Accounts Payable Team Leader - #1749605

Allied Bakeries are owned by Associated British Foods. ABF is a diversified international food, ingredients and retail group with sales of £20.1bn and 138,000 employees in 56 countries. It has significant businesses in Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia. Our sister companies in ABF UK Grocery produce products under many market-leading household brands, including Jordans, Ryvita, Pataks, Blue Dragon & Silver Spoon.

We are proud of our brands: we make top 10 UK grocery brand Kingsmill as well as Allinson’s, Bürgen and Sunblest. You’ll know us best through our white, wholemeal and seeded market-leading loaves, as well as Kingsmill 50/50, the nation’s favourite Healthier White, and our delicious pancakes, crumpets, hot cross buns and other bakery products.

The success of our business depends on us having the right people on the team. We are incredibly passionate about our business, but it isn’t for the faint-hearted – it’s pacey and demanding so our people need to have a positive attitude and to want to work inclusively. We take massive pride in what we do, not least in how colleagues based in our bakeries and depots have one of the best safety performance records in the industry.

Our Grocery Service Centre, based near Liverpool, is a hub for transactional activity across multiple ABF companies within the ABF Grocery division. Supporting some of our well-known brands such as Kingsmill, Pataks, Blue Dragon, Jordans, Ryvita and Silver Spoon, amongst others. We deliver Shared Service activities across a wide range of disciplines including Customer Services, Consumer Care, Finance, Payroll, HR and IS.

If you’re looking to join a business that is passionate, encourages you to be the best you can be, and values its people, we’d love to hear from you.

Overview Of Role

Location: Liverpool, Merseyside

Salary: £35,000+ per annum (DOE)

Hybrid Working: On average 2 days in the office per week (subject to business requirements)

Are you an experienced leader in Accounts Payable looking for an exciting new opportunity? We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Accounts Payable Team Leader to support our AP Manager and oversee a talented team. Your role will ensure an effective payables service by leading and supporting team members in processing invoices on time and in accordance with the Prompt Payment Code.

This permanent role offers a hybrid work model, providing flexibility while being part of a collaborative environment.

Why Join Us?

We believe in rewarding our employees and providing a supportive work environment. Here’s what you’ll get:

Competitive Benefits Package Including

Competitive Salary - £35,000+ (DOE)

Generous Leave – 25 days holiday + bank holidays

Free Onsite Parking

Employee Assistance Programme

Simply Health Scheme

Holiday Purchase Scheme

Pension Scheme

Onsite Shop

Eyecare Vouchers

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Scheme

Loyal Service Awards

Employee Referral Scheme

Extra Slice Discounts

Key Accountabilities

As an Accounts Payable Team Leader your key responsibilities will include:

Team Leadership: Lead a team of Accounts Payable & Corporate Credit Card Advisors within a 29-person department. Manage day-to-day operations, workload prioritisation, attendance, performance reviews, and KPIs.

Escalation Management: Act as a focal point for team issues, resolving supplier queries promptly (e.g., final demand letters).

Invoice & Payment Oversight: Ensure the timely and accurate processing of invoices, credit/debit notes, and supplier account reconciliation.

Compliance & Financial Control: Monitor overdue invoices, ensure correct VAT treatment, and manage supplier master account control.

Process & System Improvement: Oversee Corporate Card spend and compliance, support P2P processes, and drive continuous improvements.

Performance & Development: Conduct regular 1-2-1s, provide coaching/training, set objectives, and manage performance-related matters effectively.

Reporting & Analysis: Full accountability for AP & Corporate Card reporting, payment run approvals, and business-wide P2P support.

The Right Person

Essential

We’re seeking a detail-oriented and proactive individual with:

Proven experience leading a team in a large Accounts Payable environment.

Strong knowledge of ERP systems & P2P processes (SAP/Oracle/Microsoft D365 preferred).

Exceptional communication & problem-solving skills.

Intermediate Excel proficiency.

Desirable

Experience with OCR & automated invoice processing.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now and be a part of our growing success!