skills and create a positive impact on the development of the next generation, as they lead us into a better future. With the acquisition of Just Childcare in June 2021 and All About Children in September 2022, Partou UK has become one of the largest childcare providers in the UK. This growth phase brings exciting opportunities, supported by significant investments in quality care and early years learning. With over 1,000 nursery branches worldwide, catering to more than 75,000 children, and a team of 11,000+ dedicated professionals, Partou is a global leader in childcare. Our ambitious expansion plans focus on continuous improvement and growth.

Why The Role Is Important To Us

The Accounts Payable Specialist plays a key role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of supplier invoices and payments across the organisation. As the senior member of the Accounts Payable (AP) team, the postholder provides technical expertise, supports day-to-day operations, and acts as a bridge between the Finance Transactions Manager and the wider AP team. They will drive process improvements, maintain strong financial controls, and ensure compliance with company policies and statutory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Delivery

• Oversee daily invoice processing, ensuring accuracy, correct coding, and adherence to approval policies.
• Manage the shared AP inbox and workflow queues, ensuring timely response to queries.
• Prepare and review payment runs, ensuring accuracy, appropriate authorisation, and fraud controls.
• Maintain supplier master data, ensuring accuracy and completeness of information.
• Process complex or high-value invoices, intercompany transactions, and credit notes.
• Perform regular supplier statement reconciliations, resolving discrepancies promptly.

Financial Control & Month-End Support

• Support month-end close by preparing accruals, reconciliations, and aged creditor reports.
• Ensure VAT and other statutory requirements are correctly applied and recorded.
• Maintain documentation of all AP processes and internal controls.
• Assist with internal and external audits, providing requested data and explanations.

Team Support & Leadership

• Act as first point of contact for AP Administrators, providing day-to-day guidance, training, and support.
• Help allocate workload and monitor productivity to meet processing and payment deadlines.
• Deputise for the AP Manager during absences on operational matters.
• Contribute to team development by sharing best practice and supporting new joiners.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate AP processes.
• Support implementation of new financial systems or workflow tools.
• Ensure strong internal controls and segregation of duties are maintained.
• Produce regular reporting and analysis on AP performance and KPIs.

Supplier & Stakeholder Relationships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to resolve issues and maintain goodwill.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Finance, HR, and Operations to resolve invoice and purchase order discrepancies.
• Ensure supplier onboarding and bank detail verification procedures are followed to prevent fraud.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Essential

• Demonstrable experience in an Accounts Payable role within a medium or large organisation.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end AP processes, purchase-to-pay cycle, and VAT requirements.
• High accuracy and attention to detail, with a focus on delivering quality results to deadlines.
• Proficiency with accounting systems (e.g., Sage, Xero, NetSuite, SAP, or similar) and Excel.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build relationships internally and externally.
• Experience supporting or mentoring junior team members.

Desirable:

• Experience in a multi-site, service-based organisation.
• Knowledge of invoice automation tools or finance system implementations.
• AAT qualification or equivalent finance training.

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Partou is proud to be a part of the National Partnership in Early Learning and Childcare (NPELC) - a group of 10 of the largest childcare providers across England. Together, we operate over 1,300 childcare settings, employ more than 38,000 people, and take care of over 160,000 children.