Full job description 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
Brook Street NMR is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.