About this role
Job summary
The role of the post holder is to lead and manage the Accounts Payable function, ensuring that all supplier payments (PO and Non-PO) are processed accurately, efficiently and in compliance with Standing Financial Instructions and internal control requirements.
The post holder is responsible for maintaining a robust control environment, meeting prompt payment targets, supporting month-end, year-end financial reporting including the Agreement of Balances (AoB) exercises at Month 09 and Month 12, and leading the continuous improvement of the in-house Accounts Payable service
Main duties of the job
Lead and manage the Accounts Payable function, ensuring supplier invoices and payments are processed accurately, efficiently and in accordance with Trust policies, financial procedures and NHS regulations. Oversee the end-to-end invoice-to-payment process, including PO and Non-PO transactions, while maintaining strong financial controls and compliance with Standing Financial Instructions, delegated authority limits and VAT legislation.
Monitor aged creditors, disputed invoices and payment performance, authorise invoices within delegated limits and ensure timely resolution of reconciliation issues. Lead supplier statement reconciliations using the NXG tool and coordinate the Agreement of Balances process in line with NHS reporting requirements.
Manage Accounts Payable system interfaces, resolve processing exceptions and support financial system improvements, automation and continuous service development. Act as the senior point of contact for supplier payment escalations and provide expert advice to finance colleagues, procurement teams and budget holders.
Provide leadership and line management for three Accounts Payable Assistants, including recruitment, performance management, training and development. Monitor operational performance, coordinate audit responses and contribute to financial governance, policy development and the safeguarding of Trust expenditure through effective financial management and risk control.
About us
Please refer to the Applicant Guide via the link below for key information:- Applying to LGT Guide - Key Information for Applicants
Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:
Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development Widening access (anchor institution) and employability Improving the experience of staff with disability Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development Making equalities mainstream
Job description Job responsibilities
Manage all matters relating to creditors, ensuring the accurate recording, processing, and payment of accounts payable transactions. Oversee the endtoend invoice processing cycle, ensuring invoices are correctly authorised, coded, and processed in line with agreed procedures and timescales. Monitor outstanding invoices and creditor balances, ensuring timely payment to suppliers in accordance with the NHS Better Payment Practice Code. Maintain accurate and uptodate records of all creditor transactions, ensuring strong audit trails are in place. Manage invoice interfaces, ensuring invoices are accurately imported into the financial system, monitored for errors or failures, and resolved promptly in line with agreed procedures. Force approval of Accounts Payable invoices where appropriate, in accordance with delegated authority, Standing Financial Instructions, and internal controls, ensuring a clear audit trail is maintained. Manage pharmacy and agency invoice interfaces, ensuring invoices are accurately and timely imported into the financial system. Act as the primary point of contact for suppliers, resolving payment queries and issues efficiently and professionally. Lead and coordinate the Agreement of Balance (AoB) exercises for creditors at Month 09 and Month 12, ensuring all balances are reviewed, validated, and agreed in line with NHS timetables and audit requirements. Investigate and resolve discrepancies identified during the AoB process, ensuring appropriate corrections are made and fully documented. Process payment runs, including faster payments and foreign payments, ensuring appropriate documentation and approvals are in place. Maintain and regularly review the register of disputed invoices, providing leadership in resolving disputes with budget holders and suppliers. Support the implementation and maintenance of effective controls within the accounts payable function to safeguard the organisations financial integrity. Ensure compliance with Standing Financial Instructions, Standing Orders, VAT regulations, and relevant NHS financial guidance. Assist with internal and external audit queries relating to creditors and accounts payable, ensuring timely and accurate responses. Provide daytoday supervision and support to accounts payable staff, ensuring workloads are effectively managed and service standards are maintained. Support staff development through training, guidance, and performance management in line with organisational policies.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Significant experience working within an Accounts Payable function, including supplier payments, creditor management and invoice processing Experience of supervising or managing staff, including workload allocation, performance management and staff development. Experience of supplier statement reconciliations and resolving complex creditor queries.
Desirable
Experience of processing payment runs and maintaining financial controls. Experience of working within an NHS finance environment or other large complex organisation. Experience of supporting month-end and year-end processes, including Agreement of Balances exercises and audit requirements. Experience of implementing service improvements, process redesign or automation initiatives.
Qualifications and Training Essential
A good standard of general education, including GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above. AAT Qualified, Part Qualified ACCA/CIMA, NVQ Level 5, or equivalent finance qualification/experience. AAT Qualified, Part Qualified ACCA/CIMA, NVQ Level 5, or equivalent finance qualification/experience Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Sound knowledge of Accounts Payable processes and financial controls. Knowledge of Standing Financial Instructions, Standing Orders and financial governance requirements. Knowledge of the Procure-to-Pay process, including Purchase Orders, Goods Receipting and Invoice Matching. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate and resolve complex financial issues. Advanced spreadsheet and data analysis skills. Experience of using computerised financial management systems. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Desirable
Understanding of NHS Better Payment Practice Code requirements.
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.
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 Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
Address Catford
3rd Floor Old Town Hall
Catford
SE6 4RU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)