Accounts Payable Manager - Denton

Overview

A Bit About Us Partou UK is one of the UK’s largest and fastest-growing childcare providers, formed through the acquisition of Just Childcare in June 2021 and All About Children in September 2022. Since then, the organisation has continued to grow with clear intent - balancing expansion with a deep commitment to the wellbeing, development and experience of children, families and teams.

Our approach to growth is thoughtful and people centred. We recognise that behind every nursery are dedicated teams, trusted relationships with families and unique local communities. As we expand, we invest significantly in high-quality early years practice, professional development and reflective ways of working that support continuous improvement and shared learning across the organisation.

Purpose of the Role Partou UK are looking for an experienced Accounts Payable Manager who will be responsible for leading the Accounts Payable (AP) function, ensuring timely and accurate processing of supplier invoices, staff expenses, and payments. This role oversees AP operations, maintains strong internal controls, drives process improvements, and works closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. The Accounts Payable Manager plays a key role in supporting month-end close, cashflow management, and financial reporting.

• Leadership & Management
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounts Payable team, setting clear objectives and performance standards.
• Manage team workload, ensuring efficient processing and adherence to deadlines.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and support career development.
• AP Operations
• Oversee the end-to-end invoice, corporate credit card and employee expenses processing cycle, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payment.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, financial controls, and audit requirements.
• Resolve complex invoice, payment, or supplier account issues.
• Maintain up-to-date supplier records, including new vendor setup and validations.
• Controls & Compliance
• Implement and monitor internal controls over AP processes.
• Ensure compliance with VAT regulations, financial policies, and statutory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules and responding to queries.
• Process Improvement
• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate AP processes.
• Implement best practices and support system upgrades or new finance system implementations.
• Enhance reporting, analytics, and KPI tracking for AP performance.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Liaise with Procurement, Finance, Operations, and other teams to resolve queries.
• Act as the escalation point for supplier issues and payment concerns.
• Maintain strong working relationships with key suppliers and internal departments.
• Reporting & Month-End
• Prepare AP-related reports, ageing analyses, and metrics for management.
• Ensure accurate month-end close, including accruals and reconciliations.
• Support cashflow forecasting by providing timely payment data and insights.

Essential

• Proven experience managing Accounts Payable teams in a medium or large organisation.
• Strong understanding of invoice processing, payment cycles, VAT rules, and controls.
• Experience with accounting/ERP.
• Excellent analytical skills and high attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional accounting qualification or part-qualified (AAT, ACCA, CIMA) advantageous.

Personal Qualities

• Proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Highly organised with strong prioritisation skills.

Working Arrangement

• Based in Denton, Manchester
• Some flexible working accommodation

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Partou is proud to be a part of the National Partnership in Early Learning and Childcare (NPELC) - a group of 10 of the largest childcare providers across England. Together, we operate over 1,300 childcare settings, employ more than 38,000 people, and take care of over 160,000 children.