Accounts Payable Manager

This is an exciting opportunity to join a rapidly growing organisation and play a key role in shaping a modern, scalable Finance function. The Purchase Ledger Manager will take end‑to‑end ownership of the Group Accounts Payable function, with responsibility for managing all supplier invoicing and payment operations across the group.

The role is suited to a hands‑on accounts payable professional with a strong understanding of core accounts payable processes, controls, and systems, combined with the ability to lead and develop a small team. In addition to managing the day‑to‑day performance of the function, the role will actively drive improvements through the use of automation and AI‑enabled solutions. This includes identifying manual, high‑volume activities suitable for automation, supporting the implementation of AI‑assisted invoice capture, inbox management, workflow approvals, and system‑driven controls, while ensuring audit integrity and financial governance are maintained.

The Accounts Payable Manager will act as both operational owner and change leader, helping to transition the function from manual processing to exception‑based, technology‑enabled working, adding strategic value through efficiency gains, improved controls, and scalable processes that support continued business growth.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Overall ownership of the purchase ledger function across the business.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing of invoices, credit notes and employee expenses.
• Act as primary point of contact for key suppliers with respect to invoicing and payment queries.
• Ensure supplier master data is controlled, accurate, and appropriately authorised.
• Oversee payment runs: Weekly and or urgent ad‑hoc payments.
• Ensure compliance with payment terms and optimise cash outflows where possible
• Design, maintain, and enforce robust AP controls, including:
• Segregation of duties
• Approval matrices
• Audit trails
• Ensure AP processes are fully compliant with Internal financial controls, accounting policies and audit requirements.
• Team Leadership & Development
• Manage, coach, and develop the Purchase Ledger / AP team.
• Allocate workload and ensure clear role ownership within the team.
• Review work for accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and improve AP processes, including:
• Invoice automation
• Workflow approvals
• Supplier onboarding
• Act as AP process owner for finance systems (e.g. ERP, expense platforms).
• Partner with Finance Systems / IT teams on enhancements and implementations. Support performance management, training, and process knowledge uplift
• At Neilson, we’re dedicated to helping families secure financial protection for their loved ones with a range of life insurance options. We have evolved from our origins in the UK, where the business was launched in 2012, to become an award-winning international operation and leader in the global life insurance market. Today, we have offices in the USA, Canada, Ireland, and Australia.
  

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in a Purchase Ledger / Accounts Payable function, typically at senior or supervisory level
• Practical experience using an ERP / finance system (e.g. Oracle, NetSuite, SAP, Dynamics).
• Previous experience in handling purchase ledger operations within a Global multiple legal entity structure
• Strong analytical and data organisation skills
• Competency in using Microsoft Office products (word and excel)
• Clear understanding of segregation of duties and control frameworks
• Previous involvement in system implementations or invoice automation tools
• Ability to act as process owner for AP automation initiatives.
• Naturally inquisitive about new finance technology and the use of AI in AP.
• Proactive in bringing improvement ideas forward rather than waiting for central initiatives.
• The aptitude to collaborate with and co-ordinate people
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• A positive attitude and “can do” approach to all aspects of the role – solution focused
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal