About this role
Job summary
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Accounts Payable Officer to join our busy Finance Department. This is a key operational role responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate processing of supplier payments, supporting the Accounts Payable Team Leader, and maintaining strong financial controls across the Trust.
You will take responsibility for a designated portfolio of suppliers, resolve complex invoice queries, support junior staff, and contribute to the continual improvement of our Accounts Payable service. The role also provides essential support during system upgrades and project rollouts, including helping train colleagues and ensuring effective use of new processes.
Main duties of the job
As an Accounts Payable Clerk, you will:
oEnsure prompt and accurate processing of supplier invoices
oSupport the Accounts Payable Team Leader and deputise when required
oSupervise and quality check work completed by Accounts Payable Clerks
oResolve complex payment and invoice queries with suppliers and internal departments
oMaintain and improve purchasing and payment systems, including during new system rollouts
oSupport the Trust in meeting Public Sector Payment Policy (PSPP) targets
oMaintain robust financial controls, audit requirements, and high quality record keeping
About us
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services as we invest a further £120m to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.
Unless expressly stated in the job advert the role is not subject to sponsorship, please be advised that all offers of employment are subject to evidence of right to work in the UK.
Job description Job responsibilities
To deputise for the Accounts Payable Team Leader over the range of their accounts payable duties
To assist the Accounts Payable Team Leader during new systems project roll out including providing training to all members for the account payable team
Ensure the prompt settlement of accounts within agreed procedures and resolving queries with suppliers, budget holders and staff.
To be responsible for handling the consolidated agency invoices.
Responsible for the downloading of agency data from E-Roster and format it so it is usable by the department.
To be responsible for creating backing documents to nursing invoices to ensure that correct information and charges are applied. Ensuring that these are allocated to correct budgets
To set up new suppliers plus amendments on the accounts system ready for authorisation by the Accounts Payable Team Leader.
Assist in ensuring that the Trust achievement of the Public Sector Payment Policy Performance (PSPP) which is reported to the board monthly and annually to the department of health.
To maintain Purchase Order Processing in the most effective manner.
To assist the Accounts Payable Team Leader with giving instruction to, and guiding the work of Accounts Payable Clerks and Clerical Assistants, in order to develop their understanding and experience of processes and procedures.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications
If you have used AI to support the preparation of your application, please briefly indicate how it was used within your supporting statement or application form.
Please remember, your application is your opportunity to tell us about your skills, experience and motivation for the role. We encourage applicants to complete their application and supporting statement in their own words wherever possible. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful in supporting accessibility, and for improving spelling, grammar and structure.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can become generic and fail to accurately reflect an applicant's individual experience. Applications that clearly demonstrate your own voice, reflections and experiences are often the most effective and help us better understand your suitability for the role.
Please be aware that information provided in your application and supporting statement may be explored further during the selection process. It is important that all applications accurately represent your own knowledge, skills and experience.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications Essential
Educated to NVQ level 2/3 Business Administration or equivalent training and experience of working in an accounts payable function Evidence of continuing personal and professional development
Desirable
Actively studying for NVQ level 5
Experience Essential
3 years Accounts Payable experience Intermediate, recent and demonstrable IT software experience - internet based, databases, information systems and key MS Office packages Experience of developing and improving administrative procedures and practices
Desirable
NHS Accounts Payable experience Staff supervisory experience
Skills Essential
An understanding of the inter relationships of the different sub departments within Finance Knowledge of the Trusts business and how this role will support its service delivery Good working knowledge, gained through a combination of experience and training, of Microsoft products, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
Desirable
An understanding of the current challenges being faced by NHS Finance Departments
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust
Address Tolworth Hospital
Red Lion Road
London
KT6 7QU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)