What Does an Accounts Payable Specialist Do?
An accounts payable specialist is responsible for managing and executing the full-cycle accounts payable process, ensuring the timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices and payments. Working independently or as part of a finance team, AP specialists maintain financial accuracy, support internal controls, and foster positive vendor relationships.
In addition to entering invoices and initiating payments, AP specialists often reconcile vendor accounts, research discrepancies, and assist in month-end close procedures. Their work helps ensure an organization’s financial obligations are met on time, while aligning with company policies and accounting standards.
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Accounts Payable Specialist Core Responsibilities
- Process high-volume invoices, ensuring accurate coding and compliance with purchasing procedures
- Match invoices to purchase orders and receiving documents
- Prepare and schedule payments via check, ACH, or wire transfer
- Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies
- Maintain up-to-date vendor records and track outstanding balances
- Assist with accruals, journal entries, and month-end close
- Communicate with vendors and internal departments to resolve issues
- Ensure adherence to internal controls and audit requirements
- Support AP automation projects and system enhancements
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Strong understanding of full-cycle accounts payable processes
- Proficiency with accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, QuickBooks)
- Experience with three-way matching and invoice reconciliation
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel for tracking and reporting
Soft skills
- High attention to detail and data accuracy
- Strong organizational and time management abilities
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving mindset
- Effective communication with internal stakeholders and vendors
- Ability to work independently and manage deadlines
Education
- Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
Certifications
- No certification required
- AIPB or NACPB bookkeeping certification is a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in accounts payable or general accounting
- Experience in a shared services or high-volume environment
- Familiarity with 1099 processing and vendor tax documentation
- Exposure to expense reporting systems (e.g., Concur, Expensify)
- Experience assisting with external or internal audits
National Average Salary
Accounts payable specialist salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Accounts Payable Specialist is:
$56,360
Sample Job Description Templates for Accounts Payable Specialists
Generic Accounts Payable Specialist
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Specialist to oversee the timely and accurate processing of invoices, payments, and vendor account maintenance. This mid-level role plays a vital part in the day-to-day financial operations of the organization, ensuring compliance with internal controls and supporting vendor relationships. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, a deep understanding of AP processes, and the ability to work independently in a high-volume environment.
Responsibilities
- Process vendor invoices with accurate coding and adherence to company policies
- Match invoices with purchase orders and receipts to ensure completeness and accuracy
- Prepare and schedule payments via check, ACH, or wire transfer
- Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies or payment issues
- Maintain accurate records in the accounting system and update vendor details as needed
- Assist with accruals and month-end close processes
- Respond to vendor inquiries and coordinate with internal departments to resolve payment delays
- Ensure AP transactions comply with company policies and regulatory requirements
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with ERP systems or AP software (e.g., Oracle, NetSuite, SAP, QuickBooks)
- Experience with invoice coding, matching, and reconciliation
- Strong understanding of general accounting principles and internal controls
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel (basic formulas, filters, pivot tables)
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Effective written and verbal communication with vendors and internal teams
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
- Problem-solving mindset with accountability for accurate outcomes
Education
- Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
Certifications
- None required; AIPB or NACPB certification is a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience in accounts payable or similar finance role
- Familiarity with 1099 vendor tracking and year-end reporting
- Experience working in a shared services or high-transaction-volume environment
Junior Accounts Payable Specialist
Position Overview
We are hiring a Junior Accounts Payable Specialist to support our accounts payable team with data entry, invoice verification, and administrative tasks. This entry-level role offers an excellent opportunity to build a foundation in accounting and grow within a fast-paced finance department.
Responsibilities
- Enter vendor invoices into accounting software
- Assist in matching invoices with purchase orders and receipts
- Verify invoice accuracy and ensure required approvals are obtained
- Maintain organized digital and physical records
- Respond to basic vendor inquiries regarding payment status
- Support the AP team in month-end close activities
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of accounts payable principles
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and office software
Soft skills
- Attention to detail and willingness to learn
- Good organizational and communication skills
Education
- High school diploma required; associate degree in Accounting preferred
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or part-time experience in accounting or clerical support
Senior Accounts Payable Specialist
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior Accounts Payable Specialist to manage complex payables, oversee high-volume vendor accounts, and ensure the accuracy and timeliness of financial transactions. This role serves as a key resource in resolving payment issues and mentoring junior team members.
Responsibilities
- Process high-volume and high-value invoices independently
- Resolve escalated vendor discrepancies and reconcile difficult accounts
- Assist with monthly accruals and journal entries
- Partner with procurement and accounting to improve payment workflows
- Review and validate junior staff entries for accuracy
- Support external audit preparations and provide necessary documentation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced ERP and AP system experience
- Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, reconciliation templates)
Soft skills
- Problem-solving and analytical ability
- Team mentoring and workflow prioritization
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
Certifications
- None required; bookkeeping or accounting certification a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- 4+ years of experience in accounts payable roles
Lead Accounts Payable Specialist
Position Overview
We are hiring a Lead Accounts Payable Specialist to oversee day-to-day AP operations, coordinate team activities, and serve as the primary liaison for AP escalations. This role works closely with management to streamline workflows and implement process improvements.
Responsibilities
- Lead daily invoice processing activities and ensure SLAs are met
- Monitor AP queue and assign tasks to team members
- Coordinate payment runs and oversee approval processes
- Investigate and resolve high-level vendor issues and discrepancies
- Support audits and ensure compliance with internal controls
- Provide training and support to AP staff on systems and procedures
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert in AP workflows and automation tools
- Strong understanding of GAAP and internal control principles
Soft skills
- Leadership and team coordination skills
- Strong attention to detail under tight deadlines
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of AP experience, including 1+ year in a lead or supervisory role
Accounts Payable Audit and Compliance Specialist
Position Overview
We are seeking an Accounts Payable Audit and Compliance Specialist to monitor adherence to internal policies, support audit readiness, and ensure compliance with accounting and regulatory standards. This role helps reduce risk by reviewing processes, identifying inconsistencies, and recommending improvements to the AP function.
Responsibilities
- Review AP transactions for accuracy and policy compliance
- Monitor adherence to approval workflows and internal controls
- Support internal and external audit requests
- Identify and investigate potential fraud or duplicate payments
- Maintain documentation for SOX and other regulatory requirements
- Recommend enhancements to improve financial control and efficiency
- Assist with vendor tax documentation and 1099 compliance
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep understanding of AP processes and audit controls
- Familiarity with SOX compliance, 1099 reporting, and risk assessment tools
Soft skills
- Analytical mindset with a high level of integrity
- Ability to identify process gaps and communicate findings
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business
Certifications
- None required; compliance or audit certifications are a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of AP or audit experience, preferably in a regulated environment