Head of Accounts Payable

Posting date:	23 February 2026
Salary:	£37,525 to £39,605 per year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	25 March 2026
Location:	B35 6AE
Remote working:	On-site only
Company:	Teacheractive Limited
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	SM/Head of AP-8985

Summary

Head of Accounts Payable

Location: Birmingham
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £37,525- £39,605
Hours: 37 hours per week (or insert your standard working week)
Reporting to: Director of Finance / Head of Finance

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Head of Accounts Payable to lead and manage the Accounts Payable and purchasing functions within a college Finance Department. Based in Birmingham, this key role will ensure the efficient processing of payments, strong financial controls, compliance with financial regulations, and excellent service delivery across the College.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the Accounts Payable team, ensuring high performance, motivation, and continuous professional development.

  
  

• Oversee the end-to-end Accounts Payable and purchasing processes, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

  
  

• Manage treasury processes, including payment runs, cash flow forecasting, and bank reconciliations.

  
  

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of supplier invoices and payments.

  
  

• Oversee VAT returns and ensure compliance with HMRC and statutory regulations.

  
  

• Maintain and develop robust financial controls, policies, and procedures.

  
  

• Produce accurate management information and reports to support decision-making.

  
  

• Work collaboratively with budget holders, procurement, and wider finance teams.

  
  

• Lead process improvements and support digital and systems development initiatives.

  
  

• Ensure excellent customer service to both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

  
  Essential Criteria

  Qualifications

  • Minimum AAT or NVQ Level 4 in Financial / Financial Management (or equivalent qualification).

    
    

    Knowledge & Experience

    • Strong knowledge and understanding of Accounts Payable and purchasing processes.

      
      

    • Knowledge and understanding of treasury management.

      
      

    • Proven management experience, including team leadership and staff development.

      
      

    • Knowledge and experience of VAT returns.

      
      

    • Experience of working effectively within a team environment.

      
      

    • Demonstrable experience of working to tight deadlines and under pressure.

      
      

    • Proven track record of achieving objectives and targets.

      
      

      Skills & Abilities

      • Excellent administrative and organisational skills.

        
        

      • Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and financial systems.

        
        

      • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

        
        

      • Strong numeracy and literacy skills.

        
        

      • Ability to work flexibly, using initiative and problem-solving skills.

        
        

      • High levels of accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality.

        
        Desirable Criteria

        • Experience of working within Further Education, Higher Education, or the public sector.

          
          

        • Experience with finance system implementations or upgrades.

          
          What We Offer

          • Competitive salary and pension scheme

            
            

          • Generous annual leave entitlement

            
            

          • Professional development and training opportunities

            
            

          • Supportive and inclusive working environment

            
            

          • Flexible working options (subject to role requirements)

            
            

            Contact us:

            01212003224 or sasha.mccrory@teacheractive.com

            All applicants will be contacted to discuss suitability and then invited to register with TeacherActive.
            
            
            
            Registration involves an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and will require you to supply good professional references. We pride ourselves on excellent service. We can provide a wide range of opportunities in schools and other educational institutions, with good rates of pay, at times to suit your needs.
            
            
            
            Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each environment.
            
            TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer, and operates as an Employment Business in providing temporary or contract job-seeking services.