Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-focused

Accounts Payable Officer

to support the delivery of an efficient, customer-centred financial processing service. The role involves working with SAP to process purchase order invoices, non-order payments, and a variety of financial transactions accurately and within strict deadlines.

The successful candidate will play a vital part in maintaining financial controls, supporting the Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process, resolving supplier queries, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. This position is ideal for someone with strong numeracy skills, excellent organisational ability and a commitment to delivering high-quality transactional services.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable Processing

Process invoices, credits, certificates, non-order payments, consolidated uploads, staff expenses, and emergency UK/foreign payments accurately and on time. Ensure all transactions comply with financial regulations, internal controls and Contract Standing Orders (CSOs). Assess and correctly apply VAT rules and CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) deductions. Use duplicate/erroneous payment software to identify and prevent incorrect payments and make necessary amendments to the financial database.

Supplier & Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain positive relationships with vendors by reconciling statements, resolving discrepancies, and addressing queries promptly. Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to secure goods receipt notes and approvals required for invoice processing. Promote best practice in P2P processes, supporting colleagues to follow correct procedures.

Data Management & Administration

Update and maintain IT systems, spreadsheets and databases, ensuring data quality and accuracy. Utilise reports and workflows within SAP to manage work efficiently. Undertake general administrative duties including telephone communication, mail handling and document processing. Pursue outstanding debts as required.

Customer Service & Governance

Champion excellent customer service and provide a business-friendly financial support function. Ensure confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive financial information. Support organisational compliance with financial controls, anti-fraud measures and relevant policies. Demonstrate environmental and social responsibility by minimising waste, reusing resources and making sustainable choices.

Corporate Responsibilities

Contribute to the delivery of the Council Plan and organisational values. Participate actively in team meetings, training, performance management and continuous improvement activities. Uphold equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practices in all aspects of work. Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and internal safety standards.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Qualifications & Training

Desirable:

AAT or similar business-related qualification. Knowledge of anti-fraud practices and prevention techniques. Understanding of CIS, IR35 and VAT regulations. Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Experience

Essential:

Proven experience in accounts payable or a similar financial processing role. Data entry experience within a finance environment (SAP knowledge desirable but not essential).

Skills & Abilities

Essential:

Strong verbal and written communication skills, clear and jargon-free. Good numeracy skills with the ability to calculate, check and interpret figures. Excellent organisational and time-management abilities with the capacity to prioritise work. Ability to work independently, use initiative and solve problems effectively. Confident IT skills with competency in Microsoft Office and financial systems. Ability to work well within a team and contribute to team objectives. High attention to detail, accuracy and methodical working approach. Ability to handle confidential information responsibly. Good understanding of VAT, IR35 and CIS regulations. Ability to interpret policies, procedures and quality standards relevant to transactional finance work. Strong relationship-building skills with internal colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders.

Desirable:

Ability to identify and suggest improvements to processes or systems.

Additional Working Requirements

Ability to work in a hybrid environment according to service needs. Willingness to adapt to changing priorities within the organisation.

Why Join?

Play a key role in ensuring accurate and compliant financial processes. Work within a supportive and collaborative finance team. Opportunities for professional development and gaining experience with SAP and local government finance. Hybrid working arrangements supporting work-life balance.

How to Apply

If you are organised, detail-driven and confident in managing financial processes, click

'Apply Now'

or submit your CV directly to:

sachu.nair@centurionstaunch.co.uk

Privacy Assurance

All information provided during the recruitment process is handled securely and in accordance with GDPR. Your data will be used only for recruitment, compliance and onboarding purposes and will not be shared outside authorised channels.

Reference ID: OR19084

Job Type: Temporary
Contract length: 62 weeks

Pay: 17.00-17.36 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Merseyside, L2 2BS