Enjoy a Career as an Accounts Payable Specialist

If you have a diploma from a two –year course in accounting and at least two years of experience working in accounts payable, you can advance to the position of accounts payable specialist. The main focus of this job is to ensure the accuracy of invoices that come into a company that need to be paid for goods or services rendered. The invoices have to be checked for accuracy and completeness and then sorted and payments prepared. Another aspect of this accounting job is to examine the records of accounts due and make sure the invoices are paid in a timely manner so that there are no overdue fees or late payment fees incurred. Maintenance of a database of the vendors that the company deals with is also essential.

Some of the daily duties of an accounts payable specialist can include:

• Entering invoices and requests for payment into the company’s accounting database
  
• Electronic processing of invoices and payments
  
  
  
• Instructing and supervising office personnel
  
• Responding to inquiries from vendors regarding invoices and/or payments
  
• Monitoring the procurement database and reconciling the bank accounts
  

Since all of these duties of an accounts payable specialist require the use of the computer and various types of software, proficiency in the use of this technology is essential for the job. In this position, you will be part of an accounting team and you will deal with vendors, either in person or on the telephone. This aspect of the position requires f=good interpersonal and communication skills. You also need to be a person with a pleasant demeanor who can act in a professional manner.

On times you may have to perform other routine tasks in your job as accounts payable specialist, such as filling in for other colleagues who are absent from work. You need to possess a thorough knowledge of all the workings of an office. In smaller companies, you may be the only person in the office so you do need to take over all the duties of keeping the office running smoothly. This requires the ability to multi-task and to have good organizational skills. You may have a certain day in which you perform the accounts payable duties, but you must be able to prioritize and adapt to changing situations.

All companies, large and small, that purchase goods and services from vendors, require the skills of an accounts payable specialist. The accounting and finances of a company are what keep the company in business. Although the normal house of work associated with this job are the standard 9 –5 hours, Monday to Friday, there may be times of the year or the month when you will have to work additional hours.

You can enhance your chances of obtaining a position as a specialist in accounts payable by obtaining certification in this area of accounting. The APS and APN certificates are symbols of professional excellence and demonstrate to current and potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a complex business environment.