Accounts Payable Manager

For a quarter of a century, the Jellycat family have brought joy, wonder and playful fun to people of all ages, in every part of the world. Utterly original and in a class of their own, they are currently among the most loved and collected toys of their kind. How has this gentle tribe endeared themselves to so many? Perhaps it is their whimsical expressions. Or the deliciously soft fabrics. Or the beautiful way in which they sit in your hand. Whatever it is, there is something magical and unmistakeable about each one of them.

We are seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Manager to lead and continuously improve our Accounts Payable operations. Following the successful implementation of our ERP platform, this role will focus on embedding best practice processes, improving user adoption, identifying operational inefficiencies and ensuring the system and associated processes are working effectively across the business.

The successful candidate will be a highly proactive, hands on leader who is comfortable working directly with stakeholders across all departments. They will bring strong expertise in accounts payable, inventory and stock management processes, purchase orders, expenses and wider procure-to-pay operations. They will identify opportunities for improvement, implement pragmatic solutions, and influence positive change without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.

This role requires someone who can independently navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and drive improvements that enhance controls, efficiency and user experience across the business.

You'll be;

Overseeing the end-to-end AP process

• Ensuring the AP team pays suppliers in line with agreed payment terms, without disruption to business operations.

• Building appropriate governance and controls to maintain segregation of duties and reduce the risk of inappropriate or missed payments.

• Ensuring ERP processes operate effectively, identifying system, process or adoption issues and implementing solutions where required.

• Maintaining a smooth and controlled payment process, with appropriate checks in place to support accurate payments.

• Ensuring accurate coding across transactions to support reliable financial analysis, reporting, departmental budgets and P&Ls.

• Managing corporate card and employee expense processing and auditing activities, ensuring completion on time and in line with internal policies.

• Leading initiatives to improve reporting, data quality and visibility of spend across the organisation.

Improving reporting, process visibility and operational insights

• Partnering with the Financial Control team to ensure financial postings provide meaningful insight, enabling effective analysis of company spend and the identification of risks and opportunities.

Managing an Accounts Payable team of 5

• Providing coaching and development to help team members understand how their work contributes to the wider business and overall objectives.

• Delivering meaningful, real-time feedback that supports growth, development and high performance.

• Coaching team members on the importance of continuous improvement across internal controls, governance, accuracy and efficiency.

You'll have;

• Experience leading and driving improvements within a Procure-to-Pay and/or Accounts Payable function.

• Demonstrable experience embedding, optimising or stabilising ERP processes following implementation.

• Experience leading and managing teams within a fast-paced environment.

• The ability to operate effectively in an evolving environment, where processes may need to be created, enhanced or simplified.

• The ability to manage multiple competing priorities simultaneously, balancing strategic initiatives alongside day-to-day operations.

• A strong understanding of accounting and VAT principles, enabling the production of accurate VAT returns.

• A track record of managing, developing and motivating high-performing teams.

• Strong ownership and accountability, coupled with a positive, can-do attitude.

• Confidence building relationships face-to-face and influencing stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.

• A strong understanding of what good practice looks like, alongside the ability to implement it effectively without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.

• The ability to make sound judgements and recommendations with limited direction.

• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills, using information to identify areas of concern, root causes and trends, driving improvements in overall performance and effectiveness.

• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage colleagues across all functions, understand operational challenges and drive positive change through influence and partnership.