Interim Accounts Payable Specialist

• Immediate start
• Hybrid Working
• Competitive Salary

Accounts Payable Specialist (14-Month Fixed-Term Contract) Location: Oxford (Hybrid Working) Overview We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Accounts Payable Specialist to join a busy finance team on a 14-month fixed-term contract, providing maternity cover.

This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive finance professional to take ownership of the full accounts payable cycle while also contributing to a significant ERP system upgrade.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of supplier invoices and payments, while supporting system improvements and driving efficiencies across finance processes. This role requires strong analytical capability, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

Key Responsibilities Reporting to the Financial Controller, responsibilities will include:

• Managing the end-to-end accounts payable process, including invoice processing, approvals, payment runs, and reconciliations
• Processing and verifying supplier invoices, ensuring accurate coding to the general ledger within the accounting system
• Maintaining supplier records, ensuring all data is accurate and up to date
• Investigating and resolving invoice discrepancies, liaising with suppliers to manage queries and payment issues
• Reconciling supplier statements and resolving purchase order discrepancies
• Raising ad-hoc and urgent payments as required
• Ensuring all accounts payable transactions are posted to bank accounts in line with month-end deadlines
• Supporting bank reconciliations by ensuring timely and accurate postings
• Reviewing and supporting the accounts receivable ledger where required
• Assisting with month-end close activities related to accounts payable
• Supporting the planning and implementation of an ERP system upgrade
• Collaborating with stakeholders across the business to resolve issues efficiently and improve processes

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in a similar accounts payable role within a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Effective communication skills with the ability to build relationships across teams and with external suppliers
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and adapt to changing demands
• Sound judgement, discretion, and a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Comfortable working through system and process changes

Qualifications & Technical Skills

• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Previous involvement in ERP implementation or system upgrades is highly advantageous
• Strong understanding of accounts payable processes and financial controls
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and banking platforms