Accounts Payable Team Leader

Accounts Payable Lead Location: Barrow-in-Furness (Hybrid 4 days a week onsite) Rate: £350-£450 per day Contract: 24 Months

Morson are recruiting on behalf of a leading energy company for an experienced Accounts Payable Lead to join their Finance team in Barrow-in-Furness. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified finance professional to take ownership of the Accounts Payable function, driving operational excellence, process improvements, and ensuring the efficient delivery of end-to-end purchase-to-pay activities.

Working closely with senior finance stakeholders, you will lead the Accounts Payable team, maximise the use of AP automation tools, and play a key role in strengthening financial controls, compliance, and reporting across the business.

The Role As the Accounts Payable Lead, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Accounts Payable function while supporting wider finance operations. You will oversee the performance of the AP team, ensure robust financial controls are maintained, and work collaboratively with Treasury, Tax, Procurement, Supply Chain and IT to drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Accounts Payable team, ensuring accurate and timely processing of supplier payments.

• Oversee supplier and customer reconciliations, including GRIR management.

• Coordinate aged creditor reviews and support month-end and year-end activities.

• Drive continuous improvement across Accounts Payable processes and maximise the use of the Medius AP automation system.

• Develop and monitor KPIs to measure team performance and process efficiency.

• Ensure compliance with VAT regulations, supplier onboarding processes and payment practice reporting.

• Work closely with Treasury to manage payment runs, clearing accounts and financial controls.

• Collaborate with Tax to ensure accurate VAT recording and reporting.

• Identify process issues, resolve posting errors and implement long-term improvements.

• Review and enhance Source-to-Pay (S2P) processes alongside Procurement and Supply Chain teams.

• Act as a key contact during internal and external audits.

• Support the Finance Director with reporting, analysis and ad hoc finance projects.

About You To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Qualified Accountant status (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CA).

• Significant experience leading an Accounts Payable or Purchase Ledger function.

• Previous experience managing and developing finance teams.

• Strong knowledge of SAP ERP (BW/BPC experience desirable).

• Experience using Medius or a similar Accounts Payable automation platform.

• Excellent understanding of financial controls, VAT and regulatory compliance.

• Strong analytical, stakeholder management and communication skills.

• A proactive approach with a passion for process improvement and operational excellence.

If you're an experienced finance professional looking to lead a high-performing Accounts Payable function within a dynamic organisation, we'd love to hear from you