AP & Payroll Executive

PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position of AP & Payroll Executive in our Headquarters in Westport. Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 6,000 staff worldwide. With 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities. We’re on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.
JOB SUMMARY:
As part of the wider Finance Team, the AP & Payroll Executive is responsible for supporting accurate and timely accounts payable, payroll, and finance administration across multiple company entities. This role focuses largely on day-to-day transactional finance activities, while also supporting the wider Finance function in maintaining strong financial controls, improving processes, and identifying opportunities to simplify and automate ways of working through technology and AI tools.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coordinate the end-to-end monthly payroll process across multiple company branches, working closely with third-party payroll providers and internal teams to ensure payroll changes, employee queries, reports and payment files are managed accurately, efficiently and within agreed deadlines.
Ensure monthly payroll payment files are received on time, checked for completeness and submitted through the agreed approval and payment process.
Monitor and coordinate the shared finance mailbox, ensuring queries are assigned, followed up and resolved within agreed timelines.
Coordinate the preparation and timely delivery of complete, accurate supporting documentation to local accountants for monthly and annual accounts packs.
Support to the continuous improvement of finance processes by identifying opportunities for standardisation, automation and optimisation, and supporting the implementation of current and future improvement projects.
Provide flexible support across the finance team, including participation in process-improvement, system and automation projects as required.
Contribute to the effective delivery of the accounts payable function as required, working collaboratively with suppliers and internal teams to support accurate processing, timely payments and the resolution of queries.
REQUIREMENTS:
Contribute to the effective delivery of the accounts payable function as required, working collaboratively with suppliers and internal teams to support accurate processing, timely payments and the resolution of queries.
Self-motivated and comfortable taking ownership, using initiative and constructively challenging existing ways of working while contributing effectively within a team.
Aptitude for communicating effectively and courteously with stakeholders.
Ability to work to deadlines.
Interest in process optimisation through automation and use of AI.
Maintain motivation to complete tasks with attention to detail, within the constraints of a busy department.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook, with confidence learning and using new finance systems and digital tools.
Strong interest in automation, AI and digital tools, with a willingness to learn, test and collaborate with colleagues to apply new technologies responsibly within a finance environment.
Desirable: Previous experience of reviewing and improving finance or administrative processes, with the ability to identify inefficiencies, propose practical solutions and support implementation.
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COMPANY AWARDS
Great Place To Work 2024
Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2025
Silver Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2025
Applicants must have a right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction.
Portwest is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, disability status or membership of a minority group.