Accounts Payable Manager
An international professional services business is seeking to recruit an experienced AP Manager to be based in either their Southampton or London office.
Role Purpose
Responsible for the end-to-end management, control, and efficiency of the firm’s global Accounts Payable function. This role requires a detail-oriented leader with expertise in multi-currency legal invoice processing, expense management, and compliance with international tax legislation (VAT/GST).
Reports to: Group Finance Director
Principal Duties
Oversee daily operations of the Accounts Payable department across all jurisdictions, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, expenses, disbursements, and payment runs.
Manage the firm-wide expense reporting system, ensuring employee reimbursements comply with firm policies and tax regulations.
Act as the escalation point for internal and external AP queries.
Establish, implement, and enforce internal controls to safeguard assets and mitigate fraud risk, particularly in multi-jurisdictional wire payments.
Ensure compliance with local and international tax regulations (VAT, GST, withholding tax, offshore requirements).
Maintain vendor and employee data accuracy, ensuring proper vetting and authorization across all entities.
Serve as the primary contact for external and internal auditors, providing documentation and explanations of AP processes and controls.
Supervise, mentor, and develop the AP team, setting performance goals, conducting reviews, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, drive automation, and optimize ERP functionality for efficiency and accuracy.
Collaborate with the Finance Systems team to ensure proper configuration and data integrity
Experience & Skills
5+ years of Accounts Payable experience in a law firm, including 2+ years in a management/supervisory role.
Proven experience managing AP in a multi-entity, multi-currency environment.
Strong track record in designing, implementing, and enforcing internal controls and process improvements.
Advanced proficiency with law firm practice management systems (3E and Cosine highly desirable) and Microsoft Excel.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Visio, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook).
Experience with system change management is desirable.
Knowledge of offshore financial service regulations or operational experience in key jurisdictions.
Personal Characteristics
Strong leadership skills with the ability to delegate effectively and develop talent.
Exceptional precision and accuracy in financial processing and data review.
Analytical mindset to resolve complex payment, vendor, and compliance discrepancies quickly.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for liaising with senior stakeholders, legal professionals, and vendors across cultures and time zones.
Ability to work under pressure and adapt flexibly to changing demands.
This is a great opportunity to join a leader in it’s field, please do apply for more information.
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