Senior Accounts Payable Specialist

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Accounts Payable Specialist to join a highly respected organisation based in Manchester. This role offers you the chance to take ownership of day-to-day accounts payable activities within a high-volume, multi-entity environment, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will make a real impact.

As a Senior Accounts Payable Specialist, you will become an integral member of the finance team responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate processing of all accounts payable transactions. Your day-to-day work will involve managing high volumes of invoices across multiple entities while maintaining excellent communication with suppliers and colleagues alike. You will be trusted to handle sensitive payment matters with care, support junior staff through training initiatives, and uphold rigorous standards of compliance.

Key duties include:

• Oversee the accurate processing of invoices—including purchase order, non-purchase order, and expense claims—ensuring all transactions are completed within agreed service level agreements.
• Manage shared inboxes and workflow systems efficiently, prioritising tasks and responding promptly to supplier queries or payment issues as they arise.
• Resolve complex supplier and payment queries with sensitivity and professionalism, maintaining positive relationships with both internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Handle urgent or time-critical payments by applying appropriate controls and ensuring compliance with company policies at all times.
• Support the Accounts Payable Manager by assisting with operational oversight, including preparing reports, tracking key performance indicators, and identifying areas for process improvement.
• Play an active role in mentoring and supporting junior team members by delivering training sessions, providing guidance on best practices, and fostering a culture of collaboration.
• Ensure strict adherence to internal controls, policies, and audit requirements throughout all accounts payable activities.
• Participate in month-end closing activities such as reconciliations and aged creditor reviews to ensure accuracy of financial records.

To excel as a Senior Accounts Payable Specialist in this organisation, you will bring proven experience from busy finance environments where handling large volumes of transactions is second nature. Your technical proficiency—especially with Excel—will allow you to analyse data efficiently while ensuring every detail is correct. Strong interpersonal skills are essential; you’ll need these when collaborating across departments or resolving supplier queries diplomatically. A natural problem-solver who thrives on supporting others’ development, you’ll enjoy sharing your knowledge with less experienced colleagues.

Key duties include:

• Demonstrated experience working in a high-volume accounts payable environment across multiple entities where accuracy is paramount.
• Advanced Excel skills including proficiency with VLOOKUPs, IF formulas, and data analysis tools that support efficient invoice processing.
• Exceptional attention to detail combined with a commitment to maintaining high levels of accuracy under tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities effectively while delivering results within agreed timeframes.
• Excellent communication skills that enable you to build strong relationships across different teams as well as with external suppliers.
• A proactive approach with a solution-focused mindset that helps resolve issues quickly while minimising disruption.
• Experience using Esker or similar accounts payable automation tools would be advantageous but not essential.
• Familiarity with 'No PO, No Pay' environments or similar policy-driven frameworks is desirable for this position.
• Previous involvement in mentoring or supporting junior team members through training or coaching initiatives is highly valued.

This organisation stands out for its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where every team member’s contribution is valued. With flexible working opportunities designed to support work-life balance alongside generous pension contributions and comprehensive training programmes, employees are empowered to grow their careers at their own pace.

If you are ready to take the next step in your accounts payable career within a supportive team environment that values your expertise—this is your chance!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided; we look forward to receiving your application.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates