Accounts Payable

Senior Accounts Payable Specialist - 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract
Location: Coventry
Working Pattern: Hybrid - 3 days per week in the office


About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and detail-focused Senior Accounts Payable Specialist to join our Finance team in Coventry on a 12-month fixed-term contract, covering maternity leave.

This is a hands-on role with responsibility for the end-to-end Accounts Payable process across multiple international entities. You will play a key role in ensuring invoices, payments, expenses and reconciliations are processed accurately, efficiently and in line with company policies and regulatory requirements.

The role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with 3 days per week based in our Coventry office.

The role would suit an experienced Accounts Payable professional who is confident working independently, enjoys solving problems and is comfortable taking ownership of processes while working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities
Accounts Payable
Manage the end-to-end Accounts Payable process, from invoice receipt through to processing and payment.
Review and process invoices accurately, including multi-currency invoices across multiple entities.
Manage invoices requiring additional information or approval, following up with relevant stakeholders to ensure timely resolution.
Ensure invoices are correctly coded, allocated and recorded.
Process direct debit transactions and ensure accurate allocation and reconciliation.
Maintain accurate supplier accounts and resolve discrepancies promptly.
Complete supplier statement reconciliations and investigate outstanding items.
Review debit balances and overpayments, taking appropriate action to resolve discrepancies.
Support the timely completion of payment runs, ensuring agreed payment terms are maintained.

Expenses & Corporate Cards
Take ownership of the corporate card process, ensuring information is received promptly and transactions are processed and reconciled accurately.
Manage employee expenses across multiple international locations, ensuring compliance with company policy and relevant VAT and tax requirements.
Monitor expense reporting and identify recurring issues or areas requiring further guidance.
Support the wider business with guidance and education around expenses and policy compliance.

Systems, Data & Controls
Maintain accurate Accounts Payable master data and ensure appropriate controls are maintained.
Monitor supplier records and minimise duplicate accounts.
Work effectively with finance and workflow systems to manage transactions, approvals, queries and reporting.
Support the maintenance and development of invoice processing and automation processes.
Identify opportunities to improve Accounts Payable processes, controls and efficiency.

Month-End
Complete all Accounts Payable month-end activities within agreed deadlines.
Perform relevant reconciliations and ensure the Accounts Payable ledger is accurate.
Investigate and correct discrepancies promptly.
Ensure Accounts Payable balances reconcile appropriately to the wider financial records.
Escalate any unresolved issues to the AP Manager in a timely manner.
Produce and maintain accurate reports to support month-end and wider Finance requirements.
Team Support
Work collaboratively within the Finance team while demonstrating the ability to work independently.
Build strong working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Support the AP Manager with ad-hoc duties and projects as required.
Provide support and oversight to the AP team when the AP Manager is absent.
Assist with business training and guidance relating to Accounts Payable and expenses processes.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the Finance function.

About You
You will ideally have:

3-5+ years' experience in Accounts Payable, ideally within a multi-entity or international environment.
Strong knowledge of Accounts Payable processes, controls and best practice.
Experience with invoice processing, supplier reconciliations, payment runs and month-end activities.
Experience working with multiple currencies and international entities is desirable.
Good understanding of expenses, VAT and relevant regulatory requirements.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach.
Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
Experience using an ERP or finance system.
Previous experience providing support or supervision to colleagues would be advantageous.

Key Attributes
Highly organised with excellent time-management skills.
Comfortable working to tight deadlines and managing competing priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Confident dealing with internal and external stakeholders.
Able to build effective relationships with suppliers and colleagues.
Proactive, reliable and able to use initiative.
Strong team player who is equally comfortable working independently.
Committed to accuracy, process improvement and delivering a high standard of work.