Accounts Payable Executive

Summary of The Role The Accounts Payable Executive will be responsible for the accurate and timely processing of supplier invoices and payments, maintaining strong accounts payable controls and supporting a reliable month-end close. The role will work closely with the Financial Controller, Finance colleagues and the wider business to ensure invoices are properly approved, coded and recorded, and that suppliers are paid accurately and on time. The successful candidate will be hands-on, organised and detail-focused, with a strong sense of ownership and a commitment to maintaining an efficient and well-controlled accounts payable process. The role will operate UK working hours alongside the UK Finance team and requires someone who can work independently while communicating proactively when issues arise or deadlines are at risk. Role Responsibilities

• Process supplier invoices accurately and promptly, ensuring they are correctly coded, authorised and recorded in the finance system.
• Prepare supplier payment runs and bank payments in accordance with agreed procedures, ensuring appropriate review, approval and segregation of duties before payments are released.
• Allocate payments to supplier invoices and ensure bank accounts are reconciled daily.
• Reconcile supplier statements and investigate and resolve discrepancies, duplicate invoices, missing credit notes and other accounts payable queries promptly.
• Maintain accurate supplier records and support supplier onboarding and amendments in line with internal controls.
• Monitor the accounts payable inbox and respond to supplier and internal queries professionally and within agreed timescales, escalating issues where appropriate.
• Support the month-end close process, including accounts payable reconciliations, outstanding invoice reviews, accruals and other information required by the Financial Controller.
• Assist with annual external audits by retrieving requested payment samples, organising supporting documentation such as invoices, purchase orders and approvals, and resolving auditor queries in a timely manner.
• Maintain clear and organised supporting documentation and an appropriate audit trail for invoices, approvals and payments, ensuring compliance with financial controls.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounts payable processes, reduce errors and increase efficiency through effective use of Excel, automation and AI in line with company policy.
• Provide appropriate cover for the Accounts Receivable function during annual leave or other periods of absence, supporting agreed collection, cash allocation and processing activities in line with internal controls.

 

Essential Skills, Knowledge & Experience  

• At least two years of relevant Accounts Payable experience, ideally within a multi-site organisation.
• Proven experience processing supplier invoices accurately, including coding, matching invoices to supporting documentation and obtaining the appropriate approvals.
• Experience preparing supplier payment runs and processing payments through online banking or a banking platform.
• A strong understanding of segregation of duties, payment controls and the importance of appropriate review and approval before payments are released.
• Strong attention to detail, with a proven ability to maintain accurate records and minimise processing errors.
• A reliable and accountable approach, with a strong sense of ownership and a consistent track record of meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, with the confidence to follow up with colleagues and suppliers and resolve queries professionally.
• Good Excel skills and experience using finance systems. Experience with Sage 200 would be advantageous.
• A strong understanding of accounts payable controls, including approval procedures, segregation of duties, supplier master-data controls and maintaining a clear audit trail.
• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and escalate issues promptly when required.
• A positive, proactive and improvement-focused approach, with a willingness to learn and use technology and AI effectively to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Experience in healthcare, social care or a multi-site organisation would be beneficial but is not essential.

Personal Attributes 

• Approachable and collaborative: Builds trust across Finance and the wider business, works well with others and maintains positive working relationships.
• Low ego and supportive: Open, pleasant and respectful, with the ability to challenge constructively while remaining supportive and approachable.
• Strong sense of ownership: Reliable, accountable and committed to following issues through to resolution.
• Organised and dependable: Manages workload effectively, maintains accurate records and meets deadlines consistently.
• Calm under pressure: Able to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Curious and commercially aware: Comfortable working through detailed financial information while understanding the wider business context.
• Open to feedback and development: Demonstrates a growth mindset, welcomes feedback and enjoys developing skills and supporting the development of others.
• Proactive and improvement-focused: Looks for practical ways to improve processes, reduce errors and use technology effectively.

Work Environment 

• General Work Hours: 1.30PM – 10.30PM (WFH) Sri Lanka Time – 45hrs/week.
• Location: Remote WFH + Occasional Meets at our Colombo 5 office – Sri Lanka.
• Benefits: Paid leave, career upskilling opportunities, eLearning courses.