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Accounts Payable Specialist Job Description Template

A ready-to-edit accounts payable specialist job description with duties, qualifications and skills. Copy it as it is, or customise it for your company, location and seniority with our free AI job description generator.

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Job summary

This role manages end-to-end invoice processing, vendor payments, and account reconciliations to ensure financial records remain accurate and up to date. Success in this position is defined by timely payment execution, compliant documentation, and prompt resolution of vendor inquiries.

Responsibilities

  • Process, verify, and reconcile vendor invoices against purchase orders and receiving documentation.
  • Schedule and execute accurate payment runs via electronic transfers, checks, or other standard payment methods.
  • Perform monthly supplier statement reconciliations and investigate discrepancies or overdue balances.
  • Maintain the accounts payable ledger, ensuring all transactions are coded correctly to the general ledger.
  • Respond promptly and professionally to vendor queries and internal department payment requests.
  • Assist with month-end closing procedures, accrual preparation, and internal or external audit requests.

Required qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience working in an accounts payable or transactional accounting role.
  • Practical knowledge of core accounts payable processes, including three-way matching and ledger coding.
  • Proficiency with accounting software or ERP platforms and spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel.

Preferred qualifications

  • Experience working with enterprise ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or QuickBooks.
  • Formal qualification or coursework in accounting, finance, or business administration.

Skills

Accounts PayableInvoice ProcessingThree-Way MatchingAccount ReconciliationGeneral LedgerERP SoftwareMicrosoft ExcelVendor Management

Accounts Payable Specialist job description FAQs

What does an Accounts Payable Specialist do?

This role manages end-to-end invoice processing, vendor payments, and account reconciliations to ensure financial records remain accurate and up to date. Success in this position is defined by timely payment execution, compliant documentation, and prompt resolution of vendor inquiries. Typical duties include process, verify, and reconcile vendor invoices against purchase orders and receiving documentation; schedule and execute accurate payment runs via electronic transfers, checks, or other standard payment methods; perform monthly supplier statement reconciliations and investigate discrepancies or overdue balances.

What qualifications does an Accounts Payable Specialist need?

Demonstrated experience working in an accounts payable or transactional accounting role. Practical knowledge of core accounts payable processes, including three-way matching and ledger coding. Proficiency with accounting software or ERP platforms and spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel.

What skills should an Accounts Payable Specialist have?

Common skills for this role include Accounts Payable, Invoice Processing, Three-Way Matching, Account Reconciliation, General Ledger, ERP Software, Microsoft Excel, Vendor Management.

What should I assess when interviewing an Accounts Payable Specialist?

Invoice matching and validation: ability to identify discrepancies between purchase orders, invoices, and delivery records. Reconciliation accuracy: methodical approach to resolving supplier statement variances and ledger mismatches. Query resolution and communication: practical examples of handling vendor disputes and internal payment requests professionally. Process efficiency and attention to detail: consistency in high-volume transaction entry without error.