Accounts Payable Assistant

Accounts Payable Assistant Location: London – Covent Garden Reporting to: Management Accountant Department: Finance Company Overview Founded in 2007 by Mike and Alison Battle, Lapland began with a simple but powerful purpose: to honour the wonder of childhood at Christmas. Frustrated by the poor quality of festive experiences available for their own four boys, the Battles set out to elevate this moment of childhood and reimagine the Father Christmas myth through original storytelling, meticulous set design, and emotionally resonant live theatre. Their ground-breaking immersive show opened in 2007 and immediately captured the attention and hearts of parents nationwide. Powered by their purpose, the couple partnered with Hollywood set designers and West End performance professionals to produce an experience of unprecedented quality and detail. With an NPS of 72 (outperforming industry icons in the entertainment space), Lapland’s customer loyalty is second to none and has now welcomed nearly 2 million ‘believers,’ with tickets selling out on release for what the press now terms ‘the Glastonbury of Christmas’. Today, the Lapland Group is a fast-growing purpose driven entertainment business spanning the three pillars of Live, Product and Studios.  In 2024, Lapland’s eCommerce revenues grew tenfold, driven by the launch of magical at-home products like personalised Letters from Lapland…. (Advent calendar and soon, a Christmas Eve Experience?). These products extend the Lapland world into the home, deepening belief and connection beyond the physical experience. At the same time, our original story universe continues to scale through media. In 2023, Lapland launched its first podcast, Elfcast, which achieved No. 1 in the UK Family Charts and ranked in the global top 10 over Christmas. With plans to expand into audio and content year-round, our IP and characters are reaching audiences in new and emotionally resonant ways. With immersive Live experiences, high-growth eCommerce, and a rapidly expanding original content, Lapland is on a mission to become the definitive global Christmas brand anchored in belief, storytelling, and the enduring magic of childhood. Role Overview We are seeking a proactive and organised Accounts Payable Assistant to join our Finance team. This role will work closely alongside the Finance Assistant to oversee the day-to-day running of the Accounts Payable function and act as a key point of contact for supplier queries and internal invoice approvals. The successful candidate will play an important role in ensuring the AP ledger is accurate, well-controlled and reviewed regularly, supporting weekly pay runs and month-end processes. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with at least 1+ years’ AP experience who is looking to take ownership and develop within a growing finance function. Key Responsibilities Accounts Payable Processing Process supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner Ensure correct coding to GL and departments Match invoices to approvals and supporting documentation Maintain organised digital records of invoices and approvals Weekly Payment Runs Prepare and process weekly pay runs Reconcile supplier statements Ensure correct payment terms are adhered to Investigate and resolve payment discrepancies Bank Reconciliations Investigate and resolve reconciling items promptly Ensure all payments and receipts are accurately reflected in the ledger Support cash visibility and reporting accuracy AP Ledger Review & Controls Conduct weekly review of the AP ledger Investigate and resolve debit balance creditors Monitor aged creditors and follow up where required Support intercompany recharges in line with the intercompany matrix Ensure transactions are correctly allocated between group entities Assist in reconciling intercompany balances Ensure appropriate approvals are obtained prior to payment Pleo & Expense Oversight Review Pleo transactions monthly Ensure receipts are uploaded and appropriately coded Liaise with cardholders for missing information Oversee monthly journal import into the accounting system Ensure expense postings are complete prior to month-end close Month-End Support Assist with month-end AP close Ensure all invoices are posted in correct period Support accruals process where required Reconcile AP control account Process & Continuous Improvement Support improvements to AP processes and controls Assist in maintaining clear finance procedures Ensure compliance with internal approval policies  Skills & Experience Essential Minimum 1+ year experience in Accounts Payable Strong attention to detail and organisational skills Good Excel skills (e.g. basic formulas, lookups, filtering, reconciliations) Ability to manage workload and meet weekly deadlines Confident communicating with suppliers and internal stakeholders Desirable AAT Level 2+ (or equivalent qualification or working towards) Experience using Sage Intacct Experience with expense management systems (e.g. Pleo) Understanding of basic accounting principles Experience supporting weekly payment runs Personal Attributes Proactive and solution-focused Takes ownership and accountability Strong attention to detail Able to work both independently and collaboratively Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment     Life at LaplandUK:   At LaplandUK, we believe in the magic of collaboration, a steadfast commitment to excellence, and a team that's always willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Working with us means being part of a dynamic environment where collaboration brings out the best in everyone, diverse talents converge, and innovation thrives. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every team member is dedicated to achieving the highest standards, contributing to a workplace culture that values continuous improvement and outstanding results.    We're not just looking for employees; we want people who are excited to get involved, embrace challenges, and bring a hands-on approach to their work, creating a workplace full of positivity and collective success. Overall, working at LaplandUK offers a chance to be part of something truly special, where the wonder of childhood is celebrated by a team dedicated to making memories for over 40,000 families each year.    Passion for the Mission. We are in service to belief. We understand the importance of what we do and its legacy.    One Company We only succeed together. We are a positive and caring group of people who embrace developing Lapland and ourselves.   Driven to Deliver Excellence  Belief is in the detail. Powered by our purpose we challenge and innovate to exceed expectations in everything we do.   Salary – £28,000 per annum   Benefits: Flexible hybrid working (3 days in London, 2 days at home)  Dog friendly office Discretionary study support for relevant professional qualifications Exposure to a fast-paced, high-growth business during an exciting expansion phase 22 days annual leave, With one additional day added per year until it reaches 30  Contribution towards further development and training Vitality private healthcare scheme (after qualifying period) Monthly team social events   Applicants must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom without the need for visa sponsorship. Lapland reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any time. Due to the high number of applications being received, we may not be able to respond to every applicant.  Lapland is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.