Business Finance Manager (AP/AR)

About the Role

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

As our Business Finance Manager, you will be joining our Finance leadership team and will lead on the management, maintenance and reconciliation of ledgers by the AP/AR team in line with management accounting timetables and also ensuring the treasury functions are performed 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 purposes. Accurate performance metrics should be produced to monitor and report on the compliance and efficiency of the team’s work. The role ensures that internal control and anti-fraud practices are maintained to a high standard.

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading the AP/AR team, driving the performance and potential whilst building highly motivated, customer focused and high performing teams.
• Provide technical expertise and knowledge of accounting systems, payments and receipts to produce shorter term (up to 3 months) cash flow forecasting and reporting, both internally and externally
• Accountable for the month end closure of accounts payable/accounts receivable modules, ensuring reconciliations are maintained so that management accounts are accurate
• Responsible for timely production of external performance reporting, including payment practices
• Ensure effective banking arrangements are in place so that the company can trade effectively
• Ensure compliance with appropriate internal and external governance including quality, health, safety, security and environmental legislation minimising risk to the business and enhancing NPL’s reputation
• Monitor and report on internal control processes and procedures, including fraud awareness, to maintain a well-controlled and efficient workflow
• Build and maintain supplier, customer and stakeholder relationships that will support NPL’s ability to deliver its mission, its reputation and remain sustainable
• Manage and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and customers to ensure that queries and problems are dealt with by the team efficiently and effectively

About You

What you can bring to the role:

• You’ll be fully qualified accountant such as ACCA, ACA, CIMA etc.
• Experienced People Manager and leading AP/AR teams
• Demonstrable experience manging payment cycles and maintaining credit control and accounts receivable activity
• Ability to engage and manage and communicate with stakeholders across the business.
• Enthusiasm towards and a focus on developing processes, reporting and controls under our new system

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout 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 therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

About Us

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

  NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

  At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

  We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits . Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.

  To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.