Accounts Payables Manager – Fixed Term Contract

Adanola is seeking an experienced AP Transformation Manager to join on a fixed-term basis of 6–12 months. This is a senior interim role created to lead the end-to-end transformation of the Accounts Payable function during a period of rapid business growth. The AP team will report directly into this role for the duration of the contract

The successful candidate will be a seasoned AP transformation specialist with hands-on NetSuite experience, a background in businesses operating at £100m+ turnover, and a demonstrable track record of delivering sustainable process change. By the end of the contract, the role will have , embedded improved processes, documented SOPs, led change implementation, identified and embedded AI tools into the team's ways of working, and produced a clear succession plan for the permanent team.

Key Responsibilities

AP Transformation Leadership

• Define and drive the AP transformation roadmap, aligning priorities with the senior finance team and wider business strategy.
• Lead the end-to-end redesign of AP processes - from purchase orders through to payment - to increase efficiency, accuracy, and control.
• Identify and implement automation and digital solutions compatible with NetSuite to streamline invoice processing, approvals, and payment workflows.
• Benchmark current AP performance against best practice for businesses of comparable scale (£100m+ turnover) and set measurable improvement targets.
• Identify, evaluate, and embed AI tools (for example invoice capture, anomaly detection, and query handling) into AP workflows, upskilling the team to adopt them confidently and sustainably.

**Team Leadership **

• Act as line manager for the AP team for the duration of the FTC, providing day-to-day leadership, support, and direction.
• Embed a high-performance culture within the team, aligned with Adanola’s people-first values.
• Align team OKRs and personal development plans to the transformation objectives and broader Finance department goals.

Process Improvement & SOP Documentation ·

• Identify and prioritise process improvement opportunities across all areas of AP, including invoice processing, vendor management, payment runs, and reconciliation.
• Design and document comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all key AP processes, ensuring they are clear, practical, and fit for a scaling business.
• Establish robust controls and governance frameworks to ensure compliance with financial policies and regulatory requirements.
• Work with the management accounts team to improve month-end close processes, ensuring all costs are captured accurately and on time.

Change Implementation

• Lead the implementation of approved process changes, managing stakeholder communication and securing buy-in across Finance and the wider business.
• Develop and deliver training to the AP team on new processes, systems, and ways of working.
• Manage the AP function’s day-to-day operations concurrently with transformation activity, maintaining service continuity throughout.

Succession Planning

• Develop a detailed succession plan for the AP function to sustain improvements post-contract.
• Recommend internal candidates for development and/or define the profile for any external hires where gaps exist.
• Ensure thorough knowledge transfer to the team and Finance leadership so that transformation gains are maintained after the FTC concludes.

BAU AP Oversight

• Oversee end-to-end invoice processing, payment runs, vendor management, and reconciliations.
• Ensure the ledger is fully reconciled at month-end with all commentary captured.
• Monitor cash flow projections related to AP, managing risks and ensuring funds are available for payment obligations.
• Support internal and external audits, providing documentation and responding to AP-related enquiries on a timely basis.
• Ensure the payment run process remains timely and accurate throughout the contract.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

• Experience identifying and embedding AI tools within a finance or AP function, with the ability to assess use cases pragmatically and build team adoption.
• Hands-on experience with NetSuite (AP modules, workflows, and reporting).
• Experience working within a business with £100m+ annual turnover.
• Demonstrable experience reviewing process capabilities and implementing structured change plans and improvement roadmaps, with a track record of driving AP transformation and building scalable, future-ready finance operations.
• Strong SOP documentation and process mapping skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and change leadership ability.
• Strong working knowledge of AP best practice, controls, and compliance requirements.

Desirable

• Previous experience in an interim or FTC transformation role.
• Experience in an online retail or e-commerce environment.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Accounting or Finance: degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field; AAT or part-qualified ACCA/CIMA considered.

Skills & Attributes

• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Comfortable operating hands-on within a fast-paced, scaling business.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT
A fully documented set of AP SOPs that the team operates to consistently. Measurable improvements in AP processing times, accuracy, and cost. A capable, assessed AP team with clear individual development plans in place. NetSuite optimised for AP workflows with automation embedded where appropriate. AI tools assessed, piloted, and embedded into AP ways of working, with the team confident in using them independently. A clear, actionable succession plan handed over to the Financial Controller. Smooth knowledge transfer ensuring no loss of momentum post-contract.

Why Adanola?

We’re on a mission to become the go-to destination to shop your everyday uniform and we’re looking for talented, positive people to work towards this goal. As the company continues to grow at a fast pace, it’s an exciting time to be part of the journey. So, if you’re passionate, driven, and ready to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you!

Some of the benefits we offer our employees:

• Business-wide bonus structure
• Regular in office wellness events
• Private Medical Insurance
• Flexible workplace (3 days a week in our Manchester office)
• 33 days holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Day off on your Birthday
• 50% staff discount