Job Description

Accounts Payable Lead
Wimbledon, UK
PCD330187

We are honoured to partner with some of the world’s biggest brands, delivering experiences that range from large-scale exhibitions to luxury high-end events across a vast range of industries. But for us, it is not about the scale-it is about the quality of the work and the people who make it possible: our team, clients, and suppliers. Together, we create unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Are you an individual who is striving to be the best version of yourself?
Are you always curious and seeking innovative ideas that you want to turn into reality?
Do you want to work in an environment that genuinely cares about you?
oin us on our mission to create beautiful, engaging experiences.
OUR CULTURE
Communication is at the heart of our agency and that is especially true when it comes to our team. We are proud to attract and retain the best people and we know it is critical that individuals feel both challenged and supported with opportunities to progress. Sleek believes in a collective effort when it comes to decision-making - we value everyone’s contribution and empower our colleagues to help shape us.

Benefits

Our benefit
Week-day birthdays off
Last Friday of the month early finish (15: 00)
Standard Pension Plan
Fitness membership
Annual Company Offsite
Additional Benefits after 1 years’ service including Private Health Care
Opportunity to attend overseas familiarisation trips on behalf of Sleek in luxury accommodation. Recent destinations include South Africa, Abu Dhabi and the South of France

Requirements

Proven experience in a senior Accounts Payable role, preferably having led a team and in an events, creative, or fast-paced industry.
Professional certification (e.g., AAT, ACCA, CIMA, CPA) is preferred.
Strong understanding of financial regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements related to AP.
Experience with AP automation and financial systems - proficiency in Procim and Xero would be ideal but not essential.
Strong spreadsheet application skills are a plus!
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address discrepancies and improve processes
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently when required.

ABOUT YOU

RESPONSIBILITIES

AP OPERATIONS:
Oversee and lead the AP function (including line management) ensuring best practice and security compliance within the team
Develop and implement AP policies, procedures, and controls to optimise efficiency and mitigate risks.
Collaborate with senior management to align on AP processes with broader financial and business objectives.
Ensuring adherence to timely and accurate purchase order, invoice, payment, and expense reimbursement policies
Review, authorise, and oversee the processing of all accounts payable transactions, including vendor security checks and domestic/international payments, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely settlement.
Monitor and manage cash flow related to payables, optimising payment schedules and working capital
Check for international VAT compliance and reclaim opportunities
Collaborate with other departments to resolve payment-related issues, maintaining strong relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth payment operations
Serve as the primary contact for supplier and vendor finance enquiries
Assess and mitigate AP-related risks, escalating issues when necessary
Provide hands-on support with daily accounts payable activities-such as matching POs, invoices, and receipts
Efficiently use software to manage and streamline AP processes (currently Procim and Xero)
Drive automation and system enhancements to improve AP efficiency and accuracy.
Reconcile Pleo expense card payments, ensuring users’ expenses reporting and posting is up to date

FINANCIAL REPORTING AND RECONCILIATION:
Perform monthly reconciliations for AP records and resolve any discrepancies
Prepare AP reports, analysis and aging summaries.
Assist in month-end and year-end closing processes by providing accurate data and reports.
Support the Finance Director and Project Accountant with ad hoc reporting and analysis related to AP.

PROCUREMENT OPERATIONS:
Conduct supplier due diligence and background checks to ensure compliance with internal standards and industry regulations
Contribute to company wide supplier policy documentation e.g. supplier code of conduct
Own end-to end the new supplier onboarding process
Manage supplier relationships
Liaise with vendors and suppliers (related to business operations) to obtain quotes, negotiate prices, oversee contractual agreements
Engage with legal advisors to resolve contract-related queries or disputes as required
Assess and mitigate procurement-related risks, escalating issues when necessary
Support on business-related procurement projects as and when required e.g. selecting a new supplier with company-wide impact
Contribute to periodic reviews of existing key suppliers

COMPLIANCE and RISK MANAGEMENT:
Proactively identify compliance and financial risks within procurement and AP operations. Report potential issues and recommend mitigation strategies to senior leadership
Ensure all documentation is accurately filed and complies with internal policies and external regulations.
Lead audit preparations and respond to queries related to AP.
Stay updated on changes in financial regulations impacting AP operations, cascading information as necessary.
Keep up to date on best practice in payment security and ensure their integrated into company policies and procedures
Monitor and enforce secure payment practices, including validation of bank details and segregation of duties, to prevent unauthorised payments and reduce exposure to fraud