Accounts Payable Lead

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Accounts Payable Lead to join a growing and fast-paced organisation based in Runcorn.

This is a standalone role with significant responsibility and ownership of the accounts payable, purchase ledger and cost control function. You will play a key role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the ledger, while working closely with operational, commercial, purchasing and Quantity Surveying teams.

This is much more than a traditional Accounts Payable position. The successful candidate will bring strong transactional finance experience, commercial awareness and a hands‑on approach to managing supplier accounts, resolving queries and maintaining robust financial controls.

You will also have an important role in supporting ERP development, data cleansing and system implementation, making this an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys both operational finance and business improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the accounts payable and purchase ledger, ensuring accurate and timely processing of cost of sales, agency invoices, supplier invoices and subcontractor applications.
• Maintain a clean and accurate creditors ledger, ensuring suppliers are paid correctly and on time.
• Oversee robust 3‑way matching between Purchase Orders, Goods Received Notes and invoices.
• Act as the key escalation point for complex supplier queries and discrepancies.
• Work closely with operational, purchasing and Quantity Surveying teams to investigate and resolve invoice and supplier queries.
• Review GRNI (Goods Received Not Invoiced) reports and work with internal teams to resolve aged items.
• Complete regular supplier statement reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Take responsibility for Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) compliance, ensuring accurate subcontractor deductions and reporting to HMRC.
• Manage the tracking and release of subcontractor retentions.
• Prepare and validate weekly/monthly payment runs, ensuring payments are aligned with cash‑flow requirements.
• Support effective working capital and cash management.
• Act as a key user and subject matter expert for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• Support data cleansing, supplier migration and wider ERP transformation projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, controls and efficiency across the finance function.
• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

About You

We are looking for an experienced Accounts Payable Lead, Purchase Ledger Manager, Senior Accounts Payable professional or transactional finance specialist who is confident taking ownership of a busy ledger.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience managing a high‑volume account payable, purchase ledger or transactional finance function.
• Experience within construction, infrastructure, engineering, property or a similar project‑based environment would be advantageous.
• Strong understanding of accounts payable processes, reconciliations and financial controls.
• Practical knowledge of 3‑way matching, CIS, domestic reverse charge VAT and subcontractor retentions.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate financial records.
• Excellent problem‑solving and reconciliation skills.
• Strong communication skills, with the confidence to work with operational and commercial teams.
• Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• Previous involvement in ERP implementation, system migration or data cleansing would be highly advantageous.
• AAT qualified or part‑qualified CIMA/ACCA would be desirable, although relevant experience will also be considered.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of a key finance function within a growing organisation.

You will have the autonomy to make a real impact, work closely with senior operational and commercial stakeholders, and play an important part in the development of finance systems and processes.

If you are an experienced finance professional who enjoys accounts payable, cost control, problem solving and process improvement, this could be an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a commercially focused organisation.

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