Accounts Payable Manager

My client are a leading British fashion retailer, based in West London. With over 70 stores worldwide, this is an exciting time to join a growing team, within a very well- established business. 

Purpose:

As the AP/AR Manager, you will manage an Accounts Payable team of five and one Accounts Receivable Assistant within a busy finance department to ensure prompt processing of all documents and delivery of associated activities. You will motivate the team to perform their roles to the best of their ability. You will liaise with key departmental heads and ensure key suppliers are paid in a timely manner. Maintaining good relationships with suppliers.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Manage AP team of five and one AR Assistant, train and evaluate to enhance performance and development needs.
• To be the SAP lead on accounts payable and receivable processes and issues resolution.
• Ensure accurate inputting and matching of invoices to POs in SAP in accordance with company procedures.
• To ensure accurate coding of all purchase invoices passing through the business.
• Ensure payment delegation limits and approvals are adhered to.
• To review all payment runs prior to any payments being made.
• To ensure accurate invoice creation based on commercial terms and supply.
• Ensure timely collections from customers.
• Control and posting and allocation of all manual payments made.
• To ensure the team performs timely supplier and customers reconciliations for key accounts.
• Monitor clearing accounts and debit/credit balances.
• Manages closing of financial records for month end – Year end and running reports.
• Recommending AP and AR process improvements and change.
• To provide cover for team members as needed.
• Review and manage KPI’s on monthly/quarterly basis – identifying any areas for improvement and working on implementing change to improve these.
• Keep SAP updated by opening supplier and customer accounts in line with internal processes and controls, and closure of accounts that are inactive for a period of time.
• Conduct interim appraisals with each team member within agreed timetable.
• Other duties as required.

The Person:

• Ability to work under conditions of pressure and adjust to urgent situations
• Experience in managing a team to deliver high performance
• Experience in a retail environment is preferred
• Able to work under a pressurised environment
• Ability to lead a team and motivate others to exceed expectations
• Vibrant personality
• Adaptable and positive attitude
• Ability to learn quickly to deliver
• Exacting attention to detail
• Exceptional organisation and communication skills

Essential Skills:

• Experience in the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable Functions of a mid to large business (£50m+) is preferred
• Ability to review processes and implement positive change
• Experience in managing fixed assets is preferred

Functional Competencies:

• Working knowledge on SAP system
• Proficient in the use of Excel spreadsheets

Direct Reports:

• Five direct reports including, Accounts payable assistants for Stock, Properties, UK and International and Accounts Receivable Assistant

Key Relationships:

• Internal: Wider finance function, department heads / External: Suppliers and Customers

Reed Specialist Recruitment Limited is an employment agency and employment business