• Jobs
• >
• Principal Architect

• Permanent
• Full time
• Hybrid (M1 4BT, Manchester, United Kingdom)
• Engineering

AccessPay leads the way in payments operations excellence for finance and treasury teams. Our cloud-based platform seamlessly connects corporates to their banks, modernising banking operations, minimising the risk of fraud and error, enhancing payments efficiency, and optimising cash visibility.

As part of our ongoing commitment to software engineering excellence, we are looking for a Principal Architect to take on overall architectural responsibility for the software and platform that underpins our product portfolio. The role advises, governs and directs the AccessPay technology teams from a high-level architecture, and design perspective. The role will be a strong technical evangelist within the company, providing technical direction and expertise where appropriate.

The role will work collaboratively with the Software Engineering, Infrastructure and Tech Ops teams as well Product and Customer Success to deliver a high-quality product and service offering to our customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Technology Director and representing Architecture as part of the Senior Technology Leadership team.
• Develop and maintain architectural roadmaps, strategies, and frameworks aligned with business objectives.
• By gaining a detailed understanding of the AccessPay technology estate create, review and oversee high level designs for future product offerings.
• Conduct and facilitate architectural and design reviews of key projects ensuring they align or are on a path to aligning with the agree technology strategy.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to technology teams across AccessPay.
• Ensure the successful delivery of architectural solutions, including adherence to standards and best practice.
• Provide technology governance and oversight across the product portfolio.
• Establish and enforce architectural standards, policies, and procedures.
• Act as an overarching authority on technology choices for use within the product portfolio.
• Create an environment for innovation and new ideas, ensuring technology teams are empowered to challenge existing methods and thinking.
• In conjunction with the Security team ensure all services are aligned with an appropriate risk-based security posture.
• Partner closely with Product to co-develop and deliver an integrated product and technology roadmap.
• Build strong relationships with Product, Customer Operations, GRCS and other teams to ensure technology supports end-to-end business performance.
• Operate as a key member of the technology leadership team, providing insight and challenge, driving a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams by actively contributing to core codebases and technical decision-making.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Previous experience working at senior architect level for a high growth, product-led SaaS business.
• Extensive experience in software architecture and design in a modern cloud environment.
• Strong experience of modern agile development frameworks in a fast-paced software development organisation.
• Strong understanding of various technologies, including cloud computing, security, networking, and data architecture.
• An ability to see the bigger picture and develop long-term architectural strategies as well as engaging with software development teams on detailed technology matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey complex technical information.
• Ability to engage with and motivate teams, influence stakeholders, and drive architectural initiatives.
• Ability to identify and solve complex technical problems.
• Strong understanding of security, compliance, and infrastructure in regulated environments.
• Experience in VC-backed or scale-up companies, ideally in Fintech or regulated sectors.
• Exposure to international expansion, platform re-architecture, or post-Series B scaling challenges.
• Proficient in multiple programming languages and frameworks, with the ability to translate high-level vision into scalable, maintainable code.

Benefits

• You will be entitled to 25 days’ holiday + 8 bank holidays increasing with length of service.
• Birthday off work.
• 2 Volunteer days a year.
• The option to purchase additional days holiday.
• We operate a Salary Exchange pension scheme which you will be auto-enrolled into from day one of employment.
• Free Gym Membership with Pure Gym or £240 yearly Wellbeing Allowance.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Share option scheme after probation.
• Cycle to work scheme after probation.
• Health cash plan.
• Free breakfast & lunch food when in the Manchester office.
• Discounted Parking in Manchester.
• Access to training – both internal and external.
• We plant a tree for every new joiner that joins us!
• We are a Dog-Friendly office.
• and many more!

We are proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces® and an official Great Place to Work®! As we continue to grow, we are looking for an ambitious individual who is ready to take their career to the next level. If you are eager to thrive in an environment that prioritises employee growth and development, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Check out our Company page on the Great Place to Work website: Working at AccessPay | Great Place To Work® UK

Our employees live by our company values:

Always Learning: Our team are a naturally inquisitive bunch, always striving to become experts in our field. We are committed to sharing knowledge and skills with our colleagues and customers. AccessPay provides an environment that fosters personal development and professional growth for all of our people.

Supportive: Helpfulness sits at the heart of our culture – when we win, we win as a team. We agree on shared goals, collaborate constantly, and drive relentlessly in pursuit of those goals. We also understand the importance of fun, both working hard and celebrating our successes.

Driven to Achieve: We are passionate and energetic – whatever the mission. When we encounter challenges we show courage, resilience, and initiative to overcome them.

Committed to Excellence: Through our technical prowess, creativity, personal integrity and accountability, we deliver exceptional outcomes and exceed expectations time and time again.