Accounts Payable Operations Manager

Step into a high-impact interim leadership post where your operational expertise will directly shape the future of a critical finance function.

SF Partners is seeking an accomplished Accounts Payable Operations Manager for an on-site, full-time contract role based in Leicestershire. Joining on an initial 3-month basis, you will take full ownership of the end-to-end purchase ledger operation, guiding the team through a period of transformation. This assignment is designed for a decisive, hands-on leader who thrives on diagnosing operational bottlenecks, clearing backlogs, and embedding resilient, best-in-class processes to achieve long-term stability.

Key Responsibilities

• Take end-to-end operational ownership of the Accounts Payable function, overseeing invoice processing, supplier statement reconciliations, payment runs, and month-end AP close.
• Lead, mentor, and develop AP Team Leaders and specialists, driving resource management, accountability, and team morale through periods of significant operational change.
• Establish, track, and report on robust departmental KPIs and SLAs to resolve productivity bottlenecks and maintain service excellence.
• Execute practical recovery plans to tackle backlogs, stabilise daily operations, and build long-term operational resilience.
• Champion continuous improvement and AP automation initiatives, exploring OCR, workflow tools, and system integrations to eliminate manual inefficiencies.
• Enforce rigorous financial controls to prevent fraud and maintain strict compliance with internal audit standards, UK VAT, and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) regulations.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven track record leading an end-to-end Accounts Payable or Purchase Ledger operation within a complex environment.
• Strong background in managing and coaching AP Team Leaders, setting performance standards, and successfully navigating teams through change and restructuring.
• Demonstrable success in operational stabilisation, backlog resolution, and driving tangible process improvements.
• Practical experience establishing and managing performance metrics, including departmental SLAs and productivity KPIs.
• Expertise in internal financial controls, audit requirements, and UK tax compliance, including VAT and CIS.
• Experience with AP systems, OCR technology, workflow automation, or enterprise system rollouts.

Nice-to-have

• Prior experience collaborating across functions with Procurement, IT, and Finance leadership to resolve complex supplier disputes.
• Hands-on involvement in large-scale ERP implementations or robotic process automation (RPA) projects.

What We Offer / Why Join

This contract provides an immediate platform to leverage your turnaround expertise and leave a lasting legacy. At SF Partners, you will have the autonomy to introduce modern efficiencies, rebuild operational resilience, and lead a dedicated team to sustained success in an environment that values proactive change.