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 currently seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Manager for a maternity cover contract to lead a high-performing and efficient Accounts Payable function. The role will focus on driving process improvements, including the implementation of OCR scan and capture technology to automate invoice processing within the new ERP system. In addition, the role will ensure timely and accurate supplier payments while strengthening governance and control over supplier spend.

You'll be;

• Overseeing the end-to-end AP process:
  • Ensuring the AP team is paying suppliers in line with agreed payment terms with no disruption to operations of the business.
  • Building appropriate governance and controls to ensure that appropriate segregation of duties are implemented and internal controls are in place to reduce risk of inappropriate payments or missed payments.
  • Ensuring the smooth operation of the payment process and adequate checks in place to ensure correct payments made.
  • Ensuring that correct coding is in place to ensure that accounting information is correct and reliable for accurate financial analysis and reporting in terms of department budgets and P&Ls.
  • Ensuring all corporate card & employee expense processing and auditing is completed on time and in line with internal policies, enhancing internal controls over the process.
• Overseeing Automation & continual improvement:
  • Identifying ways to automate transactional processes and strive for continuous improvement in efficiency and accuracy.
  • Owning the implementation of key automation tools such as OCR scan & capture technology for AP alongside senior team members.
  • Helping design & test AP processes for new ERP implementation.
  • Implementing purchase order process on non-inventory purchases. Developing & running training for non-finance departments.
• Improving reporting and insights to support month-end analysis:
  • Working with the financial control team to ensure that financial postings are insightful for financial control to appropriately analyse company spend and identify risks or opportunities as relevant.
• Managing AP team of 4 individuals:
  • Providing coaching and development to ensure that individuals understand how their work fits into the ‘bigger picture’ in the scope of the wider business.
  • Providing meaningful and real-time feedback to employees to ensure they learn and grow in their roles to be able to perform at a high level.
  • Coaching individuals on understanding the importance of continual enhancement – whether that be in terms of internal controls & governance, accuracy and/ or efficiency.

You'll have;

• Experience of running & driving improvements within a Procure-to-pay/ Accounts Payable function, including implementation of OCR scan & capture technology over invoice processing.
• Experience implementing purchase order process in a medium to large sized company, including developing and running training across departments.
• Experience implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP system for the AP function.
• Experience in leading and managing a team in a fast paced environment
• The ability to handle numerous key priorities at once and appropriately balance these priorities alongside day-to-day operations.
• Knowledge of accounting and VAT principles is required, enabling production of accurate VAT returns.
• A track record of managing and developing high performing teams.
• Strong ownership and accountability along with a positive can-do attitude.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills, utilizing information to identify areas of concern, root causes, and trends, driving improvements in overall performance and effectiveness.
• Excellent communication skills required, ability to convey financial information or processes to non-finance departments.