About the Role
We are seeking a detail-focused Accounts Payable Officer to support the delivery of an efficient, customer-centred financial processing service. The role involves working with SAP to process purchase order invoices, non-order payments, and a variety of financial transactions accurately and within strict deadlines.
The successful candidate will play a vital part in maintaining financial controls, supporting the Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process, resolving supplier queries, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. This position is ideal for someone with strong numeracy skills, excellent organisational ability and a commitment to delivering high-quality transactional services.
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Key Responsibilities
Accounts Payable Processing
* Process invoices, credits, certificates, non-order payments, consolidated uploads, staff expenses, and emergency UK/foreign payments accurately and on time.
* Ensure all transactions comply with financial regulations, internal controls and Contract Standing Orders (CSOs).
* Assess and correctly apply VAT rules and CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) deductions.
* Use duplicate/erroneous payment software to identify and prevent incorrect payments and make necessary amendments to the financial database.
Supplier & Stakeholder Engagement
* Build and maintain positive relationships with vendors by reconciling statements, resolving discrepancies, and addressing queries promptly.
* Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to secure goods receipt notes and approvals required for invoice processing.
* Promote best practice in P2P processes, supporting colleagues to follow correct procedures.
Data Management & Administration
* Update and maintain IT systems, spreadsheets and databases, ensuring data quality and accuracy.
* Utilise reports and workflows within SAP to manage work efficiently.
* Undertake general administrative duties including telephone communication, mail handling and document processing.
* Pursue outstanding debts as required.
Customer Service & Governance
* Champion excellent customer service and provide a business-friendly financial support function.
* Ensure confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive financial information.
* Support organisational compliance with financial controls, anti-fraud measures and relevant policies.
* Demonstrate environmental and social responsibility by minimising waste, reusing resources and making sustainable choices.
Corporate Responsibilities
* Contribute to the delivery of the Council Plan and organisational values.
* Participate actively in team meetings, training, performance management and continuous improvement activities.
* Uphold equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practices in all aspects of work.
* Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and internal safety standards.
Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Qualifications & Training
Desirable:
* AAT or similar business-related qualification.
* Knowledge of anti-fraud practices and prevention techniques.
* Understanding of CIS, IR35 and VAT regulations.
* Evidence of ongoing professional development.
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Experience
Essential:
* Proven experience in accounts payable or a similar financial processing role.
* Data entry experience within a finance environment (SAP knowledge desirable but not essential).
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Skills & Abilities
Essential:
* Strong verbal and written communication skills, clear and jargon-free.
* Good numeracy skills with the ability to calculate, check and interpret figures.
* Excellent organisational and time-management abilities with the capacity to prioritise work.
* Ability to work independently, use initiative and solve problems effectively.
* Confident IT skills with competency in Microsoft Office and financial systems.
* Ability to work well within a team and contribute to team objectives.
* High attention to detail, accuracy and methodical working approach.
* Ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
* Good understanding of VAT, IR35 and CIS regulations.
* Ability to interpret policies, procedures and quality standards relevant to transactional finance work.
* Strong relationship-building skills with internal colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders.
Desirable:
* Ability to identify and suggest improvements to processes or systems.
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Additional Working Requirements
* Ability to work in a hybrid environment according to service needs.
* Willingness to adapt to changing priorities within the organisation.
Benefits
Why Join?
* Play a key role in ensuring accurate and compliant financial processes.
* Work within a supportive and collaborative finance team.
* Opportunities for professional development and gaining experience with SAP and local government finance.
* Hybrid working arrangements supporting work-life balance.
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How to Apply
If you are organised, detail-driven and confident in managing financial processes, click ‘Apply Now’ or submit your CV directly to: