Job summary
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Accounts Payable Manager to lead our Accounts Payable function and ensure the delivery of an efficient, value-for-money service that is customer-focused and compliant with Trust policies and statutory requirements. This is a key leadership role within the Finance Department, offering the opportunity to make a real impact on financial governance and operational efficiency.
As Accounts Payable Manager, you will supervise and develop the Accounts Payable team, oversee timely and accurate invoice processing, and ensure compliance with the Better Payment Practice Code (BPPC), and VAT legislation. You will also play a vital role in fraud prevention, internal audit preparation, and driving continuous improvement and automation within the service.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will:
Lead and manage the Accounts Payable team, including staff training, development, and appraisals.
Ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices and achievement of BPPC targets.
Maintain compliance with VAT and CIS regulations and liaise with HMRC as required.
Oversee fraud prevention measures and supplier setup processes.
Manage year-end accounts payable processing and internal audit readiness.
Drive process improvements and automation to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
About us
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services as we invest a further £120m to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Management
To be responsible for the day to day management of the Accounts Payable officers and clerks which includes responsibility for staff training and development, supervision, annual appraisals and objective setting, and including all trust staffing policies are adhered to ..
In conjunction with the Deputy Financial Controller Treasury, support the recruitment of AP staff to ensure adequate and appropriate skills and resources are available, including the recruitment of temporary staff.
To guide and direct Accounts Payable staff in carrying out their responsibilities to ensure that the payment function operates in an efficient and effective manner.
To advise the Deputy Financial Controller of longer term staff or system development needs to ensure the required level of competency and skill is acquired and maintained and the team operate efficiently.
To support and encourage a vigilant approach to prevent fraud, ensuring good processes are maintained for new suppliers or changes to supplier details and that staff complete appropriate cyber security checks and adhere to good practice advice.
Communication
To be responsible for communicating with suppliers, budget holders and staff with regard to complex accounts payable queries e.g. penalties on late payment of invoices.
To be responsible for attending procurement and systems meetings to explain complex accounts payable processes and deadlines.
Analytical and Planning
To be responsible for checking cost centres to ensure that invoices are allocated correctly, liaising with Financial Management colleagues to resolve any queries.
To ensure that legislation relating to payment of invoices, e.g. VAT, is kept up to date and that the relevant information is disseminated to the team.
To plan, manage and co-ordinate the work of Accounts Payable staff which includes the allocating of invoices, ensuring that all work is carried out with professionalism and effectiveness.
To be responsible for the Trust achievement of the Better Payment Practice Code (BPPC) which is reported to the Board monthly and annually to the Department of Health and Social Care. This will include organising the work of Accounts Payable in a way to ensure the prompt settlement of accounts within agreed procedures and ensure that the BPPC target is achieved and early payment discounts are obtained where applicable.
To be responsible for managing the year end accounts payable processing ensuring that invoices are processed and paid in the correct period.
To plan, co-ordinate and control the input of Accounts Payable data into eFinancials and holding responsibility for the housekeeping of information and data in the Accounts Payable module of eFinancials. To be responsible for continuous improvement within Accounts Payable, reviewing processes, and seeking out new opportunities for automation and efficiencies
Job description
Job responsibilities
Management
To be responsible for the day to day management of the Accounts Payable officers and clerks which includes responsibility for staff training and development, supervision, annual appraisals and objective setting, and including all trust staffing policies are adhered to ..
In conjunction with the Deputy Financial Controller Treasury, support the recruitment of AP staff to ensure adequate and appropriate skills and resources are available, including the recruitment of temporary staff.
To guide and direct Accounts Payable staff in carrying out their responsibilities to ensure that the payment function operates in an efficient and effective manner.
To advise the Deputy Financial Controller of longer term staff or system development needs to ensure the required level of competency and skill is acquired and maintained and the team operate efficiently.
To support and encourage a vigilant approach to prevent fraud, ensuring good processes are maintained for new suppliers or changes to supplier details and that staff complete appropriate cyber security checks and adhere to good practice advice.
Communication
To be responsible for communicating with suppliers, budget holders and staff with regard to complex accounts payable queries e.g. penalties on late payment of invoices.
To be responsible for attending procurement and systems meetings to explain complex accounts payable processes and deadlines.
Analytical and Planning
To be responsible for checking cost centres to ensure that invoices are allocated correctly, liaising with Financial Management colleagues to resolve any queries.
To ensure that legislation relating to payment of invoices, e.g. VAT, is kept up to date and that the relevant information is disseminated to the team.
To plan, manage and co-ordinate the work of Accounts Payable staff which includes the allocating of invoices, ensuring that all work is carried out with professionalism and effectiveness.
To be responsible for the Trust achievement of the Better Payment Practice Code (BPPC) which is reported to the Board monthly and annually to the Department of Health and Social Care. This will include organising the work of Accounts Payable in a way to ensure the prompt settlement of accounts within agreed procedures and ensure that the BPPC target is achieved and early payment discounts are obtained where applicable.
To be responsible for managing the year end accounts payable processing ensuring that invoices are processed and paid in the correct period.
To plan, co-ordinate and control the input of Accounts Payable data into eFinancials and holding responsibility for the housekeeping of information and data in the Accounts Payable module of eFinancials. To be responsible for continuous improvement within Accounts Payable, reviewing processes, and seeking out new opportunities for automation and efficiencies
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent training and experience
- Evidence of continuing personal and professional development
Experience
Essential
- Experience of managing a busy administration workload with conflicting priorities
- Experience of operating and maintaining a management information system, database or similar
- Experience of developing and improving administrative procedures and practices
- Experience of using initiative and enthusiasm to problem solve/develop the service with minimum disruption to the office
Desirable
- Experience of year end accounts exercise
- Practical experience of eFinancials
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- In-depth knowledge of Accounts Payable functions including HM Revenue and how the function should perform to deliver a value for money customer focused service
- An understanding of the current challenges being faced by NHS Finance Departments
- Good written and verbal communication skills appropriate for all levels both within and outside the organisation
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent training and experience
- Evidence of continuing personal and professional development
Experience
Essential
- Experience of managing a busy administration workload with conflicting priorities
- Experience of operating and maintaining a management information system, database or similar
- Experience of developing and improving administrative procedures and practices
- Experience of using initiative and enthusiasm to problem solve/develop the service with minimum disruption to the office
Desirable
- Experience of year end accounts exercise
- Practical experience of eFinancials
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- In-depth knowledge of Accounts Payable functions including HM Revenue and how the function should perform to deliver a value for money customer focused service
- An understanding of the current challenges being faced by NHS Finance Departments
- Good written and verbal communication skills appropriate for all levels both within and outside the organisation
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
