Finance Manager – International Operations & Accounts Payable
A fast-growing, multi-jurisdictional professional services group is seeking to recruit an experienced Finance Manager with sector experience to be based in Southampton.
Role Purpose
Responsible for the end-to-end management, control, and efficiency of the firm’s international finance operations, with a particular focus on Accounts Payable. This hands-on leadership role requires a detail-oriented, commercially minded leader with expertise in multi-currency invoice processing, international tax compliance, and finance operations across multiple jurisdictions.
Reports to: Group Finance Director
Principal Duties
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Lead and develop a multi-office AP and finance function, standardising processes across the UK, Channel Islands, Caribbean, and Asia.
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Own the full AP lifecycle, including vendor onboarding, invoice processing, approvals, payment runs, disbursements, and supplier management.
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Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and tax requirements across all jurisdictions.
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Maintain robust internal controls, safeguard assets, and mitigate fraud risk.
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Oversee day-to-day finance operations for Caribbean and Asia offices, including AR/AP, banking, payroll inputs, journals, and general ledger maintenance.
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Provide finance business partnering and insight to Office Heads, Partners, and local leadership teams.
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Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and enhanced data quality.
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Act as a trusted finance partner to senior stakeholders across Finance, IT, and Operations.
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Produce, analyse, and report KPIs, aged creditors, payment performance, supplier concentration, and AP efficiency metrics.
Experience & Skills
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6+ years of Accounts Payable experience in a professional services, legal, or multi-entity environment, with at least 4 years in a management/supervisory role.
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Hands-on experience with finance systems, automation tools, and process improvement initiatives.
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Proven ability to lead multi-jurisdictional finance operations and manage cross-border payments.
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Strong people leadership and team development experience.
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Excellent understanding of financial controls, audit requirements, and segregation of duties.
Personal Characteristics
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Credible, confident, and calm under pressure.
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Process-driven with a strong control mindset and exceptional attention to detail.
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Pragmatic, solutions-focused, with strong analytical skills.
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Skilled at influencing senior stakeholders without direct authority.
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Strong leadership capability with the ability to delegate effectively and develop high-performing teams.
Package: Up to £85k, plus an excellent benefits package.
This is a rare opportunity to shape and mature international finance operations while making a tangible impact from day one.
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