Struggling to hire an AP Team Leader in Manchester? Here’s what the market Is paying in 2025
With inflation stabilising and finance teams under pressure to do more with less, getting the salary right for an Accounts Payable Team Leader can make or break your hiring process. In Manchester’s competitive finance market, underestimating this salary benchmark could mean losing out on experienced talent or overpaying unnecessarily. Here’s what you need to know.
Salary Findings – AP Team Leader & Adjacent Roles (Manchester, 2025)
| Role | Salary Range | Most Common Salary Band | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP Supervisor / Senior Clerk | £28,000 – £35,000 | £31,000 – £33,000 | Typically oversees a small team or handles escalations. May be a stepping stone into team leadership. |
| 📌 AP Team Leader | £38,000 – £45,000 | £40,000 – £43,000 | Responsible for managing AP processes and teams of 3–10 staff. Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) often demanded. |
| AP Manager / Purchase Ledger Manager | £45,000 – £55,000 | £48,000 – £51,000 | Often oversees multiple AP teams and drives process improvements. Strong stakeholder and systems experience expected. |
Key Insights for Employers
Variable Pay & Bonuses
- AP Team Leaders in Manchester are less likely to receive bonuses compared to commercial finance roles, but discretionary annual bonuses of 5–10% are increasingly being offered to retain experienced staff.
- Some firms offer spot bonuses for successful audits, process improvements, or invoice cycle KPIs.
Benefits & Perks Overview
- Standard packages include 25 days’ holiday, pension (5–10% employer contribution), and hybrid working (2–3 days in-office).
- In-demand perks include early finish Fridays, study support (AAT/CIMA for internal progression), and subsidised transport or parking in Manchester city centre.
Factors Influencing Salaries
- Salaries skew higher for candidates with shared service centre experience or multinational ERP systems.
- Hiring managers are also prioritising candidates with process automation exposure (e.g., Basware, Coupa).
Hiring Trends & Market Demand
- According to the REC’s recent labour market report, transactional finance hiring in the North West continues to outpace the national average, driven by SSC expansions and M&A activity.
- Manchester is a hotspot for finance hub relocations, leading to increased demand for mid-level finance professionals.
Recruitment Challenges Employers Face
- Employers are struggling to balance salary expectations with internal parity.
- Counteroffers are a growing issue, with some employers offering 10–15% uplifts to retain AP Team Leaders.
Future Salary Predictions & Market Outlook
- Expect modest salary growth (2–4%) over the next 12 months, with benefits and flexibility becoming key differentiators.
- Roles requiring system upgrades or finance transformation projects will command a premium.
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Where this data comes from
This survey combines data from recent placements made by Recruitment Solutions NW, publicly available salary data from sources such as Glassdoor, Totaljobs, and labour market trends from the Recruitment & Employment Confederation. Additional insights from employer job postings across Greater Manchester as of Q2 2025.
