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Barnaby Sebhatu

@barnabysebhatu

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Experienced Accounts Payable Specialist with a focus on process efficiency.

United Kingdom

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that values process improvement and offers opportunities for career growth in finance.

I am an Accounts Payable Specialist with over 20 years of experience in full-cycle AP operations, primarily within the UK and German markets. My expertise lies in Private Equity and Financial Services, where I have consistently driven process efficiencies and ensured compliance with UK VAT regulations. I have a proven track record of managing high volumes of invoices and conducting timely reconciliations, which has significantly contributed to the financial health of the organizations I've worked with.

Throughout my career, I have successfully implemented automation tools, such as D365 and Power Automate, which have reduced manual processing times by up to 40%. My role at Park Place Technologies Ltd involved managing over 600 invoices monthly and conducting payment runs averaging £500,000. I pride myself on my ability to resolve vendor issues swiftly and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across various jurisdictions.

My technical skills include proficiency in Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, and Concur, which I have utilized to enhance AP workflows and improve accuracy. I am passionate about continuous improvement and am always looking for ways to streamline processes and enhance team efficiency.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Accounts Payable Specialist

Current

Park Place Technologies Ltd

Jan 2022 - Present (3 years 5 months)

Managed end-to-end Accounts Payable across UK and German entities, handling over 6,000 invoices monthly and conducting bank and balance sheet reconciliations. Implemented invoice automation using D365 and Power Automate, reducing manual processing time by 40%. Partnered with treasury and fund finance teams across jurisdictions to support recharge and fund-related invoice processing.

Accounts Payable Power Automate Bank Reconciliation Account Reconciliation Vendor Management

Accounts Assistant

Huboo Technologies Ltd

Dec 2020 - Nov 2021 (11 months)

Processed over 400 sales invoices weekly across multiple currencies and departments, leading AP operations on Xero and HSBC Bankline. Automated direct debit onboarding via Gocardless, reducing manual workload by over 10 hours weekly. Coordinated £160M–£300M weekly payment runs, ensuring a 99% on-time processing rate.

Accounts Payable Invoicing Xero GoCardless Payment Processes

Accounts Payable Specialist

Antler Ltd

Feb 2019 - May 2020 (1 year 3 months)

Handled 250–300 supplier invoices per week and executed weekly multi-currency payment runs up to £1.5M. Ensured correct UK VAT treatment and submitted multi-currency VAT returns. Conducted daily reconciliations across GBP, USD, and Euro accounts, reducing month-end close time by 25%.

Accounts Payable Invoicing VAT Returns Reconciliations

Accounts Payable Specialist

Kasperskys Labs

Oct 2018 - Jan 2019 (3 months)

Processed 150–200 invoices weekly in SAP Ariba, reviewing POs and ensuring correct VAT codes. Completed monthly vendor reconciliations and daily bank reconciliations using Dynamics AX. Approved expense reports in Concur and raised payments to vendors via BACS.

Accounts Payable Ariba VAT Codes Vendor Reconciliation Bank Reconciliation Concur BACS

Accounts Payable Assistant

Spitfire Audio

Jun 2018 - Jun 2018 (0 months)

Executed supplier invoice matching and payment processing. Reconciled supplier statements and resolved discrepancies with a 100% resolution rate within a week. Provided AP ledger maintenance and support during month-end close.

Accounts Payable Invoice Matching Payment Processing Ledger Maintenance Month End Close

Accounts Payable Administrator

Intu Properties Plc

Jan 2018 - Feb 2018 (1 month)

Processed high volumes of purchase invoices and ran weekly/monthly payments. Resolved supplier queries promptly and maintained aged creditor balances below 5% overdue. Supported the team with process improvement initiatives to reduce manual data entry.

Accounts Payable Supplier Queries Process Improvement Data Entry

Senior Accounts Payable Clerk

Duff & Phelps

Jun 2017 - Sep 2017 (3 months)

Managed invoice flow in Lawson ERP for UK, France, and Germany entities. Reviewed VAT treatment and led ACH payment scheduling. Provided audit support and assisted in month-end close reporting.

Accounts Payable Audit Month End Close

Accounts Payable Supervisor

Rosewood Hotels

Apr 2017 - Jun 2017 (2 months)

Oversaw the full Accounts Payable cycle, from invoice receipt to payment for multicurrency accounts. Conducted supplier reconciliations and ensured timely BACS/CHAPS payments. Trained junior team members and standardized expense processing procedures.

Accounts Payable Full AP Cycle BACS CHAPS Payments

Accounts Payable Assistant

The Dune Group

Aug 2015 - Mar 2017 (1 year 7 months)

Processed 400–500 multi-currency invoices weekly, supporting three legal entities. Ran weekly payment cycles via Natwest Bankline and managed intercompany journals. Assisted auditors and management accountants with VAT submissions.

Accounts Payable Multi Currency Invoicing Payment Cycles Natwest Bankline Intercompany Accounting

Accounts Payable Assistant

British Medical Association

Feb 2015 - Apr 2015 (2 months)

Maintained AP records and printed daily cheque runs. Researched and resolved vendor discrepancies promptly. Supported journal entry and bank reconciliation tasks.

Accounts Payable Vendor Reconciliation Journal Entry Bank Reconciliation

Accounts Payable Clerk

High Speed Office Ltd

Dec 2014 - Feb 2015 (2 months)

Coded and processed supplier invoices and payments. Conducted VAT calculations and reconciled supplier statements. Responded to queries and processed staff expenses.

Accounts Payable Supplier Invoice Processing Payment Processing

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Thomas Tallis Sixth Form

GNVQ Advanced, Business Studies

Studied advanced business principles and practices, gaining a comprehensive understanding of business operations and management. Developed skills in various aspects of business studies.

Thomas Tallis School

GCSE, Multiple Subjects

Completed General Certificates of Secondary Education in English, Maths, Science, IT, History, Geography, and Drama. Developed foundational knowledge across a range of subjects.