Purchase Ledger Controller

DEA is a full-service aircraft operator with extensive ISR flight capability backed up by a skilled in-house aviation engineering team. This powerful combination puts us at the forefront of our industry, both in the air and on the ground. It also ensures we can deploy and support quickly and efficiently, even in the world’s most challenging environments.

Main Purpose of Role

You will be responsible for managing the end-to-end accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate operating rhythm.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete supplier ledger for multiple business entities, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.
• Manage invoice workflows, including project coding and matching with purchase orders and stock receipts to ensure correct approvals and compliance.Managing aged and negative balances on supplier ledger.
• Manage aged purchase orders, Closing outdated or redundant orders to maintain data integrity.
• Manage the supplier master data, handling new supplier setups, and ensuring all existing records remain accurate and up to date.
• Prepare and execute daily bank reconciliations.
• Process routine batch and ad hoc payment runs across multicurrencies.
• Monitor and maintain wallet balance within the Soldo expense system.
• Managing the Accounts Payable close off process in line with monthly management accounts deadlines.
• Compile and deliver monthly analytics for Accounts Payable ledger.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor inquiries, managing email and phone channel to meet the agreed 24 hour service level agreement.
• Perform regular supplier statement reconciliations and proactively communicate with suppliers regarding any missing documentation..
• Foster and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments e.g. Engineering, Purchasing, Travel, Ground Operations.
• Provide support for the Finance Manager with the annual external audit.
• Lead on the automation of the AP software, driving efficiencies and improvement.
• Review, update and maintain comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures for the Accounts Payable function.
• Carry out other ad hoc duties as required.
• Provide holiday cover for other team members as required.
• Ensure compliance with aviation industry standards, company policies, and UK regulatory requirements.

Technical Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Previous experience in an Accounts Payable or relevant finance role
• Strong understanding of invoice processing, payment cycles, and supplier management.
• Competent in Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace and finance systems (e.g. Sage).
• Strong numeracy skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage large volumes of transactions.

Desirable

• Experience with international suppliers and multi-currency transactions.
• Any relevant or financial qualifications (e.g. AAT)
• Understanding of VAT treatment for aviation services and international purchases.
• Experience working in a regulated industry.

Skills Profile

Core Financial Competencies

• Accounts Payable Expertise: Thorough understanding of end-to-end invoice processing, complex payment cycles, and high-volume transactional workflows.
• Supplier Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong vendor relationships, reconcile supplier statements, and resolve account discrepancies.
• Data Accuracy & Numeracy: Strong numerical skills with a sharp attention to detail, specifically tailored for managing large volumes of financial data without compromising accuracy.

Technical & Systems Proficiency

• Finance Ecosystems: Hands-on experience navigating and operating dedicated accounting software (e.g., Sage or similar enterprise systems).
• Data & Productivity Tools: Competent in Microsoft Excel (data manipulation, tracking) and Google Workspace collaborative tools.

Shift Pattern

• Weekdays - 0830-1630