Purchase Ledger Team Leader

Purchase Ledger Team Leader - Must have previous experience managing a team!

8.30am until 5pm Monday-Friday

Job Purpose

To lead and oversee the purchase ledger function, ensuring all supplier invoices are processed accurately and on time, payments are managed efficiently, and the team delivers a high standard of financial control and service. The role combines hands on processing with team leadership and process improvement.

Key Responsibilities Team Leadership

• Supervise and support the purchase ledger team, providing guidance, training, and performance management
• Allocate workloads and ensure deadlines are met
• Conduct regular reviews, appraisals, and one-to-one meetings
• Promote a positive, high-performance team culture

Purchase Ledger Management

• Oversee the end-to-end purchase ledger process, including invoice processing, matching, and coding
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of high-volume invoices
• Manage supplier accounts, resolving queries and discrepancies efficiently
• Authorise payment runs (BACS, CHAPS, international payments where applicable)
• Ensure all transactions are recorded in line with company policies and procedures

Reconciliation & Reporting

• Perform and review supplier statement reconciliations
• Support month end processes, including accruals and reporting
• Produce regular reports on ledger performance, outstanding invoices, and aged creditors
• Assist with audits by providing accurate documentation and explanations

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce errors
• Ensure compliance with financial controls, company policies, and GDPR requirements
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation
• Support system improvements or upgrades (e.g. SAGE, ERP systems)

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organisational and time management abilities
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Confident communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Technical Skills

• Experience with accounting software (e.g. SAGE, SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems)
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP desirable)
• Solid understanding of purchase ledger processes and financial controls

Experience Required

• Proven experience in a purchase ledger or accounts payable role
• Previous experience supervising or leading a team
• Experience managing high-volume invoice processing
• Experience handling supplier queries and reconciliations

Desirable

• AAT qualified or studying (or equivalent)
• Experience in process improvement or system implementation
• Experience in a fast-paced commercial environment

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and results-driven
• Reliable and professional
• Strong attention to detail
• Approachable and supportive leader
• Committed to continuous improvement

KPIs / Performance Measures

• Invoice processing accuracy and turnaround time
• Reduction in outstanding queries
• Timely completion of payment runs

• Supplier satisfaction
• Team performance and productivity

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