Accounts Payable Manager - Southampton & Hybrid - Salary upto c£85k
An international Law Firm is seeking to recruit an experienced AP Manager with sector experience to be based in their Southampton office.
Role Purpose
Responsible for the end-to-end management, control, and efficiency of the firm’s global Accounts Payable function. This role requires a detail-oriented leader with expertise in multi-currency legal invoice processing, expense management, and compliance with international tax legislation (VAT/GST).
Reports to: Group Finance Director
Principal Duties
*Oversee daily operations of the Accounts Payable department across all jurisdictions, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, expenses, disbursements, and payment runs.
*Manage the firm-wide expense reporting system, ensuring employee reimbursements comply with firm policies and tax regulations.
*Act as the escalation point for internal and external AP queries.
*Establish, implement, and enforce internal controls to safeguard assets and mitigate fraud risk, particularly in multi-jurisdictional wire payments.
*Ensure compliance with local and international tax regulations (VAT, GST, withholding tax, offshore requirements).
*Maintain vendor and employee data accuracy, ensuring proper vetting and authorization across all entities.
*Serve as the primary contact for external and internal auditors, providing documentation and explanations of AP processes and controls.
*Supervise, mentor, and develop the AP team, setting performance goals, conducting reviews, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
*Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, drive automation, and optimize ERP functionality for efficiency and accuracy.
*Collaborate with the Finance Systems team to ensure proper configuration and data integrity
Experience & Skills
*5+ years of Accounts Payable experience in a law firm, including 2+ years in a management/supervisory role.
*Proven experience managing AP in a multi-entity, multi-currency environment.
*Strong track record in designing, implementing, and enforcing internal controls and process improvements.
*Advanced proficiency with law firm practice management systems (3E and Cosine highly desirable) and Microsoft Excel.
*Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Visio, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook).
*Experience with system change management is desirable.
*Knowledge of offshore financial service regulations or operational experience in key jurisdictions.
Personal Characteristics
*Strong leadership skills with the ability to delegate effectively and develop talent.
*Exceptional precision and accuracy in financial processing and data review.
*Analytical mindset to resolve complex payment, vendor, and compliance discrepancies quickly.
*Excellent written and verbal communication skills for liaising with senior stakeholders, legal professionals, and vendors across cultures and time zones.
*Ability to work under pressure and adapt flexibly to changing demands.
This is a great opportunity to join a leader in it’s field, please do apply for more information.

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