Accounts Payable Lead

Location: Barrow-in-Furness
Contract: 2+ Year Contract
Working Pattern: Hybrid (4 Days Office / 1 Day Home)
Start Date: ASAP

Land & Sea Resources are currently recruiting for an Accounts Payable Lead on behalf of Spirit Energy to join their Finance team.

The successful candidate will lead the Accounts Payable function, ensuring the seamless execution of purchase-to-pay processes while driving continuous improvement, financial control and process standardisation. Working closely with Finance, Treasury, Procurement and Supply Chain teams, you will maximise the use of Medius AP automation software and ensure accurate, compliant and efficient financial operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the Accounts Payable function, ensuring accurate, efficient and timely processing of supplier invoices and payments.
• Manage and support the Accounts Payable Analysts, providing leadership, guidance and continuous development.
• Ensure the accurate maintenance of supplier ledgers, reconciliations and GRIR accounts.
• Coordinate aged creditor reviews, ensuring transparency and effective management of outstanding balances.
• Maintain and optimise financial systems, including Medius AP automation software, treasury management systems and banking platforms.
• Develop, monitor and enhance Accounts Payable KPIs and reporting to support business performance and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with supplier onboarding processes, VAT legislation and payment practices reporting requirements.
• Work closely with Treasury to manage payment runs, clearing accounts and segregation of duties across financial processes.
• Collaborate with the Tax team to ensure accurate VAT treatment and compliance with statutory reporting requirements.
• Identify, investigate and resolve financial discrepancies and mis-postings while implementing process improvements to prevent recurrence.
• Review and improve Source-to-Pay (S2P) processes in partnership with Procurement and Supply Chain teams.
• Ensure manual payments are processed accurately and within agreed timescales.
• Strengthen internal financial controls through regular reviews, audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors, supporting audit activities and resolving queries.
• Prepare and submit Payment Practices Reports in accordance with statutory deadlines.
• Support the Finance Director with strategic finance initiatives, reporting and ad hoc analytical requests.
• Undertake any other associated duties as reasonably required.

Requirements

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience within Accounts Payable, Purchase Ledger or Financial Operations, including team leadership responsibilities.
• Experience working within the energy, engineering or other complex operational industries is desirable.
• Proven experience driving financial controls, process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Experience using SAP ERP, SAP BW and SAP BPC is desirable.
• Experience with Medius AP automation software or a comparable Accounts Payable platform.
• Strong understanding of purchase-to-pay processes, supplier management and financial governance.
• Good knowledge of VAT regulations, payment practices reporting and financial compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Effective stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and deliver continuous improvement initiatives.

What's on Offer

• 2-year contract with a major UK energy operator.
• Immediate start available.
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Opportunity to lead a key finance function while supporting the efficient operation of a high-profile energy asset.

Working Arrangements

This role is based in Barrow-in-Furness.

Spirit Energy currently operates a hybrid working arrangement for office-based workers:

• Four days per week in the office.
• Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are mandatory office days.
• The fourth office day can be either Monday or Friday, depending on team requirements.
• Contractors may work in the office five days per week if preferred.

Please note:

• No travel or accommodation allowance is available.
• PAYE contractors only (no umbrella companies).

Equal Opportunity Statement

We demand diversity. As an equal opportunities business, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. We are inclusive. Diverse backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger, more solutions-driven and more innovative as we continue to build our resource network worldwide. We celebrate and support diversity and are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.

About Land & Sea Resources

Land & Sea Resources are a Global Recruitment Specialist for the Engineering Industry, providing talent to a diverse client base. Attracting talent is our top priority.

Our Strategic Vision is to deliver more value than the competition.

We lead by walking, living and breathing our values. They define our shared culture and reflect the company we're inspired to be each day.