5 Accounts Payable Specialist Job Description Templates and Examples

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are looking for a detail-oriented Junior Accounts Payable Specialist to join our finance team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this role, you will support our accounts payable processes by accurately processing invoices, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring timely payments. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to grow their career in finance while contributing to the financial health of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Process and verify invoices for accuracy and compliance with company policies
• Maintain vendor records and facilitate communication with suppliers regarding payments and discrepancies
• Assist in the reconciliation of accounts payable transactions to ensure accuracy
• Support month-end closing processes by preparing necessary reports and documentation
• Collaborate with team members to improve accounts payable workflows and processes
• Provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders regarding accounts payable inquiries

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 1+ years of experience in accounts payable or a similar finance role
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and experience with accounting software
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and financial reporting

Preferred:

• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and practices

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis
• Familiarity with accounting software and ERP systems
• Ability to quickly learn new software tools and technologies

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• A proactive and collaborative approach to problem-solving
• Willingness to learn and grow within the finance team

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Additional benefits may include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Generous paid time off policy
• Professional development opportunities

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Location

This is a remote position within [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and encourage those who may not meet all qualifications to apply.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are looking for a meticulous and driven Accounts Payable Specialist to join our finance team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this role, you will be responsible for managing the full cycle of accounts payable processes, ensuring accuracy and timely payments while adhering to our company’s financial policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Process and manage invoices, expense reports, and payment requests with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner
• Assist in the preparation of month-end close activities by ensuring all accounts payable transactions are recorded accurately
• Collaborate with internal teams, including procurement and finance, to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures
• Maintain organized records of all accounts payable transactions, including documentation for audits
• Support the implementation of process improvements to enhance efficiency within the accounts payable function

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in accounts payable or similar financial role
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial regulations
• Proficient in using accounting software and MS Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or QuickBooks
• Knowledge of tax regulations and compliance related to accounts payable

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Proficient with financial software and tools for processing accounts payable transactions
• Experience with automated invoice processing systems
• Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables and VLOOKUP functions

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Detail-oriented with a commitment to maintaining accuracy in financial records
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively collaborate with vendors and internal teams
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement

Benefits and Perks

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive 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 an equal opportunity employer and strives to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Location

This is a remote position within [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Accounts Payable Specialist to own and optimize the accounts payable lifecycle within [$COMPANY_NAME]. This hands-on senior role will lead AP operations, drive Procure-to-Pay (P2P) automation, enforce SOX-compliant controls, and partner with Finance, Procurement, and Treasury to accelerate month-end close and cash forecasting. You will design and implement scalable AP processes, mentor junior AP analysts, and serve as the escalation point for complex vendor disputes, tax reporting, and audit requests.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end accounts payable operations including invoice receipt, three-way matching, coding, approvals, and payment execution (ACH, wire, check) for high-volume, multi-entity environments
• Own month-end AP close activities: reconcile AP subledgers to general ledger, prepare journal entries, and produce AP aging and accrual schedules to meet close deadlines
• Design and maintain internal controls and SOX-compliant processes for invoice approval, segregation of duties, and payment authorization; maintain documentation for auditors
• Drive P2P automation initiatives: evaluate AP automation platforms (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa, Tipalti, AvidXchange), implement OCR workflows, and reduce manual touchpoints
• Manage vendor lifecycle and supplier onboarding, including W-9/1099 compliance, tax form collection, and vendor master data hygiene
• Resolve high-risk or escalated vendor disputes, disputed invoices, and chargebacks; negotiate payment terms and vendor settlements when required
• Partner with Treasury on cash forecasting, payment runs, bank reconciliations, and fraud detection controls
• Develop AP KPIs (e.g., DPO, invoice cycle time, % automated invoices) and produce regular dashboards and process improvement reports using Excel, Power BI, or Looker
• Mentor and train junior AP staff; create SOPs, process maps, and runbooks to institutionalize best practices
• Support external and internal audits, tax requests, and ad-hoc finance projects including ERP upgrades, integrations, and M&A carve-outs

