Accounts Payable Manager at Education Authority Northern Ireland

Ballymena, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

28 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

30 Mar, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Leadership, Management, Accounts Payable, Process Improvement, Financial Control, Statutory Compliance, Stakeholder Management, Team Building, Data Analysis, Reporting, Risk Management, Training, Governance, Excel Skills, Strategic Planning

Industry

Education Administration Programs

Description

Job Description Responsible to: Accounts Payable Functional Lead Responsible for: The Accounts Payable Manager will ensure the timely and accurate payment of Education Authority invoices whilst meeting all statutory/regulatory obligations. The post holder will be responsible for leading and managing the Accounts Payable function in the provision of a professional, efficient, high-quality function within defined transaction processing, ensuring prompt payment, timescales and targets are met. They will contribute to the improvement of business processes, financial control, and financial planning activities across directorate functions. Job Purpose The overall purpose of the role is to support the Accounts Payable Functional Lead to strategically lead, manage and develop the Accounts Payable function to meet the corporate requirements of the organisation. As a member of this team, the post holder is accountable for ensuring the function delivery is focused on fostering and driving continuous improvement. The post-holder will be expected to provide strong leadership and direction to ensure the ongoing business function improvements are managed to create a fit for purpose Accounts Payable Function. The Accounts Payable Manager will work with Education Authority (hereafter called the Authority) colleagues, external Stakeholders, Department of Education (DE), Department of Finance (DoF) and HMRC to ensure continuous function improvement and delivery on key performance priorities to ensure that current/emerging priorities are embedded in the programme of work. The post-holder will advise and support the Accounts Payable Functional Lead on the development of the strategic direction for this function to ensure that function priorities are clearly identified and communicated in line with function requirements. In acting as an integral member of the Accounts Payable function, the post-holder is required to fully contribute to all Accounting & Financial Services (AFS) issues relating to the corporate plan, operational business plan, function development proposals, and risk register. To ensure that the Directorate operational plans support the overall strategic direction of the Authority in achievement of its objectives in line with its vision, mission and values. The post-holder will be responsible for providing advice, support, information and guidance to the Authority’s Board, its Committees, Functional Managers, Senior Finance staff and external partners, as appropriate. The Accounts Payable Manager will be responsible for managing and leading a team of employees within the function, this will include managing employees across all Authority offices. The post-holder has the following Function specific responsibilities Leading a team of employees within the Accounts Payable function. This will include managing employees across all Authority offices. To provide clear, strategic leadership to staff to ensure the Accounts Payable function has a highly skilled, flexible, and motivated workforce. To ensure the timely and accurate payment of Education Authority invoices whilst meeting all statutory/regulatory obligations. To support the development and implementation of improved business processes for the Accounts Payable function. Manage the provision of the Accounts Payable function and monitor delivery of organisational objectives. Provide advice and support to internal/external stakeholders such as staff across Directorates, Department of Education and HMRC. Play a key role in the identification, management, and reporting of strategic risks to the Directorate. Provide advice and training to team of employees and across Directorates. To support the development and implementation of reporting within the Accounts Payable function. Preparation of detailed, complex reports to support analysis and ensure corporate objective are being met. Review of performance data to develop management information to support the Head of Service, and Accounts Payable Functional Lead in assessing the current position, associated risks and actions to mitigate. To contribute to ensuring compliance with statutory/regulatory requirements and implementation of any future changes as required by the Department of Education, Department of Finance or HMRC as appropriate. To provide accurate, timely, relevant advice and front-line support across Directorates on all matters relating to the Accounts Payable function reporting. Ensuring that high quality, effective, efficient, customer-oriented function is in place and is provided in line with the Authority’s Customer Charter. Co-ordinate responses in relation to any function complaints. To promote and develop a strong, consistent delivery culture throughout the function. To ensure that the Accounts Payable function is delivering a high quality, value for money function whilst ensuring a consistent and integrated approach across all areas of the Authority. To assist the Financial Operations Head of Service, Accounts Payable Functional Lead in the achievement of Function, Directorate and Corporate objectives. To contribute where required to the development of the Finance & ICT Directorate strategies, supporting policies, the implementation of processes, procedures, and new ways of working. Support the Financial Operations Head of Service, Accounts Payable Functional Lead and other Departmental leads to ensure a co-ordinated/integrated approach to planning that is aligned with all long-term strategic plans for the Finance & ICT Directorate. To develop/maintain effective working relationships with internal/external stakeholders, in the strategic planning, management, and delivery