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5 Accounts Payable Specialist Job Description Templates and Examples

Accounts Payable Specialists are responsible for managing and processing invoices, ensuring timely payments to vendors, and maintaining accurate financial records. They play a crucial role in the financial operations of a company by verifying and reconciling invoices, resolving discrepancies, and maintaining vendor relationships. Junior specialists focus on data entry and basic invoice processing, while senior specialists and managers oversee the accounts payable team, implement process improvements, and ensure compliance with financial policies.

1. Junior Accounts Payable Specialist Job Description Template

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.

2. Accounts Payable Specialist Job Description Template

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].

3. Senior Accounts Payable Specialist Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is seeking a Senior Accounts Payable Specialist to own end-to-end AP operations, strengthen internal controls, and lead process improvements across a high-volume, multi-entity finance environment. You will design and operate scalable AP workflows, integrate automation with ERP systems, and partner with Treasury, Procurement, and Business Operations to optimize cash flow and vendor relationships. This senior individual contributor role requires advanced technical accounting skills, hands-on ERP experience (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle), and demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional change and mentor junior AP staff.

Responsibilities

  • Own full-cycle accounts payable for multi-entity, multi-currency operations: invoice receipt, coding, three-way matching, approvals, payment processing, and month-end reconciliations
  • Drive AP automation: implement and maintain invoice OCR/AI pipelines, AP workflow engines, supplier portals, and integrations between e-invoicing tools and ERP via APIs or middleware (Dell Boomi, Mulesoft, Celigo)
  • Lead vendor onboarding and vendor master data governance, including W-9/1099 processes, tax jurisdiction mapping, and duplicate prevention
  • Manage payment execution across ACH, wire, virtual cards, and check runs; partner with Treasury for cash forecasting and payment timing optimization
  • Maintain and enhance SOX-compliant controls for AP: segregation of duties, access provisioning, audit evidence, and control testing
  • Analyze AP aging, identify exceptions, drive days payable outstanding (DPO) opportunities, and present actionable metrics to Finance leadership
  • Resolve complex vendor disputes and escalations; negotiate remittance terms and payment arrangements with strategic suppliers
  • Own month-end close tasks for AP: accruals, cut-off testing, reconciling subledger to general ledger, and preparing supporting documentation
  • Lead process documentation, create standard operating procedures (SOPs), and maintain an ADR-style record for significant operational changes
  • Mentor and coach junior AP specialists; lead training on ERP best practices, data quality, and compliance standards

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • 6+ years accounts payable experience in a corporate or shared services environment with increasing responsibility
  • Deep hands-on experience with at least one major ERP (NetSuite, SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud ERP) including AP modules, vendor master, and payment processing
  • Proven track record implementing AP automation tools, electronic invoicing, or payment optimization projects
  • Strong technical proficiency in Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, Power Query) and ability to write SQL queries for transaction reconciliation/reporting
  • Solid understanding of SOX controls, GAAP close processes, and AP-related compliance (1099, VAT/GST where applicable)
  • Experience managing high-volume invoice flows, multi-currency transactions, and intercompany settlements
  • Excellent stakeholder management across Procurement, Treasury, Tax, and Business Units

Preferred:

  • Experience with AP platforms such as Tipalti, AvidXchange, Stampli, Coupa Pay, or Airbase
  • Familiarity with RPA/automation frameworks (UiPath, Automation Anywhere) and RESTful API integrations
  • Certification such as Certified Accounts Payable Specialist, CPA, or CTP
  • Experience in a fast-scaling or fintech environment with complex vendor ecosystems

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • ERP systems: NetSuite, SAP, Oracle Cloud ERP (hands-on configuration and transaction troubleshooting)
  • AP automation & invoice capture: OCR/AI tools, e-invoicing, supplier portals
  • Payment rails: ACH, SEPA, domestic/FX wire, virtual card programs, and payment gateways
  • Data and reporting: Advanced Excel, SQL, BI tools (Tableau, Looker), Power Query/Power BI
  • Integration & middleware: API troubleshooting, iPaaS tools (Celigo, Dell Boomi), and basic scripting (Python or JavaScript) for data transforms
  • Audit & controls: SOX control frameworks, GRC tools, and documentation standards

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Operational leader: track record of leading process change, defining KPIs, and driving measurable efficiency gains
  • Analytical communicator: able to translate AP metrics and anomalies into concise executive reports and action plans
  • Mentor and teacher: demonstrated experience coaching junior team members and delivering cross-functional training
  • Detail-oriented and resilient: skilled at managing high-volume, deadline-driven workloads with rigorous attention to accuracy
  • Collaborative influence: credible presence when negotiating vendor terms or resolving escalations with stakeholders at all levels
  • Continuous improvement mindset: comfortable running root-cause analyses and implementing PDCA/Lean improvements

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Comprehensive benefits include:

  • Competitive medical, dental and vision plans
  • 401(k) with company match and financial planning resources
  • Generous paid time off, paid parental leave, and flexible paid holidays
  • Professional development stipend and certification reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, wellness stipend, and employee assistance program
  • Equity or long-term incentive program where applicable

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. We are committed to accessible hiring practices; applicants who require accommodations during the application process may contact our recruiting team.

Location

This is a hybrid position based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. A successful candidate will be expected to work from the office at least three days per week to enable hands-on process leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and mentorship of onsite finance teams.

