Accounts Payable Manager - Fortnum & Mason : Job Details

Job Title - Accounts Payable Manager

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Accounts Payable Manager to oversee both stock and non-stock accounts payable operations. This is a key role within the finance team, responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient management of all accounts payable processes across the organisation. The ideal candidate will be a strong leader with a track record of driving process improvements and enhancing efficiency within accounts payable functions.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead and develop the accounts payable teams for both stock and non-stock transactions.

• Allocate resources effectively to ensure optimal team performance.

• Conduct performance reviews, provide training, and foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

• Serving as an effective point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders.

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of accounts payable processes.

• Drive automation and continuous improvement initiatives to streamline workflows.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Establish and track KPIs, performance metrics, and benchmarks for the accounts payable function.

• Monitor supplier ageing, GRNI, and outstanding liabilities, allocating resources to resolve balances within targeted timeframes.

• Manage invoice accruals by enhancing controls in invoice registration, PO receipts and general accrual accuracy.

• Oversee GRNI balance sheet for stock and non stock

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including Finance, Procurement, Operations, Supply Chain and Senior Leadership.

• Collaborate effectively to address issues, optimise processes, and drive cross-functional alignment in support of business objectives both internal and externally.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure compliance with company policies, tax regulations, and accounting standards.

• Prepare and review accounts payable reports, providing insights into outstanding liabilities, cash flow, and aged payables.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Experience: At least 5 years of experience in an accounts payable role, with a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory or managerial position. Experience in managing both stock and non-stock accounts payable functions is preferred.
• Financial Knowledge: Strong understanding of accounts payable processes, including invoice matching, payment processing, and reconciliation.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and develop teams, providing direction, coaching, and motivation to ensure high levels of performance.
• Attention to Detail: High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Process Improvement: Experience in identifying inefficiencies and driving process improvements within the accounts payable function.
• Software Proficiency: Proficient in using accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics). Experience with automation tools or systems upgrades is a plus.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to resolve complex issues and queries in a timely and professional manner.
• Educational Qualifications: A degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is preferred. A full or part professional qualification (e.g., AAT) is required.

We are committed to developing your career and nurturing your talent, regardless of age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; sexual orientation. We respect and embrace each other's differences, to create a truly inclusive environment.

In the last year alone, our people have been recognised and celebrated, winning awards for their outstanding contributions to Retail, Technology, Global Hospitality & Tourism, Visual Merchandising & Display, Customer Service and Local Community Awards.

In return, we offer:

• A competitive salary
• A generous store and restaurant discount of up to 40%
• 25 days holidays (excluded bank holidays) and an extra day off for your birthday
• A fantastic subsidised staff restaurant which uses Fortnum’s ingredients
• A range of opportunities to develop and grow personally and professionally
• Excellent pension scheme