Accounts Payable Manager | Creative Design Scaleup | London / Hybrid
Harmonic are proud to have been engaged exclusively by a creative design scaleup growing 25% YOY in their search for an AP Manager. Strong people management experience is essential, as well as an individual who thrives in collaborative, fast-paced environment.
The Client
This role joins a business which has experienced 25% year-on-year growth, seeing turnover exceed £70m whilst delivering sustainable products and services. We are looking for an experienced AP professional with excellent managerial and stakeholder management skills, as well as an enthusiastic team-player who loves fast-paced, high volume AP environments.
The business are recognised for their inclusive, down-to-earth culture. With beautifully designed offices in Central London, the team are highly collaborative, enjoy a sociable atmosphere, and regular involvement in design and industry events. They are viewed as highly entrepreneurial and are very reputable in their space.
The Role
This is a great opportunity for an experienced and technically strong Accounts Payable Manager to take ownership of a high-impact role. You'll lead a team of four, bringing structure, consistency, and clarity to the AP function. We're looking for someone who loves team management, and who can be the face of AP for the wider business. Our client is looking for someone who thrives in transactional finance, enjoys managing people, and brings a calm, methodical approach to balancing multiple priorities.
With significant investment planned across systems and processes, you’ll also play a key role in transforming the purchase-to-pay cycle. There is strong appetite for automation and implementation of new processes, including use of AI, moving payment runs from Excel into NetSuite, redesigning the PO process, and introducing smarter, more insightful reporting.
Responsibilities:
* Lead, support, and coach a team of four AP Assistants, encouraging their development and performance
* Establish KPIs for the team, hold regular 1-on-1 meetings, conduct appraisals and performance reviews
* Take full ownership of the Accounts Payable function across multiple entities
* Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy
* Oversee the timely and accurate processing of supplier invoices and execution of payment runs
* Manage the AP month-end close, including ledger reviews and reconciliations
* Monitor supplier accounts, ensuring statement reviews and resolution of aged items
* Collaborate with project and operational teams to ensure accurate PO alignment and approval workflows
* Establish and maintain strong internal controls across all AP procedures
* Prepare and manage cash flow forecasts linked to AP activity
* Oversee staff expenses and ensure corporate credit card transactions are accurately reconciled
* Act as a key point of contact for both internal stakeholders and external suppliers on AP-related queries
* Assist the Finance Manager with audit readiness and contribute to year-end reporting activities
What our client needs to see (essential):
* 5+ years of team management experience (ideally teams of 5+)
* A passion for upskilling and motivating teams
* Strong attention to detail and ability to in high volume environments
* Excellent communication skills, with a proactive and solution-focused mindset
What our client would like to see (non essential):
* Experience using NetSuite
* Exposure to multi-entity businesses
* Experience in product/stock based industry (retail, ecommerce, beauty, fashion, food & beverage, interiors, furniture)
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 + generous bonus + company benefits
Location: Central London / Hybrid (3 days in the office after probation)
Start date: ASAP (can be flexible)
Please feel free to share this with any friends or colleagues who may be interested.
If this looks like a great fit, feel free to email directly - nadine.anderson@harmonicfinance.com
At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.