Purchase Ledger Manager

Department

Finance

Contract Type

Full Time / Permanent

Location

Exeter

Job Summary

What you’ll do

We’re looking for a Purchase Ledger Manager to join our Finance team on a full-time, permanent basis.

In this role, you’ll lead the day-to-day operation of the firm’s Purchase Ledger function, ensuring an efficient and effective service is provided across the business. You’ll oversee the processing of invoices and employee expense claims, ensuring payments are made accurately and on time, while maintaining high standards of compliance and financial control.

You’ll supervise and support the Purchase Ledger Assistants, helping to prioritise workloads, resolve queries and ensure a consistently high standard of service delivery. You’ll also play an important role in developing the team through regular feedback, support and performance reviews.

Working closely with colleagues across the firm, you’ll build strong relationships with Partners, Fee Earners and business support teams, acting as a key point of contact for purchase ledger and expense-related queries. You’ll work to resolve issues efficiently and provide guidance on processes and best practice where needed.

You’ll oversee the reconciliation of expense control ledgers, manage government payment reporting requirements, and monitor areas such as the firm’s train and hotel booking system and company credit card accounts. You’ll also ensure client chargeable expenses and invoices are processed correctly and in accordance with relevant VAT requirements and, where applicable, the Solicitors Accounts Rules.

Alongside the day-to-day management of the function, you’ll support continuous improvement by monitoring processes, maintaining appropriate controls and identifying opportunities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Purchase Ledger service.

Who you are

You bring previous experience from a Purchase Ledger or Accounts Payable environment and have experience in managing others. You enjoy supporting colleagues, developing team capability and creating a positive, collaborative working environment.

You are highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. Comfortable working with large volumes of financial information, you take a proactive and methodical approach to resolving queries and ensuring work is completed to deadlines.

You have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and are confident building effective working relationships with stakeholders at all levels. You are approachable, professional and able to provide clear guidance and support to colleagues across the firm.

You are confident using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and are comfortable working with financial systems and data. Strong numeracy skills, sound judgement and a commitment to accuracy are essential.

Experience within a professional services environment and knowledge of VAT regulations and the Solicitors Accounts Rules would be advantageous, although not essential. Above all, we are looking for someone who takes pride in delivering a high-quality service, supports their team effectively and is committed to continuous improvement.

Your Career. Our Commitment.

At Ashfords, we believe in more than just doing great work - we believe in building a great place to work.

When you join us, you become part of a team where everything we do is underpinned by our four core values: Be Open, Think Team, Make a Difference and Always Grow. These values shape who we are and how we work - they guide our decisions, influence our culture, and drive the way we support our people, clients and communities.

With a clear focus on innovation, community involvement, and supporting a healthy work-life balance, we are committed to building an environment where our people can have a rewarding and meaningful career.

Whilst we recognise that every career journey is unique, we will be ambitious for you, giving you the tools, trust, and opportunities to develop your career, your way.

Our goal? To help you realise your full potential as part of a forward-thinking team.

Our offer

We know that our people are at the heart of everything we do – and that’s why we’re committed to supporting your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance.

Beyond our benefits package, you’ll be encouraged, no matter what your role or career level, to get involved in our Responsible Business programme, where you’ll support initiatives such as charity fundraising, environmental causes and our employee led diversity and inclusion groups.

You can find out more about our benefits by visiting the Reward & Wellbeing page on our website.

What’s next?

Our recruitment process typically involves two stages, which are designed not only to explore your skills and experience but also to give you a real insight into what it’s like to work at Ashfords. Throughout the process, our dedicated Talent Attraction team will be here to support you every step of the way.

We believe that building a firm with a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences drives innovation and strengthens our teams, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

To support your growth, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you reach your full potential – so even if you don’t feel you match all the requirements of the job role, we’d still love to hear from you.

At Ashfords, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss anything regarding your application, please contact us at ***email_hidden***.

For an informal and confidential discussion about this opportunity, please apply now, and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.