Accounts Payable Lead

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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