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5 Accounts Payable Job Description Templates and Examples

Accounts Payable professionals are responsible for managing and processing the company's outgoing payments. They ensure that invoices are accurate and paid on time, maintaining good relationships with vendors and suppliers. Entry-level roles focus on data entry and invoice processing, while senior positions involve overseeing the accounts payable team, managing cash flow, and implementing process improvements.

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1. Accounts Payable Clerk Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are looking for a detail-oriented Accounts Payable Clerk to join our finance team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this role, you will be responsible for managing the full accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, and maintaining positive relationships with vendors.

Responsibilities

  • Process and review invoices for accuracy and compliance with company policies
  • Coordinate with vendors to resolve discrepancies and ensure timely payment
  • Maintain accurate records of all accounts payable transactions
  • Prepare and process payments, including checks and electronic transfers
  • Assist in month-end closing processes and reconciliation
  • Support the finance team with other accounting tasks as needed

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • 1+ years of experience in accounts payable or a similar finance role
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and accounting software
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

Preferred:

  • Associate degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
  • Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or QuickBooks

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Familiarity with accounts payable processes and best practices
  • Ability to utilize financial software to improve efficiency
  • Proficient in data entry and financial reporting

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Proactive approach to learning and development
  • Adaptability to changing priorities and deadlines

Benefits and Perks

At [$COMPANY_NAME], we value our employees and offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement savings plan with company matching
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to diversity in its workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Location

This role requires successful candidates to be based in-person at [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all the preferred qualifications. Your unique experiences could be a valuable addition to our team!

2. Accounts Payable Specialist Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented Accounts Payable Specialist to join our finance team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this role, you will play a critical part in managing our company's financial transactions and ensuring the accuracy of our accounts payable processes. Your expertise will help streamline operations, enhance financial reporting, and contribute to the overall efficiency of our finance department.

Responsibilities

  • Process and manage the full cycle of accounts payable transactions, including invoice verification, approval, and payment processing
  • Maintain accurate vendor records and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures
  • Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner
  • Assist in month-end closing activities, including preparing accounts payable reports and supporting documentation
  • Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to address payment inquiries and enhance vendor relationships
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices to optimize accounts payable workflows

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • 2+ years of experience in accounts payable or relevant financial operations
  • Strong understanding of accounting principles and practices
  • Proficient in using accounting software and Microsoft Excel for data analysis

Preferred:

  • Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms
  • Knowledge of tax regulations related to vendor payments
  • Experience in a fast-paced environment with a focus on continuous improvement

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Expertise in accounts payable processes and financial reconciliations
  • Proficient in financial reporting tools and spreadsheet software
  • Familiarity with automation tools to enhance accounts payable efficiency

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a hybrid work environment
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively liaise with vendors and internal stakeholders
  • A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to thrive in a dynamic work setting

Benefits and Perks

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Annual salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plans with company matching
  • Flexible work arrangements in a hybrid model
  • Professional development opportunities and training

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage all qualified applicants to apply, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other factor protected by law.

Location

This is a hybrid position, requiring candidates to work from the office at least 3 days a week at [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

3. Accounts Payable Coordinator Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are looking for a detail-oriented Accounts Payable Coordinator to join our dynamic finance team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this role, you will play a crucial part in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of our accounts payable processes, helping to maintain healthy financial operations while providing excellent service to our internal stakeholders and suppliers.

Responsibilities

  • Manage the full accounts payable cycle, including invoice processing, payment approvals, and reconciliations
  • Ensure compliance with company policies and internal controls related to accounts payable
  • Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to resolve discrepancies and inquiries regarding invoices and payments
  • Prepare and maintain accurate records of all accounts payable transactions
  • Assist in month-end closing processes by providing necessary reports and documentation
  • Contribute to the improvement of accounts payable processes and systems for enhanced efficiency

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
  • 2+ years of experience in accounts payable or a similar financial role
  • Strong understanding of accounts payable principles and practices
  • Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel
  • Excellent organizational skills with a keen attention to detail

Preferred:

  • Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms
  • Knowledge of tax regulations and compliance related to accounts payable
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Proficient in accounting software and spreadsheet applications
  • Experience with data entry, invoice processing, and financial reporting
  • Familiarity with vendor management systems and reconciliation tools

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
  • Adaptability to change and a proactive approach to process improvements

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Additional benefits may include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement savings plan with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Professional development and training opportunities

Location

This is a hybrid position based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION], requiring in-office presence at least 3 days a week.

