Accounts Payable Job Description Template
Use this Accounts Payable job description template to attract accurate, organized finance professionals who can protect cash flow and strengthen vendor relationships.
Accounts Payable position overview
The Accounts Payable professional manages vendor invoices, payment processing, reconciliations, documentation, and issue resolution. This role works closely with purchasing, finance, operations, and suppliers to ensure approved obligations are recorded and paid accurately and on time.
Key responsibilities
- Receive, review, code, and enter vendor invoices.
- Match purchase orders, receiving records, and invoices.
- Prepare payment runs using checks, ACH, wire transfers, or approved payment platforms.
- Reconcile vendor statements and investigate discrepancies.
- Maintain complete invoice, approval, tax, and payment documentation.
- Respond professionally to vendor and internal inquiries.
- Support month-end close, accruals, account reconciliations, audits, and reporting.
- Identify duplicate invoices, incorrect charges, missing approvals, and opportunities to improve controls.
Recommended qualifications
Requirements should match the seniority of the position. Many entry-level Accounts Payable roles require a high school diploma or associate degree, while senior or supervisory positions may prefer a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business.
- Previous accounts payable, bookkeeping, or accounting experience.
- Knowledge of invoice processing, general-ledger coding, and three-way matching.
- Experience with Excel and an ERP or accounting platform.
- Strong accuracy, organization, communication, and deadline management.
- Ability to protect confidential financial and vendor information.
Skills employers should evaluate
Effective interviews should assess attention to detail, problem-solving, prioritization, vendor communication, fraud awareness, and understanding of internal controls. Ask candidates how they handled an invoice discrepancy, prevented a duplicate payment, improved a process, or managed a high-volume deadline.
Employers can also use the Employer Guide to Hiring Finance Professionals and the Finance and Accounting Interview Scorecard.
Career path
An Accounts Payable Clerk or Specialist may advance to Senior Accounts Payable Specialist, Accounts Payable Supervisor, Accounts Payable Manager, Accounting Manager, or broader accounting operations roles. Candidates can explore advancement options in the Complete Accounting Career Guide.
Frequently asked questions
What should an Accounts Payable job description include?
Include the invoice volume, payment methods, systems, reporting relationship, approval process, month-end responsibilities, location, schedule, and measurable expectations.
What systems experience is useful?
Relevant experience may include ERP systems, accounting platforms, invoice-workflow software, payment platforms, expense systems, and advanced Excel.
Does an Accounts Payable role require a CPA?
Most Accounts Payable positions do not require a CPA. Practical accounting knowledge, systems ability, accuracy, and control awareness are usually more important.
Find Accounts Payable talent and opportunities
Search Accounts Payable and Receivable jobs, visit the Accounting and Finance Career Resource Hub, or post an accounting job on ZeusCareers.