Interim Accounts Payable Manager

We are looking for an independent contractor to work on a project-based assignment as our Interim Accounts Payable Manager (‘AP’). The focus of the assignment is to review the current “as is” process and purchase order system including existing process and control documentation with the aim of refining and improving the end to end purchase to pay pro cess and associated systems.

My client comprises 160 entities with 3 operational entities and 45 bank accounts. The group provides outsourced accounting services across 14 entities. This is a 6-month contract role, based in our Cheltenham office. The successful candidate will work independently, managing their own schedule and project deadlines and deliverables.

Scope of Work and Deliverables

Day-to day accounts payable tasks including,

• Run the day to day P2P (Purchase to Pay activities across multiple accounts payable ledgers
• Work independently with internal teams to ensure integration of systems and processes
• Process invoices
• Prepare payment proposals (bi-monthly & ad hoc) and load BACS, faster and international payments into the relevant bank accounts
• Liaise with suppliers to resolve queries and request copy invoices
• Post employee expense and travel processing and review
• Reconcile company credit card transactions
• Complete weekly bank reconciliations for current, savings & deposit accounts
• Set up new user / supplier master data across the finance systems

Reporting:

• Independently run weekly Yooz & AIQ Accounts Payable reports (incl direct debits)
• Prepare monthly AP ageing reports as part of month end review
• Develop and implement reporting procedures to provide an oversight of the payment process including reconciliations, and management and escalation of failures
• Analyse and interpret all data to understand and report on the theme causing challenges to the process and reporting this to management
• Implement key performance indicators to manage risk

System & process improvements:

• Develop, refine and implement Accounts Payable policies and procedures to improve the internal control framework
• Streamline & document the accounts payable process
• Ensure processes and controls are compliant with financial regulations, company policies, and audit requirements
• Identify inefficiencies across P2P) process, drive automation and process improvements
• Improve automation across P2P and other finance systems

The Accounts Payable Manager is responsible for ensuring the function effectively reports and manages all risks within the operational systems and proactively identifies issues facing the function.

Person requirements

• AAT qualified or a degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• At least 5 years of experience in an accounts payable role, with a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory or managerial position.
• Strong understanding of accounts payable processes, including invoice matching, payment processing, and reconciliation.
• Excellent communication skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Experience in identifying inefficiencies and driving process improvements within the accounts payable function.
• Able to work autonomously with excellent attention to work accuracy.
• Hands on approach to improving system and processes
• Confident with Excel (Pivot tables, VLOOKUPs etc.)

What you need to do now

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