Accounts Payable Specialist - Vendor Management (14 Month Fixed-Term Contract)

About the Company

Latham & Watkins is a premier global law firm known for advising influential businesses and institutions worldwide. With leadership positions in key financial and business hubs, the firm invests extensively in its people, embraces innovation, and fosters a forward-looking culture, shaping high-caliber professionals’ career paths.

Role Overview

The Accounts Payable Specialist - Vendor Management plays a vital role within Latham’s Global Finance team. This position is offered as a 14-month fixed-term contract based in Manchester, combining onsite presence with potential flexibility for a hybrid working arrangement. The role entails verifying invoices, setting up vendors, and vigilant issue detection requiring escalation or careful handling.

Key Responsibilities

• Applying critical judgment to detect and escalate concerns promptly.
• Inspecting invoices for risk assessment along with recalculating amounts, including quantities, pricing extensions, and tax components.
• Evaluating the adequacy of workflow or manual authorization processes to confirm if extra approvals are necessary.
• Examining accounting documentation for completeness and correctness in calculations.
• Liaising with vendors and internal stakeholders for queries, updates, and feedback.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Capability to interpret invoices written in multiple European languages such as English, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment committed to customer service excellence.
• Knowledge of VAT input tax procedures and applicable rates.
• High school diploma or equivalent mandatory; bachelor’s degree in accounting or related discipline preferred.
• Prior experience in accounts payable or related accounting functions.
• Familiarity with accounting principles across one or more European jurisdictions is advantageous.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Competitive remuneration reflecting individual and firm performance via bonuses.
• Extensive benefits including health insurance, group income protection, life assurance, pension schemes, wellness initiatives, and employee discounts.
• Participation opportunities in Global Affinity Groups, offering a collaborative environment for shared experiences and support.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Latham & Watkins maintains an inclusive hiring policy, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or other legally protected characteristics.