Accounts Payable Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Manager to lead a small, busy purchase ledger team in Milton Keynes. The successful candidate will own the end‑to‑end accounts payable function, drive process improvements and maintain strong supplier relationships within a fast‑paced finance environment.

Key responsibilities

• Supervise day‑to‑day activities of the Accounts Payable team, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Oversee processing of supplier invoices, including correct coding, authorisation and system entry.
• Monitor invoice matching against purchase orders and supporting documentation.
• Manage supplier payments, guaranteeing settlements are accurate and within agreed terms.
• Review supplier account reconciliations and resolve queries to maintain ledger integrity.
• Assist with month‑end activities, meeting reconciliation and reporting deadlines.
• Prepare payment forecasts and support cash‑flow planning.
• Analyse supplier spend and produce management information for decision‑making.
• Lead process‑improvement initiatives, including system enhancements and automation projects.
• Monitor team performance against key metrics and provide coaching and development.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to strengthen purchasing and payment processes.
• Ensure compliance with company controls, VAT requirements and expense policies.

Required profile

• Previous experience in an Accounts Payable or Purchase Ledger leadership role.
• Proven ability to manage, train and develop finance team members.
• Strong understanding of end‑to‑end purchase‑to‑pay processes.
• Experience managing supplier reconciliations, payment runs and query resolution.
• Good knowledge of VAT requirements and financial controls.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management abilities.
• Process‑improvement mindset with experience delivering efficiencies.

Required skills

• ERP or integrated finance systems