of the Authority’s corporate priorities. To assist and support high standards of governance including contributing to the establishment, implementation of effective accountability processes/systems to monitor, measure, control, and report on the work of the function. To take account of changes in the internal/external environments, which may impact on and influence priorities/needs. This will include appropriate use of benchmarks and key performance indicators (KPI) to demonstrate the achievement of value for money. Contribute to the Annual Accounts process. To represent the Authority on internal/external working groups and committees. Develop expertise as appropriate of specific statutory, contractual, commercial requirements or other financial management guidance on relevant Directorate functions. To deputise and undertake additional duties for the Financial Operations Head of Service and Accounts Payable Function Lead as required. Other duties and responsibilities applicable to the role of the Accounts Payable Manager. Leadership and management responsibilities The post-holder will be expected to: Line Manage employees aligned to the function. Provide non-managerial support, information and training as required for other employees within the Accounts Payable function. Lead and support employees in the team in the effective/efficient operation of the function. Promote the corporate vision, values and culture of the Authority as a single regional organisation, in all processes linked to financial management and planning. Provide leadership to the staff within their function. Ensuring transformational changes, new structures, strategies, policies and processes for the system/function are implemented while maintaining the high standards of the Authority and ensuring future challenges have been addressed. Ensure that employees within the Accounts Payable team are provided with clear structure, roles/responsibilities and are supported to work in an integrated way. Work closely with Team members to ensure that all requirements, deadlines, and schedules are met. Foster a culture that supports the achievement of the Authority’s Strategic Plan by role modelling core values and leadership behaviours to staff. Undertake such training as may be required for his/her own personal and professional development. Strategic Planning and Policy influence The post-holder will be expected to: Develop solutions to problems that require a new approach to be undertaken not constrained by existing policies. Draft detailed and complex reports on a variety of topics which contribute to policy development. Interpret legislation and government directives into policy and procedures. Contribute to and, where appropriate, lead the development and implementation of specific targets relating to the Authority’s corporate plan and Directorate’s business plan. Contribute to the development of a comprehensive function development plan. Work collaboratively with other staff and Heads of Service, to ensure that priorities are translated into manageable objectives and communicated to relevant teams within the function as appropriate. Work collaboratively with staff and Senior Officers to devise and implement effective systems to monitor, measure, control and report on the work of relevant teams within the function to take account of changes in the internal/external environments which may impact on and influence priorities and needs. Provide reports that can inform policy and strategic direction using formative and summative information which will guide future models of function delivery. To establish effective, accountable, and rigorous quality assurance systems to achieve highest possible standards of performance, with focuses on maintaining the needs of internal and external customers. Corporate Leadership and Management The post-holder will be expected to: Contribute to the strategic planning, implementation, and on-going monitoring of the function. Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and statutory frameworks. Establish, maintain, manage, and review effective financial management processes. Co-ordinate, deliver, or contribute to training and support with regards to specific functional areas as required. Facilitate the induction of new staff and ongoing professional development of all staff in relation to the core objectives, expected outputs and outcomes in relation to the function. Prepare and deliver reports on behalf of the Authority as required. Ensure that employees within the function have an awareness of the corporate culture, values and processes which underpin organisational development. Delegate responsibilities and deploy staff in accordance with their skills and abilities, the needs of the Authority and function specific priorities. Ensure key principal risks are assessed and monitored, managed and controlled effectively aligned to the Authority’s risk process. Function Development and Quality Assurance The post-holder will be expected to: Assist the Authority in the development of policies and plans in line with overall strategic policy and objectives. Ensure effective and rigorous quality assurance systems are in place to maintain high standards. Ensure effective engagement, capacity building and monitoring arrangements with local teams. Participate in review processes to enable the development, review and compliance of all quality assurance policies and procedures. Foster and facilitate the development of staff skills in relation to collaborating with internal/external stakeholders such as staff across Directorates, the Department of Education and HMRC. Liaise and work co-operatively with colleagues in other sections of the Authority to ensure consistent and coherent approaches towards training. Manage staff to perform to their potential, promote their professional development and give support when required. Managing financial resources The post-holder will be expected to: Follow robust corporate governance procedures and financial control frameworks for effective management of the budget for the function and monitor expenditure ensuring propriety, regularity, and value for money within the allocated budget. Facilitate