How to Apply

We encourage applicants to apply even if your experience does not match every listed qualification. If you are excited about the role, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting relevant AP transformations or automation projects you led. Applications from diverse backgrounds and non-traditional career paths are welcome.

4. Accounts Payable Supervisor Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Supervisor to lead a high-volume AP team and optimize end-to-end payables operations. The Accounts Payable Supervisor will design and enforce AP controls, scale AP processes using ERP and AP automation tools, and partner with Treasury, Procurement, and Finance to ensure accurate, timely vendor payments and compliant month-end close. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines people management, process improvement, technical ownership of AP systems, and operational governance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team of AP specialists (invoice processing, vendor management, payment execution), including hiring, coaching, performance reviews, and career development.
  • Own day-to-day AP operations for high-volume invoice throughput: invoice intake, validation, coding, matching (PO/GR/3-way), dispute resolution, and aging management.
  • Manage payment execution across ACH, wire, check, and virtual card programs; coordinate with Treasury for cash forecasting and payment runs.
  • Implement, maintain, and optimize AP workflows in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle Financials, NetSuite) and AP automation platforms (e.g., Tipalti, AvidXchange, Esker) to increase straight-through processing and reduce manual touchpoints.
  • Develop and maintain SOPs, SLAs, KPIs (days payable outstanding, invoice cycle time, exception rates), and operational dashboards; report metrics to Finance leadership.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives including automation of three-way matching, OCR/scan validation, vendor portal adoption, and AP-to-GL reconciliation efficiencies.
  • Ensure SOX and internal control compliance: design controls, perform control testing support, and remediate audit findings.
  • Manage vendor relationships and onboarding process; own tax-related vendor documentation (W-9/W-8), 1099/1096 preparation support, and vendor claim resolution.
  • Coordinate month-end close tasks related to AP accruals, cutoffs, reconciliations, and variance explanations; partner with FP&A on cash flow and accrual accuracy.
  • Lead cross-functional projects—ERP rollouts, payments platform migrations, policy rollouts—providing subject matter expertise and project governance.

Required Qualifications

  • 5+ years of progressive accounts payable experience with 2+ years in a supervisory or team lead role within a corporate finance environment.
  • Proven track record managing high-volume AP operations (thousands of invoices/month) and multi-channel payment programs (ACH, wires, checks, virtual cards).
  • Deep operational knowledge of one or more ERP systems (NetSuite, Oracle, SAP) and experience configuring AP modules or working closely with ERP/IT teams during implementations.
  • Hands-on experience with AP automation tools (invoice capture/OCR, workflow engines, vendor portals) and integrations to ERP systems.
  • Strong understanding of SOX/internal controls, GAAP accounting for payables, month-end accruals, and vendor tax compliance.
  • Excellent Excel proficiency including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and experience building operational reports; familiarity with BI tools (Tableau, Power BI) a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead process improvements, drive cross-functional collaboration, and manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent professional experience; CPA/certification a plus but not required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with multinational vendor payments, cross-border payments, FX considerations, and localized compliance.
  • Experience supporting ERP implementations or rollouts and developing training materials for end-users.
  • Familiarity with treasury processes, cash forecasting, and payment fraud prevention controls.
  • Knowledge of procurement processes (PO lifecycle) and supplier onboarding workflows.
  • Experience implementing RPA or scripting to automate reconciliations or exception handling.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • ERP platforms: NetSuite, Oracle Financials, SAP S/4HANA—configuration and AP module experience.
  • AP automation: Tipalti, AvidXchange, Esker, Coupa Invoice, Basware, or equivalent invoice/workflow engines.
  • Payments: ACH, SEPA, SWIFT, virtual cards, bank file formats (ABA, ISO20022), and payment gateway integrations.
  • Compliance tools: Vendor tax form management, 1099 processing, KYC/vendor due diligence platforms.
  • Data & reporting: Excel advanced functions, SQL basics for ad-hoc queries, Power BI/Tableau for dashboards.
  • Collaboration & ticketing: Jira, ServiceNow, Concur integration experience a plus.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Proven leader with a coaching mindset: builds psychological safety, develops talent, and documents career paths for direct reports.
  • Process-oriented thinker who can model and communicate end-to-end workflows, author SOPs, and create ADR-like decision records for process changes.
  • Strong communicator: translates technical/payment system details into clear guidance for non-technical stakeholders.
  • Analytical and detail-focused: adept at root-cause analysis for exceptions and designing permanent fixes rather than temporary workarounds.
  • Adaptable and collaborative: works effectively across Finance, Procurement, Treasury, and IT to deliver outcomes.
  • High integrity and commitment to compliance, confidentiality, and ethical vendor management.

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]. Compensation package may include base salary, performance bonus, and eligible equity or long-term incentives where applicable.

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans; flexible spending and HSA options.
  • 401(k) or local retirement plan with company match and financial planning resources.
  • Generous paid time off, paid parental leave, and flexible work arrangements.
  • Professional development stipend, tuition assistance, and certification reimbursement.
  • Wellness benefits including EAP, mental health resources, and subsidized fitness programs.
  • Modern office environment, commuter benefits, and employee discount programs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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

Location

This role 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 and mentoring of on-site team members.

How to Apply

To apply, submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your AP leadership experience and relevant ERP/automation projects. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

5. Accounts Payable Manager Job Description Template

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].

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