Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for accounts payable administrators in the United States
Accounts payable administrator job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected accounts payable administrator job growth rate is -5% from 2018-2028.
About -77,200 new jobs for accounts payable administrators are projected over the next decade.
Accounts payable administrator salaries have increased 10% for accounts payable administrators in the last 5 years.
There are over 510,877 accounts payable administrators currently employed in the United States.
There are 79,272 active accounts payable administrator job openings in the US.
The average accounts payable administrator salary is $41,860.
Are accounts payable administrator jobs in demand?
Accounts payable administrator job and salary trends over time
Accounts payable administrator jobs over time
Accounts payable administrator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 510,877 | 0.15% |
| 2020 | 489,204 | 0.15% |
| 2019 | 512,603 | 0.15% |
| 2018 | 518,587 | 0.16% |
| 2017 | 519,228 | 0.16% |
Average accounts payable administrator salary over time
Accounts payable administrator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $41,860 | $20.12 | +2.9% |
| 2025 | $40,695 | $19.56 | +2.5% |
| 2024 | $39,718 | $19.10 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $38,731 | $18.62 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $37,892 | $18.22 | +3.1% |
Accounts payable administrator jobs by state
Most common states for accounts payable administrators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 153 | 22% |
| 2 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,090 | 19% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,153 | 17% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 126 | 17% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 101 | 16% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 639 | 15% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 461 | 15% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 204 | 15% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 144 | 15% |
| 10 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 115 | 15% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 776 | 14% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 148 | 14% |
| 13 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 147 | 14% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 965 | 13% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 947 | 13% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 243 | 13% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 423 | 12% |
| 18 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,369 | 11% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 223 | 11% |
| 20 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 907 | 10% |
Most common cities for accounts payable administrators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plainview | 1 | 4% | $54,927 |
| 2 | Bay City | 1 | 3% | $37,226 |
| 3 | Daytona Beach | 1 | 2% | $34,115 |
| 4 | Glenview | 1 | 2% | $41,079 |
| 5 | San Rafael | 1 | 2% | $50,106 |
| 6 | Waltham | 1 | 2% | $50,174 |
| 7 | Ontario | 2 | 1% | $47,532 |
| 8 | Evansville | 1 | 1% | $37,478 |
| 9 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $49,150 |
| 10 | Tempe | 1 | 1% | $42,139 |
| 11 | Warren | 1 | 1% | $36,723 |
| 12 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $39,302 |
| 13 | Orlando | 1 | 0% | $34,083 |
Accounts Payable Administrator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of accounts payable administrator experts
Henderson State University
Western Kentucky University
Oakland University
University of California, Riverside
Indiana University Northwest
University of the Virgin Islands
Eastern Illinois University
Misericordia University
Pacific Lutheran University
University of Maine Orono
Florida Atlantic University
Centenary University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Rochester Institute of Technology
University of Kansas
Iona College
Penn State Wilkes-Barre and World Campus
What will help Accounts Payable Administrators increase their earning potential?
Lisa Bell MBA, CPA: Artificial Intelligence(AI) isn't changing accounting, but it is changing how accounting is performed. Organizations will need to learn how to leverage AI to decrease redundant data entry and increase data analysis. Effective use of AI can lead to significant increases in efficiencies which allow organizations to have a more competitive edge
What general advice would you give to an Accounts Payable Administrator?
Kirsten Cook: In accounting (like most other fields), I hope that graduates "began their careers" long before crossing the stage at commencement. That is, most college and universities offer a wealth of opportunities for students to interact with employers throughout their college careers. When an employer speaks in a class, holds an informational session, or tables at a career fair, make a point to introduce yourself, ask informed questions, and generally leave a favorable impression in that employer's mind. Also, if possible, complete one or more internships while in college to understand the culture of professional accounting before your first day of full-time employment after graduation.
Stacy Bibelhauser Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorWestern Kentucky University
Accounting And Related Services
What general advice would you give to an Accounts Payable Administrator?
Stacy Bibelhauser Ph.D.: While obtaining CPA certification is not necessary for all accounting positions, it does set you up with some of the best opportunities to get high paying starting salaries. It's also important to negotiate or try to negotiate a higher salary than is in the original offer and it never hurts to ask.
