Head of Accounts Payable
Derbyshire - Hybrid Role (Initially 3 days office based & 2 days home)
Competitive salary, car allowance and benefits package
Eaton Syalon are delighted to be partnering exclusively with a highly successful business in Derbyshire to recruit a Head of Accounts Payable. This is a key leadership opportunity for an experienced Accounts Payable professional to lead the Accounts Payable function, driving operational excellence, governance, and transformation initiatives within a complex, fast-paced environment. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and transform a large-scale Accounts Payable function within a PLC environment.
This pivotal role will suit a senior finance leader with extensive Accounts Payable and Procure-to-Pay experience, who is passionate about continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and developing high-performing teams.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide leadership, direction, and development support to the Accounts Payable team
Support talent development and succession planning initiatives across the function
Ensure all Accounts Payable activities operate in line with internal policies, audit requirements, and regulatory compliance standards including VAT, CIS, and RCT
Maintain oversight of legislative and regulatory changes, including IR35, to minimise business risk and ensure ongoing compliance
Serve as the key Accounts Payable contact for audit activity, control reviews, and governance-related matters
Oversee the full procure-to-pay (P2P) process in partnership with Procurement and wider finance teams
Manage core Accounts Payable operations including invoice processing, supplier payments, master data maintenance, and query management
Ensure the accurate and efficient processing of high-volume transactions across multiple entities within agreed service levels
Track and analyse operational KPIs to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and service delivery
Maintain effective operational controls across a large and complex supplier network
Work collaboratively with Treasury, Credit, and Financial Control teams to support cash flow management and working capital objectives
Oversee payment scheduling processes and ensure critical supplier payments are managed effectively
Contribute towards departmental budgeting and cost management objectives
Maintain and strengthen the Accounts Payable control environment, ensuring audit actions and control improvements are implemented where necessary
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with senior stakeholders across Finance, Procurement, Business Services, and operational teams
Manage supplier relationships and escalations effectively, ensuring professional communication and adherence to agreed payment practices
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to enhance supplier onboarding processes, payment term strategies, and dispute management procedures
Support and lead system enhancement projects, implementations, and automation initiatives within the Accounts Payable function
Drive process standardisation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and consistency
Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across the wider finance function
Identify and implement opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen controls, and improve overall service performance
Candidate Profile:
Significant senior-level Accounts Payable leadership experience within a large, complex organisation (FTSE, PLC, or equivalent is essential)
Proven experience managing large-scale or shared service Accounts Payable teams is essential
Strong understanding of Procure-to-Pay processes, financial controls, and audit requirements
Working knowledge of CIS and/or RCT deductions within the P2P cycle is desirable
Experienced in driving change, process improvement, and finance transformation initiatives
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Strong analytical mindset with a focus on risk mitigation and continuous improvement
Compassionate and inspiring leadership style with a passion for developing high-performing teams
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