Responsibility for the management of the Accounts Payable Section, including planning and monitoring of its workload. Identify and follow up on significant issues affecting the efficient payment of invoices with appropriate people. Responsible for training and development of Accounts Payable staff enabling full job flexibility within the Section. Establish routine performance measures in consultation with team members which include the routine identification of areas for improvement in operational performance. Working with Procurement colleagues to identify ways in which Procurement and payment processes can be streamlined whilst retaining a clear audit trail. Manage the interface with suppliers and contractors who raise queries about payment terms. Conduct negotiations between budget holders and creditors to find effective solutions based on judgement and analysis of the case. Liaising with suppliers to address complex cases where there are issues in respect of outstanding balances and/or major disputes that could lead to legal action against the Trust. Liaising with other Directorates and Departments to develop efficient systems for processing and flow of documentation. Managing major suppliers accounts, ensuring that all queries are dealt with and invoices processed promptly. Developing controls to minimise risks of delayed and duplicate payments, through office procedures and use of the Oracle Purchase Ledger system. Responsible for the maintenance of the Purchase Ledger, ensuring housekeeping procedures are kept up to date. Responsible for the development and documentation of protocols and procedures relating to processes and procedures within the Accounts Payable team. Identifies, explores and develops opportunities for providing improved services ensuring that they are kept up to date on a regular basis. Responsible for ensuring payment runs and other processes (e.g. Pharmacy interface) are carried out to schedule. Provision of information on forthcoming payments to Cash Management Section as promptly as possible. Reporting to line manager and senior managers on issues affecting service provision. Any other duties which may be delegated, from to time, by the Head of Financial Services.