Job Overview
Are you a strategic finance leader with a passion for operational excellence? Do you thrive in fast‑paced environments where you can transform processes, lead high-performing teams, and drive meaningful change? If so, this could be your next big move. As we continue on our transformation journey, we are looking for an experienced Head of Accounts Payable to manage this function across NHS Wales, in addition to leading both our Salary Sacrifice benefits team and our eEnablement team who support digital process improvements between procurement, accounts payable, suppliers and customers.
This is a pivotal leadership role where you’ll oversee all aspects of supplier payments, process optimisation, compliance, and team development. You’ll be the driving force behind a smooth, efficient, Accounts Payable function that supports our Purchase to Pay efficiency agenda and the development of key relationships with procurement leads.
Main Duties of the Job
You’ll Bring a Blend Of Technical Expertise, Leadership Confidence, And a Proactive Mindset. We’re Looking For Someone Who Is:
* Experienced in leading Accounts Payable teams within a complex, high‑volume environment
* Skilled in process improvement and utilising financial systems and emerging technologies to deliver efficiencies
* A strong communicator who can influence at all levels
* Analytical, detail‑oriented, and both solutions and customer‑focused
* Comfortable navigating change and driving transformation
Main Duties Of The Role
* Lead the full Accounts Payable cycle, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strong financial controls
* Implement best‑practice processes, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives
* Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
* Manage Accounts Payable reporting, KPIs, and month‑end close activities
* Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounts Payable, e-Enablement and Salary Sacrifice Benefits teams to deliver exceptional performance
* Ensure compliance with NHS Wales policies, audit requirements, and regulatory standards
* Drive strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency and support business objectives
* Passionate about developing people and building a positive team culture
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
* Responsible for the strategic, leadership and operational management of the Accounts Payable, eEnablement and Salary Sacrifice teams within NWSSP, leading the management of all non-pay related payments across NHS Wales with a value in excess of £7 billion and working closely with procurement services to ensure the delivery of seamless end‑to‑end procure‑to‑pay processes.
* Deliver and monitor the non-pay payment process across Wales to deliver efficiencies and support the Health Boards, Trusts & Special Health Authorities in achieving the statutory Public Sector Payment Performance target of 95 %.
* Lead on all non-pay related payment protocols across NHS Wales by taking tactical action to apply good governance throughout the procure‑to‑pay process and using data analytics to prioritise areas for service improvement. This may involve the identification of some “quick wins”; developing procure‑to‑pay capability across NHS Wales; spreading best‑practice principles and improving specific areas of systems/processes that relate to non‑pay payments with benchmarking data.
* Lead on service transformation to deliver long‑term strategic objectives utilising increased automation to keep pace with industry standards and changes, including the management and deployment of IT solutions/systems for the procure‑to‑pay process including duplicate payment prevention software, early payment income‑generating software, robotics process automation solutions and artificial intelligence. Investigate other solutions to improve non‑pay such as commercial development, innovation and income generation.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Knowledge – Essential Criteria
* Educated to degree level or equivalent experience
* Post‑graduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA) or demonstrable equivalent experience in Procurement, Accounts Payable, change management, leadership, or service improvement methodologies
* Professional qualification (MCIPS) or equivalent professional Finance qualification
* Evidence of continuing professional development, education, and training at senior management level
* In‑depth professional knowledge in Strategic Procurement, financial management, performance and staff management acquired through experience over an extended period of time
* Expert knowledge of procurement strategy and relevant legislation
* Proven ability to influence strategic thinking of senior health board and trust management
* Knowledge of e‑business systems
* Knowledge of best practice, benchmarking and performance measurement techniques
Qualifications & Knowledge – Desirable Criteria
* Project Management qualifications such as PRINCE2 or other methodology
Experience – Essential Criteria
* Significant experience at a senior level in dealing with complex procurement/finance/ Purchase to Pay initiatives
* Experience of managing contractors, professional and administrative staff and resources to achieve corporate objectives
* Experience of developing and implementing purchase‑to‑pay solutions
* Experience of project planning and ability to meet deadlines
Experience – Desirable Criteria
* Political awareness, displaying a clear understanding of the implications of both national and local agendas and how they can be managed
* Experience of risk management, corporate governance and quality management systems
Skills & Attributes – Essential Criteria
* Creative and dynamic, strong on lateral thinking, bringing fresh ideas and proposing new but risk‑evaluated solutions
* Organisational change management skills
* Excellent communication skills, written and oral, articulate and robust in presenting ideas
* Strong influencing and negotiating skills, a good builder of productive relationships
* Proficient in the use of all Microsoft Office products
* Ability to develop relationships and establish consensus with a variety of key players both within and external to NWSSP
* Ability to access transport (public and/or private) to travel off site for meetings throughout Wales and other parts of the UK
Skills & Attributes – Desirable Criteria
* Welsh Speaker
* Interest in Healthcare
Additional Information
We are committed to flexible working and equal opportunities. To work in the UK, all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland nationals require sponsorship to obtain either a Health and Care visa or a Skilled Worker visa, unless they have permission to work via another route.
Applicant requirements: appropriate UK professional registration and a required Disclosure check for unspent criminal convictions.
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