Accounts Payable Supervisor

Heriot-Watt University Student Union

. Lead, develop and continuously improve the University’s Accounts Payable function .

Posted 9/28/2026full-timeEdinburgh • United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £37,694 - £47,389 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading and improving Accounts Payable functions, with a strong focus on financial controls, process optimization, and team development. Proficient in using data analytics to drive decision-making and enhance operational performance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Accounts Payable ManagementFinancial ControlsTeam Leadership and DevelopmentOracle Fusion ERPData Analysis and Reporting

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Accounts PayableFinancial OperationsExcelRoot-Cause AnalysisProcess ImprovementSupplier ControlsReconciliationAudit CompliancePerformance ManagementCapacity Planning

Soft Skills

CoachingRelationship BuildingInfluencingCommunicationProblem-Solving

Tools & Technologies

Oracle FusionERP SystemsManagement Information Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

AAT QualificationDegree-Level Education

Industry Keywords

Financial RegulationsProcure-to-Pay ProcessOperational RiskPerformance Development ReviewsService Measures

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERPOracle

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead, develop and continuously improve the University’s Accounts Payable function
Provide visible, inclusive and supportive leadership to the Accounts Payable team
Coach, motivate and develop team members through one-to-ones, objective setting, feedback and Performance Development Reviews
Lead day-to-day end-to-end Accounts Payable delivery across the University
Oversee invoice processing, expenses, scholarships, payment preparation, supplier statement reconciliation and exception resolution
Plan capacity and priorities for routine activity, month-end, year-end, audit and operational pressure periods
Handle queries, complaints and escalations promptly and professionally
Maintain business continuity arrangements and cover for critical activities
Ensure compliance with financial regulations, delegated authorities, policies and procedures
Maintain controls over supplier data, invoice approval, payment preparation, segregation of duties and duplicate, erroneous or fraudulent payments
Support audits, respond to findings and deliver agreed actions
Maintain standard operating procedures, process maps, guidance and control documentation
Improve processes through root-cause analysis and reduced manual work
Work with Finance Systems and stakeholders to optimise Oracle Fusion, workflows and reporting
Lead improvement projects from definition through implementation, adoption and benefits review
Develop KPIs and use data to identify trends, risks, capacity constraints and improvement priorities
Provide reports and commentary to Finance leadership and stakeholders
Build relationships across the University and improve the end-to-end procure-to-pay process
Represent Accounts Payable in meetings, projects and working groups
Make operational decisions within delegated authority and escalate material issues
Own delivery against objectives, service measures, audit actions and improvement plans

Requirements

What you’ll need

Degree-level education, AAT qualification, or equivalent relevant professional experience
Evidence of continuing professional development
Substantial experience in Accounts Payable or closely related financial operations
Experience with financial controls and complex issue resolution
Experience positively leading, coaching and developing a team
Experience setting expectations, managing performance and supporting change
Confident use of ERP systems and management information
Strong Excel capability
Ability to use data to improve decisions and performance
Practical understanding of segregation of duties, supplier and payment controls, reconciliations, audit evidence and operational risk
Evidence of diagnosing root causes, simplifying processes, documenting procedures and implementing sustainable improvements
Ability to build credible relationships, influence constructively and explain complex requirements clearly

Benefits

Comp & perks

33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)
Hybrid working in line with university arrangements
Flexible working patterns, including part-time working and job share options
Total rewards/benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University
Equality, diversity and inclusion environment
Well-being and inclusiveness support
Professional development and continuing professional development opportunities