Accounts Payable Specialist
Location: Cambridge
Reporting to: Finance Director
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Accounts Payable Specialist to take ownership of the purchase ledger function and ensure the accurate and timely processing of supplier payments. This role is ideal for a finance professional with strong reconciliation skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to build positive relationships with both suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Accounts Payable & Invoice Processing
- Manage the end-to-end purchase ledger process.
- Accurately code, match, and process supplier invoices.
- Review and prepare payment runs, ensuring payments are made within agreed timescales.
- Resolve invoice queries and discrepancies efficiently.
Reconciliations & Financial Control
- Perform regular supplier statement reconciliations.
- Maintain and reconcile control accounts and general ledger balances.
- Investigate and resolve outstanding items and variances.
- Ensure financial records are accurate and up to date.
Banking & Cash Management
- Process and reconcile BACS payments, cash transactions, and cheque receipts.
- Manage petty cash, ensuring sufficient funds are maintained and accurately recorded.
- Support effective cash flow management through accurate financial administration.
Procurement & Stakeholder Support
- Assist departments with purchasing goods and services where supplier accounts are not available.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers and colleagues.
- Provide prompt responses to supplier and internal finance queries.
Month-End & Audit Support
- Prepare accounting schedules and supporting documentation.
- Assist with month-end processes and management reporting.
- Support year-end accounts preparation and external audit requirements.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience within an Accounts Payable, Purchase Ledger, or Finance role.
- Strong experience with supplier reconciliations and bank reconciliations.
- Experience using finance systems and accounting software.
- Competent Excel user.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to work accurately under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
Desirable
- AAT qualified or currently studying towards a finance qualification.
- Experience supporting external audits.
- Advanced Excel skills.
- Experience working within the education, charity, or not-for-profit sector.
Personal Attributes
- Highly organised and methodical.
- Professional and discreet when handling confidential information.
- Trustworthy with a high level of integrity.
- Able to build effective working relationships across all levels of an organisation.
- Proactive with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday