What does an Accounts Payable Accountant do?
Published 3 min read
An accounts payable accountant is responsible for processing and paying invoices for a company. This may include verifying invoices, coding invoices, and entering invoices into the accounting system. The accounts payable accountant may also be responsible for preparing reports on accounts payable activity and maintaining records of payments.
Accounts Payable Accountant job duties include:
- Review and verify invoices and check requests
- Sort, code and match invoices
- Set invoices up for payment
- Enter and upload invoices into system
- Prepare batches of invoices for data entry
- Process backup reports
- Respond to all vendor inquiries
- Reconcile vendor statements, research and correct discrepancies
- Maintain vendor files
Accounts Payable Accountant Job Requirements
An Accounts Payable Accountant typically needs a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Some employers may require certification, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. Accounts Payable Accountants typically have at least two years of experience in accounting or a related field. They should have experience with accounts payable, general ledger, and financial reporting.
Accounts Payable Accountant Skills
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Receivable
- Bank Reconciliation
- Cash Management
- Financial Analysis
- Financial Reporting
- General Ledger
- Invoicing
- Payroll
- Tax Preparation
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
Related: Top Accounts Payable Accountant Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become an Accounts Payable Accountant
There are a few steps that one must take in order to become an Accounts Payable Accountant. Firstly, it is important to have a strong foundation in mathematics and accounting. Secondly, it is necessary to obtain a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Finally, it is beneficial to become certified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Once you have satisfied the educational requirements, it is time to begin your career by finding an entry-level position in accounts payable within a company. Many times, large organizations will have an accounts payable department that handles all invoices and payments for the organization. In this type of setting, you would be responsible for coding and entering invoices into the system, as well as preparing checks for payment.
If you are interested in working for a smaller company, you may be responsible for all aspects of accounts payable, from coding invoices to issuing payments. In either case, it is important to be detail oriented and organized, as well as possess strong communication skills. With experience, you may eventually move into a management role within accounts payable or even become the controller of a company.
Related: Accounts Payable Accountant Resume Example
Related: Accounts Payable Accountant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)