Accounts Payable Clerk

Career Guide

An Accounts Payable Clerk supports a company’s day to day bill payments. The role focuses on processing supplier invoices, confirming approvals, keeping records accurate, and helping ensure vendors are paid on time.

Key Responsibilities

Receive and review supplier invoices for accuracy
Match invoices to purchase orders and receiving records
Request missing approvals or supporting documents
Enter invoices into the accounting system
Prepare payment runs based on due dates and company policy
Process payments by bank transfer, check, or card
Respond to vendor questions about payment status
Resolve invoice issues such as duplicates and incorrect pricing
Maintain organized records for invoices and payments
Reconcile vendor statements to internal records
Support month end close with accounts payable reporting
Assist with audits by providing documentation and explanations

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Written Communication

Customer Service

Problem Solving

Data Entry

Invoice Processing

Three Way Matching

Payment Processing

Vendor Management

Accounts Payable Reconciliation

Spreadsheet Skills

Accounting Software

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Accounts Payable Specialist

Accounts Payable Analyst

Accounts Payable Lead

Accounts Payable Supervisor

Transition Opportunities

Staff Accountant

Accounting Assistant

Payroll Specialist

Procurement Coordinator

Financial Operations Analyst

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Month End Close SupportVendor Statement ReconciliationPurchase Order MatchingBasic Accounting KnowledgeFraud AwarenessProcess ImprovementInvoice Exception HandlingPayment Terms Knowledge

Development SuggestionsPractice monthly reconciliations, learn how purchase order based invoicing works, and build confidence explaining discrepancies to vendors and internal teams. Strengthen spreadsheet accuracy and learn one major accounting system used in your target industry.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUS$35,000 to US$45,000

Mid LevelUS$45,000 to US$60,000

Senior LevelUS$60,000 to US$75,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Hiring remains consistent across most industries, with increasing preference for candidates who can use modern accounting software and handle higher invoice volumes.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

AmazonWalmartUnitedHealth GroupKaiser PermanenteJPMorgan ChaseBank of AmericaDHLFedExTargetHome DepotDeloitteAccenture

Industry Sectors

HealthcareRetailManufacturingLogistics and TransportationFinancial ServicesTechnologyConstructionHospitalityEducationGovernment

Recommended Next Steps

Build a resume section that highlights invoice volume handled and on time payment performance

Learn one widely used accounting platform and practice entering invoices and running basic reports

Improve spreadsheet accuracy using filters, lookup functions, and basic pivot tables

Create a simple checklist for invoice review to reduce errors and duplicates

Ask to support month end close tasks such as reconciliations or aging reports

Prepare examples of how you resolved a vendor issue for interview stories

Explore a certification such as a bookkeeping or accounting fundamentals credential