Accounts Payable Specialist

Q is one of the UK's biggest providers of student accommodation, committed to giving our 34,000 students in 85 sites across 29 UK cities their best year yet.

Our London and Manchester based support teams are the cog that keeps the iQ wheels turning, providing our brilliant site teams with everything they need to deliver a fantastic student experience every day.

iQers are a pretty special bunch. Our team is bursting with independent thinkers and problem solvers, who join us to explore what's possible and build a career as part of a diverse, fun and supportive team. If you have people skills, personality and potential then you have all the makings of a great iQer.

About the role:

As part of the Group reporting and controls team of 24, the role supports the AP team leader to managing the purchase to pay function including the relationship with our outsourced Accounts Payable team (QX). Be the primary contact for all internal teams to support the purchase order and payment processes for both site and corporate centre teams.

Although based in our London Bridge based corporate centre, the role also requires periodic visits to the teams at our student accommodation sites. We operate a hybrid working model with 3 days in the office / site location and 2 days working from home.

Key Responsibilities:

Day to Day Transactional:

Liaise with suppliers (including councils/utilities/maintenance) to ensure payments are made in a timely manner.Key player in the distribution of invoice register KPIs to internal teams, working closely with key stakeholders at sites and corporate centre to reduce outstanding invoices.Lead in obtaining regular supplier statements and undertake monthly reconciliations and difference resolution.Preparation and coordination of ad hoc payments, including supplier call-backs.Liaising with internal teams on the status of payments/purchase orders/invoices.Complete Direct Debit mandates and credit application forms.Stakeholder engagement:

Developing relationships with individuals across the businessDealing with invoice queries and issues raised by key stakeholders.Delivery of regular on-site training on the purchase to pay process across our UK property portfolio and ensure adherence to this process.Work closely with the Procurement team in respect of supplier onboarding.Assist end users with coding, workflows, display types, expense types, transaction types and VAT rates.Working closely with the outsourced Accounts Payable team on all ad-hoc issues.Support the AP Team Leader in the streamlining and continual improvement of the accounts payable process.Other:

Performing controls relating to the AP cycle, as well as documenting new and existing processes and controls.Year-end audit support including related auditor queries.Ad-hoc projects e.g. onboarding new properties purchased or built by the group.Key stakeholders:

Outsourced shared service team (QX: AP and Treasury)Site and Capital expenditure TeamsOther members of the finance team, including Opex, Capex, Group Finance, Tax and Treasury TeamsSuppliersSkills and Experience:

Prior experience in an accounts payable function

Experience in other financial roles is welcomed, particularly in transactional accounting.Prior experience of working with an outsourced transactions team beneficial.Solid general education background with sound numerical skills.Accounting qualification (or part-qualification) advantageous, although not essential.Outgoing and proactive in engaging with iQ team members across the business.Good communication skills, coupled with an analytical mind.Diligent in sticking to process with attention to detail, but also seeking out ways to improve and simplify.Strong teamworking and personal skills, happy to work in a fast-paced environment.Ability to meet multiple deadlines and multitask, using initiative to prioritise.Proficiency in Excel.Ready to feel like you've got the best job ever? Apply today and find out what it's really like to work at iQ!