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• 5+ years of progressive accounts payable experience in high-volume corporate environments or shared services/finance centers
• Proven experience with month-end close, AP reconciliations, and producing accrual schedules
• Strong working knowledge of SOX control requirements and experience preparing audit-ready documentation
• Hands-on experience with at least one major ERP/financial system (NetSuite, Oracle Cloud ERP, SAP S/4HANA, Microsoft Dynamics)
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Power Query) and comfort writing SQL queries or automations for data reconciliation
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects and mentor junior staff
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact with vendors and senior stakeholders

Preferred:

• Experience implementing or improving AP automation platforms (Coupa, Ariba, Tipalti, AvidXchange)
• Knowledge of global payable processes including VAT/GST handling and multi-currency payments
• Familiarity with bank connectivity and payment rails (ACH, SEPA, SWIFT)
• Certifications such as Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP), CPA, or similar finance/accounting credentials
• Experience with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and scripting (Python, VBA) to automate repetitive workflows

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• ERP systems: NetSuite, Oracle Cloud ERP, SAP S/4HANA, Microsoft Dynamics
• AP automation tools: Coupa, SAP Ariba, Tipalti, AvidXchange, Bill.com
• Bank/payment systems: ACH, Wire, SEPA, SWIFT, virtual card platforms
• Data and reporting: Advanced Excel (Power Query, XLOOKUP), SQL, Power BI, Looker, Tableau
• General ledger and reconciliation tools, e-invoicing and OCR solutions
• Version control and documentation: Confluence, SharePoint, Jira for project tracking

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Process-oriented leader with a continuous improvement mindset and measurable results in reducing invoice cycle time and manual exceptions
• Track record of leading architecture decision records for P2P workflows, facilitating stakeholder alignment, and driving cross-functional change
• High attention to detail with strong analytical reasoning; comfortable debugging reconciliation discrepancies using data-driven investigation
• Ability to prioritize competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and composure
• Mentorship mindset: experience developing talent, conducting performance reviews, and creating training curricula
• Commitment to transparency, ethical vendor relationships, and maintaining financial controls

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

We offer a comprehensive total rewards package including:

• Competitive base salary and annual performance bonus
• Equity or long-term incentive grants (where applicable)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions
• 401(k) or local retirement plan with company match
• Generous paid time off, parental leave, and flexible holidays
• Professional development stipend and certification reimbursement
• Wellness benefits, commuter stipends, and employee assistance programs

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or other protected characteristics. We encourage applicants from underrepresented communities and will reasonably accommodate applicants' needs during the hiring process.

Location

This is a remote position within [$COMPANY_LOCATION]; candidates must be legally authorized to work and located within [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. Occasional travel to regional offices may be required for onboarding or cross-functional projects.

How to Apply

We encourage applicants who may not meet every listed requirement to apply—if you have adjacent experience, demonstrated capacity to learn quickly, or transferable skills from related functions (AR, treasury, procurement), we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting relevant AP systems experience and a recent process improvement you led.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

The Accounts Payable Supervisor will lead day-to-day AP operations, drive process standardization and internal controls, and scale AP capabilities across business units. You will manage a team of AP specialists, own month-end AP close activities, and partner with Treasury, Procurement, Tax, and IT to optimize cash flow, vendor relationships, and reconciliation accuracy. This role requires hands-on expertise with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite), AP automation tools, and strong operational leadership to deliver timely, auditable payables processing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach a team of AP analysts; responsible for hiring, performance reviews, career development, and day-to-day task prioritization
• Oversee end-to-end accounts payable lifecycle: invoice receipt, validation, three-way matching, accruals, payment runs, and vendor statement reconciliation
• Manage month-end close deliverables related to AP: aging analysis, cut-off testing, AP balance reconciliations, and journal entries
• Implement and maintain AP controls and SOX-compliant processes; author and maintain process documentation and control matrices
• Design and execute process improvement initiatives that reduce invoice cycle time, reduce exceptions, and increase straight-through processing using automation and OCR
• Partner with Treasury to plan payment cadence, manage cash forecasting inputs, and escalate payment risks
• Serve as primary point of contact for vendors on dispute resolution, onboarding, and payment inquiries; enforce vendor master data governance
• Collaborate with IT and Finance systems teams on ERP configurations, integration requirements, and AP workflow enhancements; validate UAT for AP-related releases
• Monitor KPIs: days payable outstanding (DPO), invoice processing time, exception rates, approval SLAs, and cost-per-invoice; drive continuous improvement using data
• Develop reporting for leadership using Excel, SQL queries, and BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) to surface trends and recommend corrective action

