Jenny Sweetman
Trowbridge,Wiltshire
Summary
Senior finance professional with extensive experience leading large-scale Accounts Payable operations within a complex organisation. Proven ability to manage teams, high-volume transactions, and deliver finance transformation initiatives that enhance efficiency, controls, and reporting. Skilled in ERP implementations, automation, and continuous improvement, optimising end-to-end payables functions and supporting wider finance strategy.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Account Payable Manager
National Trust
Trowbridge, Wiltshire
2019.02 - Current
- Led and developed Accounts Payable team of 10–25 staff, managing high-volume transactional operations, processing 400,000+ invoices totalling £500m annually, alongside staff expenses for 5,000 employees, petty cash for 500+ sites, and payments for all utilities, council tax, and business rates across the Trust’s operational properties and lettings estate, while ensuring SLA adherence and operational excellence.
- Oversaw AP customer service operations, acting as primary point of contact for suppliers and internal stakeholders, resolving queries accurately and efficiently, covering 100 calls and 250 emails per days.
- Directed continuous improvement and finance transformation initiatives, implementing ERP enhancements and process redesign to streamline AP operations, achieving 60% headcount reduction, increased processing efficiency, and reduced errors.
- Implemented initiatives including invoice automation, consolidated billing, expense and approval management apps, ERP enhancements, annual system upgrades, and cloud migration, improving workflow and employee productivity.
- Achieved biennial external audit accuracy rates of 99.997% by value and 99.993% by volume for 715,817 transactions totalling £1,230,035,354, demonstrating exceptional financial control, compliance, and risk mitigation.
- Collaborated across Finance, Procurement, Treasury, and Risk teams, influencing controls, policy implementation, and operational efficiency improvements.
- Mentored and developed team members, creating operational guides, providing coaching, and supporting staff wellbeing to maintain engagement and high performance.
- Managed cross-functional projects and stakeholder expectations, improving transparency, service delivery, and reporting accuracy.
Accounts Payable Lead
National Trust
Trowbridge, Wiltshire
2015.03 - 2019.02
- Managed team workload, prioritising tasks to meet SLAs and operational deadlines in high-volume AP environment.
- Built and maintained strong stakeholder relationships, strategically managing expectations and enhancing satisfaction across AP operations.
- Reconciled supplier statements and transactions, maintaining accounts accuracy and supporting month-end, quarter-end, and year-end processes.
- Oversaw processing of expense claims, ensuring compliance with company policies, internal controls, and approval workflows.
- Handled multi-currency transactions, confidently managing foreign currency payables and reporting.
- Coordinated cross-departmental collaboration with Finance, Procurement, and other teams to optimise workflows and operational efficiency.
- Trained and mentored junior staff, developing operational guides and facilitating knowledge-sharing to improve team performance.
- Delivered staff training programs, enhancing service delivery and operational standards.
Accounts Payable Assistant
National Trust
Trowbridge, Wiltshire
2005.02 - 2015.03
- Processed 300+ supplier invoices daily, maintaining 100% accuracy and ensuring timely payments.
- Managed petty cash for 500+ sites and staff/volunteer expense reimbursements for 5,000 employees, ensuring approvals, compliance, and accurate reporting.
- Reviewed and reconciled monthly supplier statements, liaising directly with suppliers to resolve discrepancies efficiently.
- Supported ERP and finance system upgrades, leading AP process UAT to ensure seamless transitions and minimal disruption.
- Contributed to process improvement initiatives, identifying efficiencies that reduced errors and improved workflow.
Human Resources Assistant
PA Consulting Ltd
Melbourn, Herts
2000.09 - 2004.04
- Supported HR operations, including employee records management, recruitment administration, and onboarding of new staff.
- Managed reference verification processes for new hires, ensuring compliance with company policy and UK employment regulations.
- Coordinated graduate induction programmes, organising onboarding schedules, training sessions, and orientation activities.
- Provided guidance to staff on HR policies and procedures, resolving queries and ensuring clarity and compliance.
- Administered maternity leave policies in line with UK employment law, supporting employees and line managers throughout leave periods.
- Collaborated with Payroll and Finance teams, ensuring accurate processing of pay, benefits, and entitlements.
- Managed visa applications and work permits, ensuring compliance with UK and international immigration regulations and organisational policies.
Education
Batchelor of Arts - History
University of Liverpool
Liverpool 1997.09 - 2000.06
Skills
- ERP & Finance Systems - Unit4, NAV
- Process Improvement and Automation
- Project & System Implementation
- Financial Controls & Compliance
- Stakeholder & Supplier Relationship Management
- Leadership & Team Development
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Account Payable Manager
National Trust
2019.02 - Current
Accounts Payable Lead
National Trust
2015.03 - 2019.02
Accounts Payable Assistant
National Trust
2005.02 - 2015.03
Human Resources Assistant
PA Consulting Ltd
2000.09 - 2004.04
Batchelor of Arts - History
University of Liverpool
1997.09 - 2000.06