Job Description
Accounts Payable Manager
Our Story
We are a modern affordable luxury handbag brand, crafting timeless and elegant styles that are made to last. Founded with a vision to do things differently, we create handbags that empower women, are sustainably sourced and ethically made, and give back to those who need it most. These principles guide everything we do. We are committed to driving change, championing equality, and celebrating women. Through our permanent charity initiative, ‘A Bag, A Life’, every purchase funds lifesaving vaccines and medical treatments for children in need, in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages. To date, we have funded over 1,000,000 vaccines. Join us and be part of an award-winning, purpose-driven brand that fosters creativity, collaboration, and meaningful impact within the luxury industry.
The role:
We currently have a new opportunity for an Accounts Payable Manager to join our busy Finance team. The Accounts Payable Manager will be responsible for overseeing the company’s accounts payable function, ensuring timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices, payments, and expense reports. This role leads the AP team, maintains strong internal controls, ensures compliance with company policies and accounting standards, and supports month-end and year-end close activities.
The role will report to the Finance Manager. You will ensure deadlines are met and work is delivered to a high standard, whilst seeking continuous improvement to controls and procedures.
We are looking for a motivated and proactive self-starter who enjoys improving processes and willingly takes on tasks to support the wider team. The successful candidate will bring some management experience, and experience with system implementations or upgrades is highly desirable. As we have recently transitioned to a new ERP system, this experience would be especially valuable in helping us work through ongoing challenges.
Responsibilities:
Accounts Payable Operations
* Oversee daily accounts payable activities, invoice processing including stock invoices by GRV, payment runs, vendor maintenance, and expense reimbursements
* Manage bank balances and accounts - ensuring sufficient currency in each account for payment runs, daily cash receipt management
* Ensure accurate coding, approval, and posting of invoices in accordance with company policies
* Monitor AP aging and resolve discrepancies to ensure timely payments and avoid late fees
* Expense management, manage timely processing of the expenses process and review and act as second-line responder for expenses outside of policy
* Management of the accounts inbox
Vendor Management
* Maintain positive relationships with vendors and respond to enquiries professionally
* Resolve invoice discrepancies, payment issues, and vendor disputes in a timely manner
* Full ownership of creditors listing, including reviewing and managing vendor terms to optimise cash flow
* Request and review monthly statement of accounts for all vendors
Management
* Lead and develop the accounts payable function
* Establish and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve efficiency and accuracy
* Manage Accounts Assistant
Compliance & Internal Controls
* Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and company policies
* Maintain strong internal controls to prevent errors and fraud
* Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and explanations
Reporting & Month-End Close
* Prepare and review accounts payable reports, including aging, unbilled GRV listing and accruals
* Support month-end and year-end close processes
* Reconcile AP sub-ledger to the general ledger
Process Improvement & Systems
* Identify opportunities to improve AP processes through automation and best practices
* Find ways to continuously reduce month end close of ledgers
* Participate in ERP system implementations or upgrades
* Ensure data accuracy within accounting systems
Experience & qualifications required:
* Minimum 4 years of experience with collections, invoicing, and bank.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office applications - with strong Excel skills
* Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar)
* Strong knowledge of accounting principles and AP best practices
* Strong attention to detail with a dedication to accuracy
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with leadership ability
* Ability to analyse large sets of data and work in a fast paced environment, with ability to under pressure
* High degree of familiarity with accounts reconciliation
This role likely isn’t for you if…
* You’re looking for a purely strategic or hands-off role and don’t enjoy being close to the detail. This role blends processing, manual reconciliation, daily bank posting, together with managing the team and evolving the AP processes.
* You’re uncomfortable liaising with external vendors and cross departmental functions.
* If you want a role that is static and repetitive month on month. We are looking for someone who will look for opportunities to change the current process and add real value to a fast moving finance team.