Business Finance Manager (AP/AR)

NPL Careers; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

NPL Careers is seeking a Business Finance Manager to lead the Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable team. The role involves managing ledgers, overseeing cash flow reporting, and ensuring compliance with internal controls. The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified accountant with experience in people management and payment cycle management.

Benefits

Health and well-being initiatives

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with ACCA, ACA, CIMA, etc.
• Experience leading AP/AR teams.
• Demonstrable experience in managing payment cycles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the AP/AR team and drive performance.
• Ensure timely production of external performance reporting.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.

Skills

People Management

Communication

Process Development

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA)

Job description

The recent introduction of our new Microsoft D365 ERP system has led to a new opportunity for an experienced manager to join our Accounts Payable / Accounts Receivable team (AP/AR).

As our Business Finance Manager, you will join our Finance leadership team and will lead the management, maintenance, and reconciliation of ledgers by the AP/AR team in line with management accounting timetables, ensuring treasury functions are performed according to business guidelines.

This key role enables NPL operations to continue by ensuring supplier invoices are paid on time and NPL invoices can be raised to customers. The role also oversees the production of cash flow reporting and forecasts for internal and DSIT Treasury shared services. Accurate performance metrics should be produced to monitor and report on the team's compliance and efficiency. The role ensures that internal control and anti-fraud practices are maintained to a high standard.

What you'll be doing:

1. Leading the AP/AR team, driving performance and potential while building motivated, customer-focused, high-performing teams.
2. Providing technical expertise and knowledge of accounting systems, payments, and receipts to produce short-term (up to 3 months) cash flow forecasting and reporting, both internally and externally.
3. Accountable for the month-end closure of accounts payable/accounts receivable modules, ensuring reconciliations are maintained for accurate management accounts.
4. Responsible for the timely production of external performance reporting, including payment practices.
5. Ensuring effective banking arrangements are in place for effective trading.
6. Ensuring compliance with internal and external governance, including quality, health, safety, security, and environmental legislation, minimizing risk and enhancing NPL's reputation.
7. Monitoring and reporting on internal control processes and procedures, including fraud awareness, to maintain a well-controlled workflow.
8. Building and maintaining relationships with suppliers, customers, and stakeholders to support NPL's mission, reputation, and sustainability.
9. Managing relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customers to resolve queries and problems efficiently and effectively.

About You

What you can bring to the role:

• Fully qualified accountant such as ACCA, ACA, CIMA, etc.
• Experienced People Manager leading AP/AR teams.
• Demonstrable experience managing payment cycles and maintaining credit control and accounts receivable activities.
• Ability to engage, manage, and communicate effectively with stakeholders across the business.
• Enthusiasm and focus on developing processes, reporting, and controls under our new system.

We actively recruit candidates from all backgrounds, but note that nationality, residency, and security requirements may be more tightly defined for this role. You will be asked about this during the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; the closing date may be brought forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply promptly.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence providing measurement science, engineering, and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.

NPL and DSIT are committed to diversity and equality of opportunity, welcoming applications from all backgrounds, genders, races, sexual orientations, religions, and ages, provided they meet the role's criteria. Applications from women, disabled, and minority ethnic candidates are especially encouraged. All disabled candidates satisfying the minimum criteria will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success stems from the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. We hold memberships and accreditations reflecting our commitment to diversity & inclusion. Our culture promotes health, well-being, flexible working, and social activities to ensure a positive work-life balance. Our values are central to our operations and interactions. We are also committed to making reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Please contact us if you wish to discuss this.