Deputy Accounts Payable

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Deputy Accounts Payable professional to support the Head of Accounts Payable in managing the day-to-day operations of our Accounts Payable function. This role is pivotal in ensuring accurate invoice processing, maintaining supplier master data, and delivering efficient and timely payments across our systems (Single System and Midpoint). You will also be responsible for supervising a team, streamlining processes, and ensuring compliance with company policies and financial procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Accounts Payable in overseeing daily operations across invoice processing, supplier maintenance, and payment runs.
• Lead and supervise a team within the AP sub-functions, ensuring effective workload distribution and performance management.
• Manage end-to-end invoice processing for stock and non-stock purchases in multiple currencies across Single System and Midpoint platforms.
• Oversee supplier onboarding, set-up, and ongoing maintenance of supplier master data.
• Ensure timely and accurate execution of all payment types, including weekly catch-up runs, month-end payments, intercompany settlements, expenses, rent, rates, and faster payments.
• Monitor adherence to month-end reporting deadlines and ensure timely closure of the purchase ledger, including reconciliation and reporting.
• Prepare and analyse key reports such as aged creditor listings, payment management summaries, and other finance reports to support period-end close.
• Investigate and resolve AP-related queries in collaboration with internal departments and external stakeholders.
• Foster strong relationships with suppliers, resolving invoicing issues promptly and professionally.
• Collaborate closely with other finance and cross-functional teams to enhance interdepartmental processes and communication.
• Take a proactive approach to organising meetings with internal and external stakeholders, including agenda setting and follow-ups.
• Continuously review, document, and update process notes to ensure comprehensive knowledge sharing and operational coverage during absences or leave.
• Analyse creditor ageing reports monthly to identify and address overdue payments, debit balances, and any cash flow concerns.
• Maintain compliance with internal controls, financial policies, and external regulatory requirements.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and control enhancements across AP operations.
• Support the review of payment batches and ensure accurate submission via BACS in line with supplier terms or company policy.
• Undertake any ad hoc duties as required by the Head of Accounts Payable or Finance Management Team to support departmental goals.

Team & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of AP professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Serve as a key point of contact for suppliers, procurement, inventory management, and other internal teams to ensure alignment and seamless processing.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience in an Accounts Payable supervisory or deputy role within a complex organisation.
• Strong working knowledge of AP systems and processes, including supplier management and payment processing.
• Experience with invoice processing systems (ideally across multiple platforms like Single System and Midpoint).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and with external suppliers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and finance systems, with strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements and lead change initiatives.

Desirable:

• Experience within a multi-site or retail environment.
• Familiarity with BACS payment processes and financial compliance standards.
• Exposure to process automation or digital transformation in finance operations.

GSF Car Parts is one of the UK’s leading automotive parts distributors, supplying thousands of independent garages throughout the UK and Ireland with parts, tools, garage equipment and specialist training. The group has over 194 branches nationwide and a turnover exceeding £500 million. Built on the heritage and success of a dozen local brand identities acquired over several years, we have traded as one brand since November 2021. Our branch network is bolstered by centralised support and expertise from specialist departments in key areas such as procurement and supply chain, marketing and national accounts. The business also benefits from integrated IT systems, which include our industry leading catalogue system, Allicat, and access to the Group's national garage programme, Servicesure.

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