Accounts Payable Team Lead Global Retail Scaleup London

Accounts Payable Team Lead Global Retail & Design Scaleup London / Hybrid

Harmonic are proud to have been engaged exclusively by a global retail & design scaleup in their search for an AP Manager. We are looking for an excellent people manager who thrives in collaborative environment.

The Client

This role has been newly created in response to their continued growth. With a reporting line into the Finance Manager, this role joins a business which has experienced 25% year-on-year growth, seeing turnover exceed £70m whilst balancing out having sustainable and ethical products and practices.

The business are recognised for their inclusive, down-to-earth culture. With beautifully designed offices in Central London, the team are highly collaborative, enjoy a sociable atmosphere, and regular involvement in design and industry events. They are entrepreneurial and are highly reputable in their space.

The Role

This is a great opportunity for an experienced and technically strong Accounts Payable Manager to take ownership of a high-impact role. You'll lead a team of three, bringing structure, consistency, and clarity to the AP function. The business is looking for someone who thrives in transactional finance, enjoys managing people, and brings a calm, methodical approach to balancing multiple priorities.

With significant investment planned across systems and processes, you'll play a key role in transforming the purchase-to-pay cycle. This includes moving payment runs from Excel into NetSuite, redesigning the PO process, and introducing smarter, more insightful reporting.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, support, and coach a team of AP Assistants, encouraging their development and performance
• Take full ownership of the Accounts Payable function across multiple entities
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy
• Oversee the timely and accurate processing of supplier invoices and execution of payment runs
• Manage the AP month-end close, including ledger reviews and reconciliations
• Monitor supplier accounts, ensuring statement reviews and resolution of aged items
• Collaborate with project and operational teams to ensure accurate PO alignment and approval workflows
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls across all AP procedures
• Prepare and manage cash flow forecasts linked to AP activity
• Oversee staff expenses and ensure corporate credit card transactions are accurately reconciled
• Act as a key point of contact for both internal stakeholders and external suppliers on AP-related queries
• Assist the Finance Manager with audit readiness and contribute to year-end reporting activities

Essential criteria:

• Excellent team management skills
• 3+ years of team management experience (ideally teams of 5+)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work to deadlines
• Excellent communication skills, with a proactive and solution-focused mindset

Desirable criteria (non essential):

• Experience using NetSuite
• Exposure to multi-entity businesses
• Experience in product/stock based industry (retail, ecommerce, beauty, fashion, food & beverage, interiors, furniture)

Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 + bonus + company benefits

Location: Central London / Hybrid (3 days in the office after probation)

Start date: ASAP

If this role is of interest, please apply online. Due to the high volume of applications we are receiving, if you have not heard back from us, please assume your application was unfortunately unsuccessful on this occasion.

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At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.