Accounts Payable Manager

Who are we?

We are ‘Access Education Group’ , formerly known as Access to Music, and were founded in 1992. We’re an Ofsted ‘Good’ provider that reaches every corner of the country, with multiple campuses and over 5,000 students nationwide. The Access Education Group which boasts 32 campuses nationwide  across four divisions Access Creative College, dBs Institute (Higher Education), Access Industry & Access Sport

About the Role

We are looking for a personable, confident, and detail-oriented Accounts Payable Manager to join our finance team. This role will primarily focus on Accounts Payable, with a small element of Accounts Receivable responsibilities.

You will play a key role in ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices and payments, maintaining strong supplier relationships, and supporting the smooth running of financial operations within a fast-paced environment.

About You

You will have previous experience in an Accounts Payable role and be comfortable managing workloads, prioritising tasks, and working to deadlines. You’ll be highly organised, have excellent attention to detail, and possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Key Responsibilities

Invoice Processing

• Review, verify, and process supplier invoices, ensuring accuracy and appropriate authorisation

• Match invoices to purchase orders and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner

• Ensure invoices are correctly coded within the accounting system

• Support the processing of monthly credit card statements, matching transactions to receipts and applying correct coding

Payment Processing

• Prepare payment files and process both batch and manual bank payments

• Respond to payment queries from suppliers and internal stakeholders

Reconciliation & Reporting

• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve outstanding balances or discrepancies

• Reconcile Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable records

• Post bank transactions onto financial systems

Supplier & Internal Communication

• Act as the main point of contact for supplier queries relating to payments and account status

• Manage Accounts Payable mailboxes, ensuring correspondence is monitored and actioned promptly

• Work closely with internal teams to resolve invoice or purchase order queries

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate and well-organised records of invoices, payments, and correspondence

• Support external audits by providing requested documentation and information

Accounts Receivable (small element of the role)

• Raise accurate sales invoices to Councils and the Department for Education

• Ensure timely payments and compliance with internal financial procedures

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an Accounts Payable role

• Some Accounts Receivable experience desirable

• AAT or other formal accounting qualification desirable but not essential

• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

• Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills

What do we offer?

• Generous Holiday Allocation

• Wellbeing Benefits: Health Cash Plan, Doctorline GP Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Access to Counselling and Cycle to Work 

• Staff Discounts & Benefits: access to Accolade, our benefits platform which offers discounts at over 800 retailers!  

• Paid Leave: Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Sick pay.

A full job description and person specification is available for download alongside our full benefits booklet.  

Diversity and open expression are fundamental to creativity.  We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and inclusivity for all our employees and potential employees.

This role is based within a regulated education environment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and must disclose any information that may affect their suitability to work with children, young people, or vulnerable adults.