Accounts Payable Lead

4785941
  • Job type

    Permanent
  • Location

    Wandsworth
  • Working Pattern

    Full-time
  • Specialism

    Part Qualified Accountant
  • Industry

    Advertising, Media and PR
  • Pay

    £45k - £50k + discretionary bonus

Accounts Payable Specialist opportunity in SW London with a dynamic and fast-growing company

Your new company

A dynamic and award-winning creative agency with exciting plans to grow in headcount by 20% in the next couple of months.

Your new role

Reporting to the Finance Director, the Accounts Payable Specialist will be a detail-driven professional responsible for overseeing the Accounts Payable function, whilst implementing processes and structure.

Accounts Payable Operations
  • Lead and oversee the Accounts Payable function, ensuring strong controls, compliance and best practice (including line management as required).
  • Own AP policies, procedures and process improvements to drive efficiency and reduce risk.
  • A hands‑on role in day-to-day AP activity, including PO, invoice and receipt matching.
  • Authorise and oversee supplier payments (UK & international), ensuring accuracy, security and timely settlement.
  • Reconcile expense card activity and ensure employee expenses are accurately recorded and approved.
  • Monitor payables‑related cash flow, supporting working capital and payment planning.
  • Act as the main point of contact for supplier finance queries, resolving issues collaboratively with internal teams.
  • Drive AP automation and system enhancements using Procim, Xero and related tools.
Reporting & Reconciliations
  • Complete monthly AP reconciliations and resolve discrepancies promptly.
  • Prepare AP reporting, analysis and aged creditor reviews.
  • Support month‑end and year‑end close with accurate AP data and insights.
  • Provide ad‑hoc reporting and analysis to the Finance Director and wider finance team.
Compliance & Risk
  • Identify and mitigate AP and procurement risks, escalating issues where necessary.
  • Ensure secure payment practices are followed, including bank detail verification and segregation of duties.
  • Lead audit preparation for AP and respond to auditor queries.
  • Stay up to date on financial regulations, VAT considerations and payment security best practice.

What you'll need to succeed

  • Demonstrated experience in a senior Accounts Payable position, ideally with prior team leadership exposure and within a fast‑paced, creative or events‑driven environment.
  • Professional accounting qualification (such as AAT, ACCA, CIMA or CPA) is advantageous.
  • Strong working knowledge of financial regulations, tax requirements and compliance standards relevant to Accounts Payable.
  • Solid understanding of supplier contracts, terms, conditions and procurement compliance.
  • Experience using AP automation tools and finance systems; familiarity with Procim and Xero would be beneficial but is not essential.
  • Strong Excel capability, with the confidence to work with financial data, reports and reconciliations.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, able to identify discrepancies and drive process improvements.
  • Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • A collaborative approach with the ability to work independently and take ownership when required.

What you'll get in return

  • Competitive salary

  • Discretionary bonus

  • Hybrid and flexible working (4 days in the office – with discussion for 3 days)

  • 27 days holiday + bank holidays (rising each year capped at 30)

  • An energetic and collaborative culture

  • Fitness membership

  • Company discounts and perks

  • Company social events

  • Travel opportunities

What you need to do now


If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Apply for this job

Talk to Melody Rossell, the specialist consultant managing this position

Located in Guildford, 2000 Cathedral Square, Cathedral HillTelephone 03330104727
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