We are seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Manager to join our Southampton or London office.
Reporting to the Group Finance Director, you will be responsible for the end-to-end management, control, and efficiency of the firm’s global Accounts Payable function.
Principal duties
* Oversee daily Accounts Payable operations across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, expenses, and payment runs.
* Manage the firmwide expense reporting system and ensure compliance with policies and tax regulations.
* Act as the escalation point for internal and external queries.
* Implement and enforce robust internal controls to safeguard assets and mitigate fraud risk, especially for high-value international payments.
* Ensure compliance with local and international tax requirements (e.g., VAT, GST, withholding tax).
* Maintain accurate vendor and employee data across all entities.
* Liaise with auditors, providing clear documentation and process explanations.
* Lead, mentor, and develop the AP team, setting goals and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
* Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, drive automation, and optimize ERP functionality.
* Collaborate with Finance Systems to maintain correct system configuration and data integrity.
Professional Qualifications / Skills / Experience
* 5+ years of Accounts Payable experience in a law firm with at least 2 years in a management/supervisory role.
* Proven experience managing Accounts Payable in a multi-entity multicurrency environment.
* Demonstrated experience designing, implementing and enforcing robust internal controls and process improvements.
* Advanced proficiency with major law firm practice management systems (specific knowledge of 3E and Cosine is highly desirable) and Microsoft Excel.
* Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Visio, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook)
* Some system change management experience is desirable.
* Knowledge of offshore financial service regulations or operational experience in one of the firm’s key jurisdictions
Personal characteristics required
* Ability to lead a team, delegate effective and develop talent
* Exceptional precision and accuracy in financial processing and data review
* Strong analytical skills to quickly resolve complex payment, vendor, and compliance discrepancies
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills to liaise with senior stakeholders, legal professionals, and external vendors across different cultures and time zones
* Ability to work under pressure and flexibly when required
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