• Own and manage the end‑to‑end AP function across a large, high‑volume invoice environment, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and control at every stage of the purchase‑to‑pay cycle.• Oversee the processing of high volumes of invoices across multiple entities and currencies, with a focus on maximising straight‑through processing rates through AI and automation.• Maintain a clean, well‑reconciled AP ledger at scale, proactively resolving aged items, duplicate payments and supplier disputes before they escalate.• Manage weekly and monthly multi‑currency payment runs, ensuring appropriate controls, authorisations and audit trails are in place.• Own the AP inbox and act as the primary escalation point for complex supplier and internal queries, maintaining strong vendor relationships and protecting Blast’s commercial reputation.• Lead the definition and configuration of the purchase order module within Blast’s new ERP system — including PO workflow design, approval hierarchies, matching rules and supplier portal setup — acting as the AP function’s subject matter expert throughout implementation and go‑live.• Lead the optimisation of our PO system and supporting AI and automation tools across the AP function, including AI‑powered invoice capture, intelligent OCR, automated three‑way matching and exception‑based workflows.• Use AI tools to reduce manual invoice touchpoints, drive down processing costs per invoice and significantly increase straight‑through processing.• Leverage large language models and AI assistants to automate supplier communications, generate process documentation and analyse AP performance data.• Identify and pilot new AI‑driven AP solutions as the technology evolves, acting as the internal champion for innovation within the AP function.• Build and maintain automated dashboards and reporting tools that provide real‑time visibility into AP performance, liabilities and cash‑flow impact.• Own the AP month‑end close process at volume and pace, including supplier statement reconciliations across multiple entities.• Produce accurate AP ageing reports and KPI dashboards covering DPO, invoice cycle times, exception rates and automation penetration.• Support the Financial Controller with balance sheet reconciliations and audit‑ready workpapers relating to payables.• Provide regular insight and commentary on AP performance trends, highlighting risks and opportunities to Finance leadership.• Build and maintain strong working relationships with a large, diverse supplier base, ensuring disputes and escalations are resolved professionally and efficiently at scale.• Work closely with Procurement, Legal and Commercial teams to ensure supplier onboarding, contract payment terms and vendor data are accurately reflected in the AP system.• Partner with budget holders across the business to drive PO compliance and timely invoice approvals, reducing bottlenecks in the workflow.• Influence senior stakeholders to adopt AP best practices and support automation initiatives requiring cross‑functional engagement.• Manage and develop a small AP team, providing day‑to‑day oversight, workload prioritisation and coaching, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and AI‑led ways of working.
Requirements
- Significant experience managing a high‑volume AP function, operating at scale with hundreds of invoices per month across multiple entities and currencies.
- Proven track record of using AI and automation to materially transform AP operations, including AI‑powered invoice capture, intelligent OCR, automated matching or RPA‑driven workflows.
- Hands‑on experience with at least one enterprise AP automation platform.
- Demonstrated use of AI assistants (e.g., ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or similar) to improve AP productivity across communications, data analysis, reporting or process documentation.
- A data‑driven mindset with the ability to define, track and improve AP KPIs such as DPO, straight‑through processing rates and invoice cycle times.
- Proficiency in a cloud‑based finance system (e.g., Xero, NetSuite, SAP or equivalent) with experience managing high transaction volumes.
- Advanced Excel skills and strong attention to detail, with the ability to interrogate large datasets quickly and accurately.
- Strong communication skills, with the confidence to manage supplier escalations and influence internal stakeholders on process and policy.
- Ability to hit the ground running in a contract role, quickly assessing the current state and driving improvements at pace.
- Experience scoping and implementing a new AP automation tool or AI‑driven invoice‑processing solution end to end.
- Familiarity with Python, SQL or low‑code automation tools (e.g., Make, Zapier, Power Automate) to build AP workflow automations.
- Part‑ or fully‑qualified in a recognised accountancy qualification (AAT / ACCA / CIMA) or equivalent.
- Experience in a high‑growth media, events, entertainment or esports environment.
- Exposure to intercompany AP processes and complex multi‑entity structures.
- Experience managing or developing a small AP team.
ATS Optimization KeywordsBelow are skills and terms extracted directly from this job posting to improve Applicant Tracking System (ATS) visibility. This unique feature helps candidates tailor their applications more effectively — a feature exclusive to JobTailor job listings.
Hard Skills
- AP function management
- AI-powered invoice capture
- intelligent OCR
- automated matching
- RPA-driven workflows
- cloud-based finance system
- Excel
- Python
- SQL
- low-code automation tools
Soft Skills
- strong communication skills
- influencing stakeholders
- problem resolution
- team management
- workload prioritization
- coaching
- continuous improvement
- data-driven mindset
- relationship building
- escalation management
Certifications & Qualifications
- AAT
- ACCA
- CIMA
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