reporting protocols that are required by the Authority. Partnership working The post-holder will be expected to: Enhance the development of the function by building on effective partnerships. Develop links across the Authority’s Directorates as necessary. Ensure effective systems are in place for communication and consultation with function users, both internally and externally. Contribute to attendance at meetings both internally and with other stakeholders, in accordance with corporate goals, function targets, multi-agency action plans and in line with the Authority’s and DE requirements. Other Duties Comply with Education Authority policies and procedures in relation to the duties and responsibilities of the post. Any such other duties that the Authority may from time to time require. The list of duties is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive. The post holder may be required to undertake various other duties as deemed necessary and commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post. The Authority reserves the right to update the Job Description to reflect the changing needs of the Function in consultation with the post holder. This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of responsibilities and reflects an initial assessment of the needs of the Directorate. As such, it is not intended to be exhaustive and may be subject to on-going review and refinement to ensure the Directorate’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the business. Other reasonable duties may be assigned by the Director, Assistant Director, Financial Operations Head of Service and Accounts Payable Functional Lead. Note, as the role carries regional responsibility travel across Education Authority sites will be required in order to attend meetings, participate in projects and fulfil the full range of duties and responsibility. The base location is to be agreed with the Accounts Payable Functional Lead. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times. To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here. PERSON SPECIFICATION NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS 1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant. 2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise. 3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below. 4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. 5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role. 6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria. Section 1 - Essential Criteria The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/ Experience 1. Hold one of the following: A. Be a fully qualified accountant with current membership of one of the five CCAB bodies (ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS or Chartered Accountants Ireland) (ICAI) or CIMA or equivalent and have two years' demonstrable post qualification experience* within the last five years; OR B. Hold a Bachelor’s Degree (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification and have three years' demonstrable experience* within the last six years; OR C. Have five years' demonstrable experience* within the last eight years. *Experience must include evidence of the successful management of the following in a Finance environment: i) Processing financial transactions and provision of financial services AND ii) at least one of the following areas: a. Finance policy, procedures and processes; b. Financial systems development; c. Provision of technical advice and support to customers/stakeholders. Shortlisting by Application Form Experience 2. Demonstrable experience of delivering an effective high-quality service to service users. 3. Demonstrable experience of successfully improving outcomes in a finance function and focussing on service delivery. 4. Proven ability to achieve targets and objectives within a demanding and pressurised environment against challenging deadlines and through engaging team members. Shortlisting by Application Form Other 5. The successful candidate will be required: to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion; OR be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion. Shortlisting by Application Form Section 2 - Essential Criteria The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Skills/ Abilities In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of: Leading sound and effective business planning processes Ability to champion EA strategic priorities, support the delivery of change and drive function improvement. An influential and persuasive communicator who recognises the value of working with stakeholders and can gain commitment across groups to achieve shared objectives. Able to establish credibility and presence in groups across a wide spectrum of people. Excellent leadership and management skills to build a high performing team. Achievement against challenging targets through the engagement of teams and solving problems through informed decision making. Good Excel Skills to analyse data to measure performance. Interview/Excel Assessment Values Orientation Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here. Interview Section 3 - Desirable Criteria Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications Working towards an Accountancy qualification eg Accounting Technician or professional qualification of one of the recognised Accountancy bodies. Shortlisting by Application Form Our Values Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential. DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage. Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice. APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here. To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Responsibilities

The Accounts Payable Manager is responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate payment of Education Authority invoices while meeting all regulatory obligations, leading and managing the Accounts Payable function for efficiency and quality delivery. This role supports the Accounts Payable Functional Lead in strategically leading and developing the function, focusing on continuous improvement and providing leadership and direction to the team.