Head of Accounts Payable

Head of Accounts Payable – London Based (hybrid)

Position Summary

This pivotal management role is based at our beautiful Hammersmith head-office and will to run our Accounts Payable Shared Service Centre.

The role comprises full responsibility for the Accounts Payable function and overall management of the AP team with purpose of strengthening and developing our shared service AP function and streamlining AP processes across all entities.

Responsibilities:

• 5 Direct Reports including Shared Service AP Manager

• Approval and transfer of multiple multi-currency payment runs

• Conducting due diligence on New Suppliers and ensuring correct VAT treatment

• Regular review of Accounts Payable Ledgers

• Responsible for the training of new and existing staff

• Responsible for recruitment of New AP staff

• Responsible for KPI setting with in the AP Team

• Ensuring AP Function adheres to all internal compliance and SOX Controls

• Process improvement and alignment across Shared Service AP function

• Co-ordinating and resolving queries, issues and concerns within your area of responsibility, escalating queries that need management decisions or are outside your scope of responsibility.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong Leader, willing to take ownership, exercise strong controls and drive progress.

• Extensive experience in the AP function of a high-volume Accounts Payable Team

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a managerial role

• Ability to prioritize, plan, manage time efficiently and meet deadlines

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)

• Good knowledge of and experience of working with accounting principles.

• Experience working in a fast-paced, high volume, transaction orientated environment.

• Significant experience working under pressure meeting strict deadlines.

• Experience using multiple systems simultaneously.

• Intermediate Excel knowledge (V Lookups, pivot tables, formatting of data…)

• Team player with flexibility to support in urgent task completion where required

• Strong client focus and good communication skills (verbal and written)

• Accurate and attentive to detail

Application method

Please apply with your CV and covering letter highlighting why you believe you are suitable for the role.

Closing date: Friday 10th March

At Kaplan International, we are committed to working in a diverse organisation and strive to provide equality of opportunity for all. We encourage and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or identity, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership. If as a disabled applicant (as defined under the Equality Act 2010) you would like to request that your application is considered under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) please let us know using this form

As part of our commitment to safeguarding, depending on the nature of the role, successful candidates may be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Applicants must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

About Kaplan International Languages

Every year, Kaplan International Languages (KIL) helps over 50,000 students from more than 150 countries to develop and improve their English language skills. With a network of schools spanning 6 countries, KIL has the largest presence of any international language school in the English-speaking world. Our schools are in vibrant, sought-after and convenient locations, providing our students with the right environment to achieve their goals. We offer a wide selection of courses from General English and exam courses through to 8-month intensive programs. Our recommendation rate currently stands at 96%.

As part of Kaplan Inc., KIL is proud to share in the Kaplan tradition of academic excellence, standing alongside other established education institutions like Kaplan Financial, Kaplan International Pathways, Kaplan Test Prep and Kaplan Professional. Kaplan Inc., which is owned by Graham Holdings, is one of the world’s largest providers of education and training. It has an 80-year history of expanding access to academic opportunity and global revenues of more than US$2 billion.