Supplier Payments (Accounts Payable)

• Provide strategic leadership for the Accounts Payable function, ensuring an efficient, well-controlled and customer-focused service.
• Oversee the end-to-end purchase-to-pay process, ensuring supplier invoices are processed accurately and within agreed timescales.
• Ensure timely execution of payment runs while maintaining appropriate authorisation controls and cash management disciplines.
• Oversee employee expense management processes, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strong supplier governance arrangements, including supplier onboarding, due diligence and ongoing monitoring.
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and fraud prevention controls are embedded across all payment processes.
• Monitor operational performance through key performance indicators and service metrics, driving improvements where necessary.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve issues and support business objectives.

Internal & External Audit Coordination

• Act as the primary point of contact for internal auditors, external auditors and regulatory bodies.
• Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of internal and external audits, ensuring a professional and efficient audit process.
• Coordinate the provision of audit evidence and information requests, ensuring deadlines are met and expectations exceeded.
• Maintain oversight of all audit findings, recommendations and management actions, ensuring timely remediation and closure.
• Provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of key financial controls and governance processes.
• Monitor control effectiveness and identify opportunities to strengthen the organisation's risk and control environment.
• Build trusted relationships with auditors and regulators, ensuring open communication and effective stakeholder management.
• Keep senior management informed of audit outcomes, risk exposures and remediation progress.

Audit & Risk Committee

• Lead the preparation of high-quality Audit & Risk Committee papers, reports and management information, providing meaningful insight and analysis.
• Present financial control, audit, compliance and risk management updates to the Committee and senior stakeholders as required.
• Coordinate and monitor the completion of actions arising from Audit & Risk Committee meetings, ensuring accountability and timely delivery.
• Maintain oversight of governance frameworks, financial policies and control documentation, ensuring they remain current and effective.
• Prepare meeting agendas, minutes and action logs, maintaining accurate records of Committee proceedings.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and maturity of the organisation's governance, risk and compliance framework.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Set clear objectives and performance standards, supporting colleagues to achieve their full potential.
• Champion best practice financial governance across the organisation.
• Drive finance transformation initiatives that improve efficiency, scalability and control effectiveness.
• Act as a trusted adviser to the HOF and senior leadership team on financial control, governance and risk-related matters.
• Promote a culture of accountability, integrity and continuous improvement throughout the finance function.

Key Skills and Competencies

Ideally

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in a senior financial control, financial reporting, audit or finance leadership role.
• Proven experience managing robust financial control frameworks and governance processes.
• Strong understanding of balance sheet management, reconciliations and financial reporting controls.
• Demonstrable experience working with internal and external auditors.
• Experience preparing and presenting reports to Boards, Committees or senior leadership teams.
• Strong understanding of risk management, internal controls and corporate governance principles.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the confidence to challenge constructively and influence at all levels.
• Exceptional analytical, organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems knowledge.

Desirable

• Experience within a Credit Union, Banking, Building Society or other regulated financial services environment.
• Knowledge of PRA and FCA regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting Audit & Risk Committees and Board reporting.
• Experience leading finance transformation, automation or process improvement initiatives.
• Experience operating within a small organisation undergoing change or growth.
• Understanding of regulatory returns and prudential reporting requirements.

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and sound judgement.
• Collaborative and approachable leadership style.
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic and evolving environment.
• Highly resilient and adaptable.
• Takes ownership and accountability for delivering results.
• Committed to continuous improvement and high-quality outcomes.
• Passionate about supporting organisational success and team development.