Accounts Payable Manager - maternity cover

London £45,000 - £55,000 + bonus Fixed-term contract Four days in the office, one day working from anywhere

Cobalt is working with an established workspace and property business to appoint an Accounts Payable Manager on a maternity-cover fixed-term contract.

This is an opportunity to lead a sizeable Accounts Payable team within a multi-site organisation, taking ownership of a high-volume AP function while working closely with senior stakeholders. The role combines day-to-day leadership with the opportunity to improve processes, controls and automation across the function.

The organisation

Our client operates a growing portfolio of locations across the UK and works with a broad range of businesses.

The organisation places an emphasis on the experience it creates for its customers and has continued to invest in its operations, technology and processes as the business has grown.

Based at its central London office, the Accounts Payable Manager will work four days in the office, with one day working from anywhere.

The role and responsibilities

The Accounts Payable Manager will take responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the Accounts Payable function and lead a team of seven.

Reporting initially to the Finance Director and subsequently to the Head of AP, AR and Billing, you will have regular exposure to the senior leadership team and stakeholders across the organisation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading, coaching and developing the Accounts Payable team, including performance management and resource planning.
• Taking ownership of a high-volume AP function across multiple companies.
• Overseeing invoice processing and supplier payments, ensuring transactions are accurate and completed on time.
• Managing a complex purchase order environment and identifying practical improvements to processes, controls and system usage.
• Overseeing quarterly rent and service charge payments across the property portfolio.
• Ensuring supplier reconciliations, open items and unallocated payments are managed effectively.
• Supporting month-end activity, including accruals, prepayments, spend analysis and cash flow reporting.
• Working with senior stakeholders and teams across the organisation to improve adherence to purchase order and Accounts Payable processes.
• Identifying opportunities to improve automation and reduce manual activity within the AP function.
• Maintaining appropriate internal controls and audit trails, while supporting external auditors when required.

The skills and experience needed

This role will suit an experienced Accounts Payable Manager who combines hands‑on AP knowledge with established people management experience.

You will need:

• Strong working knowledge of Accounts Payable operations within a high-volume environment.
• People management experience, with the ability to lead, coach and develop an established AP team.
• Strong working knowledge of complex purchase order processes and systems.
• Working knowledge of SAP within an Accounts Payable environment.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for analysis and financial reporting.
• Experience of maintaining financial controls and resolving payment or supplier issues.
• The ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders and colleagues across different functions.
• Strong analytical, planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience within a multi-site organisation or the property sector would be advantageous.

This is an opportunity for an Accounts Payable Manager to take ownership of an established function while contributing to wider improvements across systems, processes and controls.

If you require any adjustments or additional support during the recruitment process for any reason whatsoever, please let your Cobalt consultant know.

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