4. Accounts Payable Supervisor Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

The Accounts Payable Supervisor at [$COMPANY_NAME] will lead AP operations to deliver accurate, timely supplier payments while enforcing internal controls and optimizing end-to-end processes. You will supervise a cross-functional AP team, own month-end and quarter-close AP deliverables, drive ERP and AP automation initiatives (e.g., AP OCR, supplier portal, EDI invoicing), and partner with Treasury, Procurement, Tax, and Internal Audit to reduce risk and improve cash flow visibility.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team of AP analysts: hire, coach, set performance goals, conduct 1:1s, and drive professional development and cross-training.
  • Own day-to-day AP operations including invoice receipt/triage, three-way matching, PO/non-PO invoice processing, vendor statement reconciliation, and payment runs across ACH, wire, virtual card, and check.
  • Manage month-end and quarter-close AP activities: accruals, cut-off testing, variance analysis, and timely GL reconciliation for AP and clearing accounts.
  • Maintain and enforce SOX-compliant controls, preparing control narratives, testing scripts, and remediation plans; liaise with Internal Audit and external auditors.
  • Optimize AP workflows: evaluate and implement automation (RPA, OCR, supplier portals), refine exceptions handling, reduce invoice cycle time, and improve straight-through processing (STP) rates.
  • Own vendor management and escalation: ownership of vendor setup/maintenance policies, vendor onboarding process, dispute resolution, and payment terms negotiations in coordination with Procurement.
  • Develop and report AP KPIs and dashboards (days payable outstanding — DPO, invoice aging, exceptions rate, payment accuracy) to Finance leadership and recommend corrective actions.
  • Ensure compliance with tax withholding, 1099/CRA reporting requirements, and international VAT/GST rules where applicable; coordinate with Tax on queries and audits.
  • Partner with Treasury on cash forecasting, payment timing strategies, and fraud prevention measures including positive pay and ACH block/filters.

Required Qualifications

  • 5+ years of progressive accounts payable experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory or team lead role.
  • Proven experience in high-volume AP environments processing multi-currency transactions and multiple payment rails.
  • Hands-on experience with enterprise ERPs such as SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Workday Financials, or Microsoft Dynamics; demonstrated configuration or advanced super-user capability preferred.
  • Strong working knowledge of SOX controls for procure-to-pay, month-end close cycles, and AP reconciliation practices.
  • Proficiency with Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Power Query) and AP automation tools (e.g., Coupa, Basware, AvidXchange, Esker) or willingness to rapidly adopt new tools.
  • Excellent vendor management, written and verbal communication skills, and a track record of process improvement projects that delivered measurable KPIs.
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent professional experience; relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Accounts Payable Professional, CPA coursework) are a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience implementing or scaling AP automation and supplier portal projects, including supplier outreach and change management.
  • Experience with treasury integrations, payment orchestration platforms, virtual card programs, and fraud detection controls.
  • Experience in multinational organizations with exposure to VAT/GST, withholding tax, and intercompany AP processes.
  • Familiarity with workflow design, RPA tools (e.g., UiPath, Automation Anywhere), and basic SQL for data extraction and reconciliation.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • ERP systems: SAP S/4HANA, Oracle E-Business Suite/NetSuite, Workday Financials, or Microsoft Dynamics.
  • AP automation: Coupa, Basware, AvidXchange, Esker, Tipalti; OCR and document capture technologies.
  • Payments and treasury: ACH, wire, SWIFT, virtual card platforms, payment gateways, positive pay.
  • Data and reporting: Excel (advanced), Power BI or Tableau, SQL for ad-hoc queries and reconciliations.
  • Compliance and audit tools: GRC platforms, audit trail analysis, and journal entry validation.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Demonstrated leadership: track record of leading process change, writing clear SOPs, and maintaining high team morale under month-end pressure.
  • Analytical mindset: ability to decompose reconciliation variances, root-cause invoice exceptions, and recommend corrective controls.
  • Stakeholder management: experience influencing cross-functional partners (Procurement, Tax, Treasury, IT) and communicating financial impacts to non-finance audiences.
  • Detail orientation with strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
  • Continuous improvement orientation: comfort with structured problem solving (Lean, Six Sigma principles) and documenting measurable outcomes.

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]. Our total rewards package includes competitive base pay, annual bonus potential, comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, 401(k) match or local retirement benefits, paid parental leave, flexible PTO, professional development stipend, and optional financial wellbeing resources. Additional perks may include hybrid/remote work stipends, commuter benefits, employee assistance programs, and equity participation where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process.

Location

This is a remote position within [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. Candidates must be legally authorized to work and located within [$COMPANY_LOCATION] to support time zone overlap and local compliance requirements.