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• 5+ years of progressive accounts payable experience with 2+ years in a supervisory or team lead role
• Proven experience managing AP operations within an ERP environment (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of AP controls, compliance frameworks (SOX), and month-end close processes
• Hands-on experience with AP automation platforms, OCR solutions, and electronic payment rails (ACH, wire, virtual cards)
• Advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, macros) and experience writing SQL or extracting data from ERP systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to interact with vendors and senior stakeholders
• Detail-oriented with a track record of resolving complex vendor/payment exceptions and reconciling large supplier ledgers

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience; AP/AR or bookkeeping certification is a plus
• Experience with large-scale ERP implementations or migrations and validating AP data integrity post-migration
• Familiarity with tax requirements related to AP (1099 processes, VAT/GST) and cross-border payments
• Experience building dashboards in Power BI or Tableau and automating AP reports
• Experience working in high-growth or multi-entity, multi-currency environments

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• ERP systems: SAP, Oracle E-Business Suite, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics
• AP automation & OCR: Tipalti, Coupa, Basware, AvidXchange, Kofax or equivalent
• Payments: ACH, wire transfers, virtual card platforms, SWIFT
• Data & reporting: Advanced Excel, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, Power Query
• Collaboration & workflow: Concur, ServiceNow, JIRA, Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint)

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Operational leader with a documented history of improving throughput and reducing exceptions in AP processes
• Track record of writing and enforcing clear process documentation, SOPs, and training materials
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, influence without authority, and present AP metrics to finance leadership
• Coaching mentality: experience mentoring entry-level staff and building resilient teams
• Analytical mindset comfortable with large datasets and translating findings into prioritized action plans
• High integrity and commitment to maintaining accurate, auditable financial records

Benefits and Perks

Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) with company match / retirement plan options
• Paid time off, paid parental leave, and paid sick leave
• Professional development stipend and certification reimbursement
• Flexible hybrid work schedule and commuter benefits
• Employee assistance programs, mental health resources, and wellness stipends
• Opportunities for cross-functional career growth into Treasury, FP&A, or Accounting leadership roles

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity 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, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Location

This is a hybrid role based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. A successful candidate will be expected to work from the office at least three days per week to support close activities, vendor meetings, and cross-functional collaboration; some flexibility for remote work is available.

How to Apply

We encourage applicants to apply even if you do not meet every listed qualification. If you are passionate about building efficient, controls-driven AP operations and meet many of the requirements, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining relevant AP leadership and technical experience. Qualified candidates will be contacted for next steps.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are looking for a detail-oriented and experienced Accounts Payable Manager to oversee our accounts payable department at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this pivotal role, you will manage the full cycle of accounts payable processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in all transactions. You will lead a team dedicated to maintaining the integrity of financial operations while enabling the organization to meet its financial commitments.

Responsibilities

• Manage the accounts payable function, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments
• Supervise and mentor the accounts payable team, fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency and compliance
• Oversee reconciliation of vendor statements and resolution of discrepancies in a timely manner
• Collaborate with procurement and other departments to enhance the purchase order process and vendor relationship management
• Prepare and present accounts payable metrics and reports to senior management, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement
• Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements related to accounts payable

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field
• 5+ years of accounts payable experience, with at least 2 years in a managerial role
• Strong knowledge of accounts payable processes and financial reporting
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel

Preferred:

• Experience in a fast-paced corporate environment, preferably within a large organization
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle
• Professional certifications such as Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP) or similar

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Expertise in financial software and tools for managing accounts payable
• Strong analytical skills to assess financial data and identify discrepancies
• Familiarity with tax regulations and compliance issues related to accounts payable

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution
• Strong leadership skills with a focus on team development and performance improvement
• Commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability

Benefits and Perks

Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Additional benefits may include:

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

Location

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