Accounts Payable Specialist - Payments

Company Description

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

Job Purpose 

Join our Global Finance Shared Services team at Smiths Detection and play a crucial role in ensuring seamless and compliant payment operations across multiple entities. This role sits at the centre of our finance operations, offering the opportunity to take ownership of end‑to‑end payments, work closely with global teams, and drive accuracy, control, and efficiency in a high‑impact environment.

Payment Operations & Financial Control

• Manage end‑to‑end vendor and employee payments in SAP, ensuring accuracy and adherence to payment run schedules
• Review payment files, forecasts, and cash positions, ensuring alignment with business and treasury requirements
• Monitor and reconcile bank accounts, advance payments, and clearing activities, resolving discrepancies in a timely manner
• Review balance sheet accounts, intercompany transactions, and netting reconciliations to ensure data accuracy and compliance
• Ensure invoices are processed correctly and payments are made on time and in line with financial policies

Reconciliations, Reporting & Compliance

• Perform and review bank reconciliations, intercompany reconciliations, and variance analysis
• Track and analyse KPIs, payment trends, and forecast vs actuals to support decision-making
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, policies, and audit requirements
• Support internal and external audits with accurate documentation and timely responses

Process Management & Stakeholder Support

• Manage and resolve vendor and stakeholder queries efficiently
• Work closely with internal teams and treasury to ensure smooth payment operations and cash flow planning
• Support and guide team members, helping to ensure high-quality and timely delivery of work
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, system enhancements, and efficiencies within the payments function

Qualifications

Technical Knowledge

• 5–7 years of Accounts Payable experience, with a strong focus on payment operations
• Strong understanding of AP processes, bank clearing, reconciliations, and financial controls
• Hands-on experience with SAP (payment runs, PO processing, expense processing)
• Experience working in multi-entity and multi-currency environments
• Proficiency in Excel and MS Office tools
• Experience in a Shared Services environment is preferred
• Ability to work independently and handle complex scenarios with minimal supervision
• Strong communication skills to effectively work with global stakeholders

Additional Information

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)