Accounts Payable Team Leader – Contract Role

Location: Gloucestershire
Contract: 9 months (with strong potential for extension or permanent opportunity)
Rate: £20 per hour (PAYE)

Are you an experienced Accounts Payable professional with a strong background in UK finance operations? Do you have a passion for leading, mentoring, and developing teams? This is your chance to join a well-established organisation on a 9-month contract, with genuine prospects for extension or a permanent role.

We’re looking for someone who’s not only detail-oriented and highly organised but also confident taking the lead, improving processes, and driving results within a dynamic team environment.

Key Responsibilities

 Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and mentor a small team of Accounts Assistants.
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Support team development and progression, encouraging learning and ownership.
• Act as the go-to person for operational queries within AP and related functions.

Accounts Payable Operations

• Manage the end-to-end UK Accounts Payable process, ensuring accurate and timely invoice/credit processing.
• Oversee supplier statement reconciliations, AP Ledger management, and GRNI clearing.
• Coordinate weekly payment runs across multiple currencies, ensuring compliance with deadlines.
• Liaise effectively with suppliers and internal departments to resolve queries and build strong relationships.
• Ensure adherence to legal, audit, and internal control requirements.

 Operational & Financial Support

• Provide financial data to support operational accounting and margin analysis.
• Ensure compliance with internal and Group-level accounting procedures.
• Support audit processes and month-end closing activities.

Process Improvement & Tech Integration

• Lead initiatives to streamline processes and improve system efficiency.
• Collaborate with finance leadership on automation and tech enhancements.
• Drive regular review meetings with Financial Controllers and Directors.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Proven UK experience in Accounts Payable or general accounting roles.
• Prior leadership, team management, or mentoring experience.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP systems (SAP experience desirable).
• Confident with Excel, data analysis, and reporting.
• Knowledge of purchase-to-pay and end-to-end AP lifecycle.
• Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and accuracy.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement.

Desirable:

• Experience in Shared Service Centre or fast-paced finance environments.
• Exposure to process automation or finance technology integration.
• AAT or similar accounting qualification.