How to Apply

We encourage applicants to apply even if you do not meet every listed qualification. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your AP leadership experience and relevant systems expertise. Candidates who demonstrate the right combination of technical skill, supervisory experience, and cultural fit will be considered.

5. Accounts Payable Manager Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is hiring an Accounts Payable Manager to lead the end-to-end accounts payable function, optimize invoice-to-pay processes, and strengthen internal controls across multi-entity operations. As the AP Manager you will design and implement scalable AP workflows, own vendor relationships and dispute resolution, manage cash flow forecasting inputs, and mentor a team responsible for high-volume invoice processing and payments. This leadership position requires a blend of hands-on transactional expertise, process automation experience, and strong cross-functional stakeholder management to ensure accurate and timely vendor payment while minimizing risk.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the accounts payable team (recruiting, performance management, coaching) to achieve KPI targets for accuracy, cycle time, and supplier satisfaction
  • Oversee the full invoice-to-pay lifecycle: invoice receipt, validation, coding, PO matching, approvals, payment runs (ACH, wire, check), and vendor reconciliations
  • Develop, document, and enforce AP policies, internal controls, and SOX-ready procedures across multiple legal entities and currencies
  • Implement and optimize AP automation (OCR, e-invoicing, AP workflow engines) and integrate with ERP systems to reduce manual touchpoints and exceptions
  • Partner with Treasury to schedule payments, optimize working capital, and support cash flow forecasting and liquidity management
  • Manage vendor relationships, resolve payment disputes, negotiate payment terms, and ensure tax and regulatory compliance (1099/CTC or local equivalents)
  • Design and track AP metrics (DSO/Days Payable Outstanding, invoice cycle time, first-pass match rate, exception rate) and present actionable reports to finance leadership
  • Coordinate month-end and year-end close tasks related to accounts payable, accruals, and intercompany payables
  • Drive continuous improvement projects (process mapping, RPA, system upgrades, vendor portal adoption) and maintain a roadmap for AP transformation
  • Collaborate with Procurement, Accounting, Tax, and IT on process alignment, system integrations, and data governance

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of progressive AP experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role supporting multi-entity/multi-currency operations
  • Proven experience with enterprise ERP systems (e.g., Oracle Cloud ERP, SAP S/4HANA, NetSuite) and AP modules
  • Strong working knowledge of AP controls, SOX requirements, and vendor tax/reporting obligations
  • Demonstrated success implementing AP automation solutions (workflow engines, OCR, vendor portals) and driving adoption
  • High proficiency with Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Power Query) and BI/reporting tools (Tableau, Power BI)
  • Excellent communication skills with experience presenting metrics and program updates to senior finance stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional certification (CPA, CMA, CIMA) or AP/AR-specific certification (e.g., IMA, AAP)
  • Experience with accounts payable shared services, centralized processing, or outsourced vendor management
  • Experience integrating AP with procure-to-pay (P2P) solutions like Coupa, Ariba, or Basware
  • Experience managing cross-border payments and understanding of FX implications
  • Prior experience in high-growth companies, private equity-backed organizations, or Fortune 500 environments

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • ERP platforms: Oracle Cloud ERP, SAP S/4HANA, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics
  • P2P and AP automation: Coupa, Ariba, Basware, Tipalti, Stampli
  • Payments and treasury integration: ACH, wire, SWIFT, virtual cards, bank-hosted APIs
  • OCR and document processing: ABBYY, Kofax, Rossum, automation with RPA tools (UiPath, Automation Anywhere)
  • Reporting & analytics: Excel advanced functions, Power BI, Tableau, SQL for ad hoc analysis
  • Controls and compliance tools: audit workflow systems, SOX testing frameworks, vendor master data governance

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Operational leader with a bias for measurable outcomes, process documentation, and change management
  • Track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders without direct authority
  • Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into actionable process improvements
  • Mature judgment in escalation and vendor negotiation; calm under pressure during payment-critical periods
  • Commitment to mentoring and developing team members, conducting effective performance reviews and career planning
  • Inclusive leader who fosters psychological safety, values diverse perspectives, and promotes equitable practices

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Comprehensive benefits package may include:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement plan with employer match (401(k) or local equivalent)
  • Paid parental leave and flexible paid time off
  • Professional development stipend and certification reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, wellness programs, and employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Hybrid work support (home office stipend, collaboration spaces)

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity of all kinds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Location

This is a hybrid position based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. A successful candidate will be expected to work from the office at least 3 days per week to support cross-functional collaboration, vendor meetings, and month-end close activities.

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