About Harvard Bioscience Harvard Bioscience is a leading developer, manufacturer and seller of technologies, products and services that enable fundamental research, discovery, and pre-clinical testing for drug development. Our customers range from renowned academic institutions and government laboratories, to the world's leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and contract research organizations. With operations in North America, Europe, and China, we sell through a combination of direct and distribution channels to customers around the world. We are a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: HBIO).
A career with Harvard Bioscience is an experience where our employees are energized and aligned to our purpose – Solutions to advance life science. With an experienced leadership team with a track record of delivering growth and accelerated business improvements, HBio sees an opportunity to drive significant organic growth by leveraging and expanding its deep customer relationships, new product development and an empowered, efficient sales force.
THE OPPORTUNITY Harvard Bioscience in Cambridge, United Kingdom, is currently seeking a person who combines meticulous financial processing with confident supplier communication. You will manage the purchase ledger end‑to‑end, ensuring right‑first‑time accuracy in invoice matching, reconciliations, and compliance while navigating the operational demands of a busy procurement and finance environment.
Essential Job Functions
Invoice Processing & Controls
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Process all Purchase Ledger invoices and credit notes in Navision, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
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Perform full 3‑way matching between purchase orders, goods receipt notes, and supplier invoices.
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Code and process all non‑PO invoices and freight invoices, ensuring they are authorised in line with internal policies and delegated authority limits.
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Carry out regular housekeeping checks to ensure ledgers remain accurate, tidy, and up to date.
Supplier Management & Query Resolution
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Handle supplier and internal queries relating to pricing, quantities, serial numbers, and proof of delivery, working closely with the Purchasing team.
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Reconcile supplier statements, request copy invoices and credit notes, and resolve outstanding issues promptly via phone and email.
Month-End & Reporting
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Reconcile the Purchase Ledger at month end, ensuring all balances are correct and fully supported.
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Prepare and post recurring journals and other month‑end adjustments as required.
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Process and post credit card transactions and staff expenses in line with company policy.
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Work to strict deadlines in accordance with the month‑end closedown timetable.
Audit & Compliance
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Support internal and external audit requests by providing accurate documentation, reconciliations, and explanations.
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Ensure all activities comply with financial controls, audit requirements, and company procedures.
skills and abilities required
Technical & Accounting Knowledge
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Proven Purchase Ledger experience, ideally within a fast‑paced finance environment.
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Solid understanding of general accounting principles, including accruals, and ledger controls.
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Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Navision) and standard finance processes.
Systems & IT Skills
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Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word.
Numeracy & Analytical Skills
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Strong numeracy skills with the ability to check, verify, and reconcile financial data accurately.
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High attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem‑solving.
Office & Administrative Experience
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General office administration experience, including handling queries, managing documentation, and maintaining organised records.
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Ability to work efficiently, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines within structured finance timetables.
Bonus skills and experience
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An appreciation and clear understanding of day‑to‑day inventory and stock control activities.
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Experience working within a group finance structure, including intercompany processes, group reporting cycles, and shared service environments.
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Awareness of US SOX (Sarbanes–Oxley) compliance requirements, particularly around financial controls, documentation standards, and audit evidence.
