Junior Procure to Pay Analyst (Payments) - Fixed term Contract

About us The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. Build a newsworthy career at the FT. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups. The role The Junior Procure-to-Pay Analyst (Payments) supports the Procure-to-Pay function by reviewing and auditing supplier invoices, ensuring compliance with company policies, and assisting in accurate and timely payment processing. This role plays a key part in maintaining financial control, preventing errors and fraud, and ensuring invoices are processed in accordance with contractual and regulatory requirements. Key responsibilities Invoice Audit & Validation Review and validate supplier invoices to ensure accuracy, completeness, proper coding, appropriate approvals, and compliance with internal control and company policies. Ensure correct tax treatment (VAT/GST). Identify discrepancies, duplicate invoices, pricing errors, or missing documentation. Escalate non-compliant or suspicious transactions in line with internal controls. Support audit documentation and maintain proper records for review. Payment Processing Support Assist in preparing and reviewing payment proposals in accordance with approved invoices and payment schedules. Support the execution of domestic and international payments, including wire transfers, ACH, SEPA, and SWIFT transactions. Ensure payment details (bank information, currency, payment method) are accurate prior to processing. Validate payment batches in Oracle Fusion before submission to banking platforms. Assist in monitoring payment statuses and resolving rejected or returned payments. Support bank reconciliation activities related to local and cross-border transactions. Ensure compliance with internal controls and global payment policies when processing payments. Compliance & Internal Controls Follow established internal control frameworks and segregation of duties. Support fraud prevention checks and vendor validation procedures. Maintain compliance with audit requirements and company policies. Ensure adherence to SLAs and payment timelines. Vendor & Stakeholder Coordination Communicate with vendors regarding invoice discrepancies or missing information. Liaise with Procurement and business stakeholders to resolve invoice issues. Assist in maintaining accurate vendor master data. Reporting & Process Improvement Assist in preparing reports on invoice discrepancies and payment status. Identify recurring issues and suggest process improvements. Participate in system testing or process enhancement initiatives. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field 0–2 years of experience in Accounts Payable, P2P, invoice processing, or audit support Familiarity with global payments processes and various payment methods (e.g., wire transfers, ACH, SEPA, SWIFT) Internship or exposure to finance operations is an advantage What success looks like: Payments are executed accurately and on time in line with agreed schedules and supplier terms, with minimal delays or rework Strong controls are consistently applied, ensuring compliance with approval frameworks, segregation of duties, and zero major audit findings High first-time-right payment accuracy, with minimal errors such as duplicate payments, incorrect bank details, or failed transactions Payment issues and exceptions are proactively managed and resolved, with clear ownership and minimal escalations from vendors or stakeholders Operational efficiency is maintained, with payment volumes handled within BAU capacity and limited reliance on manual or off-cycle payments Clear visibility and transparency of payment status, supported by accurate reporting and effective communication with stakeholders Low financial exposure, including minimal supplier debit balances and timely resolution of discrepancies Processes are standardized and continuously improved, reducing risk, manual intervention, and recurring issues Core Competencies: Technical & Audit Competencies Understanding of Procure-to-Pay and invoice audit processes Strong attention to numerical accuracy Ability to detect discrepancies and inconsistencies Basic knowledge of VAT/GST and invoice compliance requirements Familiarity with ERP systems (Oracle Fusion preferred) Proficiency in Microsoft Excel Collaboration & Teamwork Works effectively in a team-oriented finance environment Collaborates cross-functionally with Procurement, Accounts Payable, Treasury, and business units Supports team members during high-volume periods and month-end closing Shares knowledge and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives Builds positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders Communication Skills Communicates clearly and professionally (written and verbal) Able to explain invoice discrepancies and payment issues in a concise and structured manner Confident in interacting with suppliers regarding documentation and clarifications Demonstrates active listening and ability to gather accurate information Escalates issues appropriately and provides timely updates to stakeholders What’s in it for you? Our benefits Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here. We’ve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible. Accessibility We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help. Further information At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all. Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process. 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