Purchase to Pay Accountant

Join our dynamic team at LNG Grain as a Purchase to pay Accountant.

The role will be leading the Purchase-to-Pay (PtP) cycle of the Grain Isle facility and JV group companies (~GBP300m revenue, ~£1.1bn assets, ~250 employees) and to ensure it is carried out efficiently, effectively and in line with best practice.

To ensure right-first-time purchasing, accurate invoice processing, compliant payments and optimised working capital. Lead the configuration, implementation, operation and continuous improvement of PtP processes within the Tier 2 ERP (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics or NetSuite), embedding strong controls, data integrity and audit readiness consistent with private-equity governance.

You will partner with Procurement, Operations/Engineering, Stores, and Finance to translate operational needs (maintenance, outages, projects, spares) into well-controlled purchasing and timely supplier payments, while delivering clear visibility of spend, liabilities, and cash requirements.

This role is based from our world-class facility in the Isle of Grain, Kent, and you can enjoy our hybrid working from office and home, with the expectation of being in the office at least 3 times a week. Please note, due to the location of the site you must have a full UK driving licence and car to be able to travel to site.

What you'll do

• Define, operate, and continuously improve the end to end PtP process (requisition ? PO ? receipt ? invoice ? payment ? reporting)
• Maintain clear SOPs, RACI, and close calendar for AP accruals, GRNI clearing and supplier payment runs
• Enforce Delegation of Authority (DoA) for approvals and embed independent verification controls
• Own vendor master data standards (naming, tax/VAT details, bank accounts, payment terms, categories).
• Execute supplier onboarding controls: KYC, bank detail verification, sanctions checks, conflicts of interest, GDPR compliance
• Prevent duplicates and maintain data quality through periodic reviews and change control
• Ensure all spend follows PO-before-commitment policy (exceptions tightly controlled)
• Configure and maintain ERP approval workflows, budget checks, and coding (GL, cost centre, project/site)
• Achieve high three way match rates (PO, receipt, invoice); minimise manual overrides and ensure documented justification
• Plan and run payment cycles (BACS/Faster Payments), ensuring approvals, segregation of duties, and secure bank file handling
• Issue remittances; manage supplier queries/escalations and maintain positive supplier relationships
• Align payment timing to working capital targets (DPO), early payment discounts, and cash flow forecasts
• Configure PtP modules: vendor master, PO policies, approval workflows, matching rules, tax codes, payment terms, and bank integrations
• Lead data migration/cleansing (vendors, open POs, GRNs, AP open items) and validate with trial balances/recons
• Develop and run UAT/test scripts for PtP scenarios; log defects and sign off fixes; create user guides and deliver training
• Increase automation (recurring POs, service entry sheets, supplier portal/e invoicing, exception rules)
• Map and streamline PtP processes; deliver improvements (supplier portal, e invoicing, touchless matching, dynamic discounting).
• Standardise templates and introduce exception KPIs; reduce manual interventions and cycle times.
• Contribute to broader finance transformation and private equity value creation initiatives., We don't generate or sell energy: instead, we join the dots that take it from A to B. At the backbone of industry and the heart of daily life, we take this vital force where it's needed most. As a Graduate, you'll join us as we tackle increasingly complex - and important - challenges, with real responsibility, comprehensive training and the power to change things, from day one., At Undergraduate level, we offer a 12-week Summer Internship or a 12-month Industrial Placement. Both will provide you with in-depth, on-the-job experience, working at the forefront of our far-reaching business. That could include anything from assisting with the development of new network designs to supporting high-profile construction projects., We currently run an 18-month Graduate Programme, as well as a 3-year Finance Graduate Programme. Each is made up of three advanced placements, where you'll tackle issues that will define the future of our network. As well as Finance, that could mean specialising in Engineering & Technical, Non-Technical & Commercial or Business Support.

• At least five years end-to-end PtP/AP experience in complex, operational businesses
• Experience of PE reporting environment and/or US Corporate reporting requirements preferred
• Experience of working in a SME scaled business and large company environments
• Strong understanding of UK VAT rules and invoice compliance; confident in matching, coding, and AP/GL reconciliations.
• Hands-on experience with integrated business software (Tier 2) finance/procurement modules including its design, implementation and operation
• Experience with OCR/e-invoicing and supplier portals
• Strong internal control perspective and ability to identify and implement improvements to processes and procedures
• Advanced Excel skills (lookups, pivots, data validation) and disciplined reconciliation mindset
• Familiarity with capital projects / capex governance, Each role at National Grid requires specific skills - and we look for people who can contribute their own ideas and way of thinking. However, there are some qualities that tie us together. The world of energy is constantly evolving: we need people with the spark, adaptability and drive to keep people connected. If you're passionate about the future of our industry - and excited by the prospect of changing it - then you could be right for National Grid.

• North East; Newcastle-upon-Tyne; Hull; Middlesbrough; Sunderland; Grimsby; Scunthorpe; Darlington; Hartlepool; Durham; Gateshead
• Permanent
• Published: 1 day ago
• Competitive

Purchase to Pay Accountant, A competitive salary between £42,781 - £50,738 per annum- dependent on capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the unique differences people bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation that comes with having diverse teams and business need. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and provide a working environment where everyone feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential., We're National Grid: we bring power to people. From heating up homes to keeping the lights on in hospitals, the energy we deliver makes the everyday possible. Now, you can help us, as we shape the future of millions and build the hi-tech networks of tomorrow.