Responsibilities

High-Volume AP Operations & Controls

• 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.

AI‑Led Process Automation

• 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.

Month‑End & Financial Reporting

• 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.

Stakeholder & Supplier Management

• 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

We are looking for a hands-on, operationally excellent AP professional who combines deep high-volume experience with a genuine enthusiasm for AI and automation. The ideal candidate will have:

Essential

• 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.

Desirable

• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Enhanced parental leave
• Pension and Health Insurance
• Awesome central office in the centre of London
• Team building and social events
• Team breakfasts, snacks and sodas

Apply

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