Finance - Team Lead

About the Role

We are looking for a proactive and experienced Finance Team Leader to support the smooth day-to-day operations of an overseas-based finance team and help ensure the successful delivery of key performance indicators (KPIs).

In this role, you will lead and support team members, manage workloads, handle complex accounts and queries, provide direct support to the Accounts Payable Manager, oversee Accounts Payable inbox activities, process OCRs in iDocs, and contribute to continuous improvements across finance systems and processes.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who combines strong Accounts Payable knowledge with people leadership, stakeholder management, attention to detail, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day team operations, manage workloads, and ensure agreed KPIs are achieved.
• Train, mentor, support, and review team members while promoting a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Serve as the first point of contact for queries from overseas and onshore team members.
• Support the Accounts Payable Manager in resolving complex queries and handling ad hoc activities.
• Reconcile complex accounts and assist with more challenging Accounts Payable concerns.
• Participate in team reviews, including setting development objectives, supporting appraisals, and identifying training needs.
• Provide training to the overseas team, with assistance from the wider UK-based team when required.
• Maintain a positive and supportive environment where team members can ask questions, learn, and grow.
• Provide a positive service desk experience to key stakeholders and internal customers for Accounts Payable queries.
• Support the management and allocation of emails from the Accounts Payable inbox.
• Provide suppliers with remittance advice upon request.
• Process OCRs into drafts.
• Assist in creating process guides, standard operating procedures, and process maps.
• Contact suppliers as requested to provide updates or obtain required information.
• Escalate queries through the appropriate workflow.
• Proactively identify and escalate potential issues or improvement opportunities.
• Implement and support standard operating procedures and ensure compliance with relevant policies.
• Support audits, system improvements, projects, and reporting activities.
• Identify inefficiencies and recommend practical solutions to improve team administration and processes.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across systems and processes.
• Work proactively to identify and flag potential issues before they arise.
• Build and maintain effective communication with managers, internal stakeholders, and external stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

• Previous experience working with invoices and accounts.
• Experience using finance systems and a good understanding of related finance processes.
• Experience working effectively within a team environment.
• Experience in administration and general office duties.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Experience using telephone and finance systems.
• Experience working with crib sheets, standard operating procedures, and established processes.
• Strong understanding of the importance of Accounts Payable within a large organization.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Data Protection Act and GDPR.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and a passion for improving efficiency across administration, systems, and processes.
• Ability to prioritize tasks while maintaining accuracy in a busy and time-sensitive environment.
• Strong relationship-building skills with internal customers, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively within a matrix and multidisciplinary team.
• Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a continuously improving environment.
• Positive, supportive, reliable, and trustworthy approach to teamwork.
• Approachable, dedicated, and hardworking.
• Confident in escalating issues and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Able to work independently and provide practical solutions to challenges.
• Flexible in working patterns and willing to adjust when unexpected changes arise.
• Strong integrity, honesty, and openness.
• Confident in sharing ideas and contributing constructive opinions.
• Collaborative and respectful of different perspectives.
• Demonstrates measured judgment and sound decision-making.
• Committed to maintaining high standards and continuously improving the quality of work.