Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable Specialist

Employment Type: Fixed-term Contract (13months)

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Accounts Payable & Receivable Specialist to join our finance team. This role is responsible for the end-to-end management of both accounts payable and receivable functions, while also overseeing and supporting a small team of junior finance staff based in the UK and overseas. The ideal candidate will possess strong accounting knowledge, leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively across time zones and cultures.

Core Responsibilities

• Accounts Payable (AP):
• Review and approve vendor invoices processed by overseas team members, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Manage payment cycles, including the preparation and execution of payments (checks, ACH, wires).
• Manage supplier invoice processing and accurate transaction coding across multiple accounting entities.
• Oversee supplier invoice approval workflows and coordinate internal follow-ups to facilitate timely payment runs.
• Ensure verification of new supplier bank details and the accurate setup of payment templates.
• Reconcile vendor accounts and resolve escalated issues or discrepancies.
• Ensure proper documentation and month-end closing support for AP activities.
• Serve as liaison between suppliers and Systemiq fee earners.
• Manage company credit cards used for exceptional transactions and reconcile activity to bank statements.
• Accounts Receivable (AR):
• Oversee customer invoicing process and ensure timely issuance of invoices by the team.
• Monitor receivables, follow up on overdue accounts, and manage escalations or complex collection issues.
• Review incoming payments and verify accuracy of application to customer accounts.
• Collaborate with internal departments to address billing inquiries or disputes.
• Team Leadership:
• Provide daily oversight, support, and training to junior-level AP/AR team members.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, company policies, and service-level expectations.
• Act as the primary point of contact for overseas staff and facilitate effective cross-border collaboration.
• Participate in performance reviews, goal setting, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• General Financial Support:
• Maintain accurate financial records and assist in preparing monthly reports and reconciliations.
• Support audits by compiling relevant documentation and reports.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and standardize AP/AR processes across regions.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to guide and support remote team members with clarity and accountability.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across different time zones and cultures.
• Attention to Detail: Diligent in maintaining accuracy and consistency in financial records and processes.
• Analytical Thinking: Skilled at identifying issues, evaluating options, and implementing effective solutions.
• Time Management: Capable of balancing multiple priorities and managing a distributed team to meet deadlines.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of accounting systems (e.g., Xero) and MS Excel.
• Professional Integrity: Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates a strong ethical foundation.
• Customer Service Orientation: Responsive and professional in interactions with both internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in AP/AR or general accounting, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or team lead role.
• Experience managing or working with remote/offshore teams is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and intermediate to advanced Excel skills required.