Accounts Payable Team Leader

Hays Accounts and Finance • Permanent • Darlington, Darlington, England, United Kingdom • £33k / year • 1h ago

Your new company
This large UK operation has a need for an experienced Accounts Payable Team Leader to join their busy AP function, within the Darlington HQ.

Your new role

The Accounts Payable Team Leader plays a key role in the day-to-day functioning of the AP team, with responsibility for ensuring that all processes are completed accurately, efficiently, and on time - whilst reporting non-compliance issues and work slippage to the Financial Controller. While much of the work is similar to that of an AP Clerk, the Team Leader takes on additional responsibility for ensuring everything is running smoothly - maintaining clean ledgers, proactively managing workloads, and acting as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders and suppliers.This is a hands-on, supportive role that combines task coordination with problem-solving and team guidance. The Team Leader is expected to monitor operational areas such as the query log, AP inbox, and supplier holds, reallocating resources as needed to prevent issues from escalating. They are also responsible for addressing more complex supplier queries, assisting the team with prioritisation, and liaising with the Financial Controller on higher-level matters-although final responsibility for these may not rest solely with them.Overall, the AP Team Leader ensures the smooth running of the AP function by maintaining oversight, supporting team members, and stepping in to resolve issues where necessary, providing a crucial link between the AP team, suppliers, and internal departments.
Key ResponsibilitiesAccounts Payable Tasks

Process, match, and make payments for purchase invoices, ensuring accuracy and timeliness throughout.
Reconcile supplier statements and accounts to maintain accuracy and resolve discrepancies - and ensure all of the team are completing these in a consistent and timely manner as a proven and upheld control within the department.
Ensure all purchase ledger transactions are completed ahead of ledger close to support month-end reporting requirements.
Process all financial transactions in strict adherence to established financial controls.
Monitor open purchase orders, liaising with site leads to close orders as appropriate.
Support the onboarding of new suppliers, ensuring due diligence checks are completed and approvals obtained.
Monitor ledger cleanliness, proactively addressing outstanding items and reallocating resources to manage backlogs.
Undertake other ad-hoc duties as required by the line manager.

Monitoring & System Management

Oversee the Accounts Payable inbox(s), ensuring all correspondence is responded to promptly.
Oversee system management tasks such as assigning user access, delivering training, and maintaining up-to-date query logs.
Responsibility for reporting on aged items in the Query log and ensuring the AP team have done their part in chasing items to be cleared before they cause suppliers to go on stop, and escalating if no responses are received.
Maintain an understanding of the risks and implications associated with the role, taking appropriate action to mitigate potential consequences.

Team Support

Act as the go-to person within the AP team, providing guidance, assisting with prioritisation, and supporting team members with troubleshooting.
Support FC with feedback to help with staff appraisal and development activities, including one-to-one performance discussions and identified training opportunities to support continuous improvement.

Reporting to Financial Controller

Liaise with the Financial Controller on higher-level issues such as process improvements, significant discrepancies, and system changes, escalating matters as appropriate.
Provide financial support to other departments, including preparing bespoke financial reports as required.

Supplier & Internal Communication

Act as a primary contact for suppliers, managing queries professionally and efficiently.
Manage supplier holds and coordinate with Procurement to resolve issues and update supplier status on WAP/Sage systems.
Take ownership of complex or sensitive supplier queries, ensuring issues are resolved swiftly and professionally.
Serve as the main point of contact for internal departments (e.g. Procurement, Operations, Finance) and suppliers, ensuring clear and effective communication.

What you'll need to succeed

2+ years' experience as an Accounts Payable Team Leader: Prior leadership in accounts payable is crucial, ensuring familiarity with processes, team management, and supplier relations.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team: Flexibility and adaptability are key for supporting both colleagues and business operations.
Ability to work quickly and accurately with excellent attention to detail: Precision is vital in accounts payable to avoid errors and ensure efficient processing of invoices and payments.
Relationship-building with suppliers and operational staff: Strong interpersonal skills facilitate effective communication and problem-solving with both internal departments and external partners.
Sage 200 Experience: Familiarity with Sage 200 is highly valuable for managing financial transactions and supplier records efficiently.
AAT Qualifications: Professional accounting qualifications provide a recognised standard of expertise and awareness for how this role fits within the rest of the Finance function, but are not essential.
Systems: Experience with Accounts Payable systems are beneficial as we look to transition from manual processes to technology-based solutions, aiming to enhance efficiency and collaboration with operational teams.

What you'll get in return
An attractive salary and benefits package is offered along with free on-site parking.
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.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)

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