Accounts Team Leader

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team as an Accounts Team Leader at Futamura, Wigton.

Futamura is a major global manufacturer of sustainable, plant-based cellulose films, including the renownedNatureFlex compostable films. Futamura processes responsibly sourced wood pulp into sustainable flexible packaging and labelling solutions used by brands worldwide.

What is this role?

As an Accounts Team Leader, you will coordinate and supervise the daily activities of the accounts payable, accounts receivable and cash management functions of the finance team. You will support with the production of management accounts and cash forecasting for both commercial and manufacturing entity.

• Lead, support, and coordinate the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable team to ensure efficient and accurate processing of invoices, payments, billings, and receipts.
• Allocate workload, monitor performance, and provide guidance and training to team members as well as completing employee appraisals.
• Supervise and support the training of the team and ensure all roles are covered during holidays to ensure business needs are met.
• Implement and manage internal controls to reduce errors and ensure accuracy and consistency within the team.
• Act as the primary escalation point for AP/AR queries and issue resolution.

Accounts payable:

• Liaise with the IS (information systems) team to manage the user group and access requirements for the Esker accounts payable system.
• Oversee supplier invoice processing, payment runs, and supplier statement reconciliations.
• Ensure payments are made accurately and on time in accordance with agreed terms.

Accounts Receivable:

• Oversee allocation of all incoming receipts and credit control activities.
• Monitor aged receivables and support collection efforts to minimize overdue balances.

Bank Reconciliations & Cash Management:

• Perform and review daily, weekly, and monthly bank reconciliations, ensuring discrepancies are investigated and resolved promptly.
• Monitor bank balances and cash positions to support short-term cash flow management and taking ownership of the cash forecasting document making suggestions to the Finance Director.
• Assist with cash forecasting and ensure sufficient funds are available to meet obligations.
• Maintain accurate records of bank transactions and ensure proper posting to the general ledger.
• Liaise directly with external Banking partners and ensure access/authority levels are accurate and payment security devices/software are functional.
• Ensure daily global exchange rates are maintained and recorded accurately.
• Process and manage internal expense claims & raise sundry invoices.

Month-End and Daily accounting:

• Prepare and post simple accruals and prepayments in accordance with accounting policies.
• Support month-end close activities by ensuring AP, AR, and cash balances are accurate and reconciled.
• Ensure overseas employees monthly pay is settled and correctly accounted

Direct Reports:

• Accounts payable Assistant
• Credit Control Assistant

What experience and skills will you need?

• 3-5 years' experience in accounts payable/receivable or transactional accounting.

The following would be advantageous but are not essential:

• CIMA/ACA/ACCA Qualifications (or qualified by experience - 5 years+ in role)
• Prior experience in a team lead or supervisory role preferred
• Experience using SAP or similar ERP systems
• Degree (or equivalent)

Required Personal Attributes:

• Strong communication
• Problem solving mindset and able to think critically
• Able to work well in a team
• Self-motivated and able to manage own tasks/workload
• IT Literate and strong Excel skills
• Alignment to our key business values - Helping each other, Doing the right thing & making tomorrow better than today

What are we offering in return?

In return we offer a competitive salary, bonus scheme, 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, Defined Contribution pension scheme, Life Assurance cover, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Working (hybrid working considered), a Wellbeing Day, Health cash back plan and private medical insurance and the opportunity to grow and progress your career in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Joining our team means being part of a forward-thinking environment that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.