What Accounts Payable Administrator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stacy Bibelhauser Ph.D.: Do your very best on every task you are asked to do and do not act as if a task is beneath you. You do not know who is watching, and your attitude and work ethic on each and every job will be noticed by those who are around you.
Liang Fu Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Accounting, ChairOakland University
Finance And Financial Management Services
What will help Accounts Payable Administrators increase their earning potential?
Liang Fu Ph.D.: Dislike: accounting is not for everyone, degree requirements/licensing requirements can be challenging. And sometimes, long work hours are required.
Amber Lawson CPA
Assistant Professor of Practice in AccountingWhat Accounts Payable Administrator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amber Lawson CPA: First and foremost, meeting the necessary requirements for your CPA license is crucial for maximizing your salary potential in any field of accounting. Becoming a CPA not only elevates your earning potential within your starting position, but also creates mobility should you choose to shift your career path. The license signals that you are truly a professional and is a recognizable badge of excellence and the effort you expended to achieve it. Additionally, regardless of where you start your accounting career, become an expert. Whether that is within a particular industry or in regards to a particular methodology, learn whatever you can. Again, this allows you to not only elevate yourself in your existing role, but gives you more value (in tandem with your CPA license) as a professional should you choose to change.
What general advice would you give to an Accounts Payable Administrator?
Ermira Mazziotta: Understand and know how to utilize technology. Learn as much as possible.
What will help Accounts Payable Administrators increase their earning potential?
Ermira Mazziotta: Accounting students are in a very good position to land well paying jobs because of the demand. Most important advice I would give is to continue to learn and grow and invest in your professional growth by taking classes, working on different clients from different industries and most importantly network. If you have an option to work in the office, do that instead of working remotely. Making those face to face connections will help propel and grow your career.
Eric Allen
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of California, Riverside
Accounting And Related Services
What general advice would you give to an Accounts Payable Administrator?
Eric Allen: I'm not going to lie, busy seasons can be rough. There will be certain times of the year where you just have to put your head down and put in long hours. That can be tough for a lot of people. But if you can handle that, it's a great profession. You constantly have the opportunity to learn new things and interact with all kinds of individuals and companies. The skills you learn are also highly transferable, and every industry you can think of needs an accountant or someone with accounting skills. I personally got to work in the entertainment and sports industries before going into academia which was a lot of fun and a direct result of my accounting background. Basically, if you want to eventually do anything business related, the skills you learn as an accountant can open a lot of doors.
What Accounts Payable Administrator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Eric Allen: Busy seasons can be rough, with certain times of the year where you just have to put your head down and put in long hours, which can be tough for a lot of people. However, if you can handle that, it's a great profession. You constantly have the opportunity to learn new things and interact with all kinds of individuals and companies. The skills you learn are also highly transferable, and every industry you can think of needs an accountant or someone with accounting skills. The skills learned as an accountant can open a lot of doors for those interested in business-related careers.
What will help Accounts Payable Administrators increase their earning potential?
Eric Allen: It really depends on the type of employer you're working for. If you're working for a public accounting firm you'll most likely start as a staff auditor or staff tax preparer. In both roles you'll be responsible for reviewing client information and organizing it in a way that allows the firm to conduct an audit or prepare a tax return. In an audit role you'll often be asked to go observe and document certain aspects of a client's operations. In a tax role you may be responsible for taking the initial pass through a tax return and do research into specific tax positions.
ALternatively, if you're an accountant for a private company you'll most likely be assigned to a specific sector such as payroll, accounts payable or budgeting, and be responsible for recording transactions in that area and preparing reports that your managers can use to make decisions.
Jaclyn Barkow
Clinical Assistant Professor of AccountingIndiana University Northwest
Accounting Department
What type of skills will young Accounts Payable Administrators need?
Jaclyn Barkow: In addition to the accounting skills necessary to perform the position's duties, communication, problem-solving, ability to ask questions, and adaptability are also excellent skills to hold. While the skills learned in each accounting course are vital to success, these additional skills will help to set young accountants apart from others who have limited skills in these areas.
Effective communication is so important in the accounting industry. Young accountants must be able to speak and write clearly to colleagues, superiors, and clients. Communication is not just being able to hold a conversation. Accountants must be able to discuss information in a manner that is clear and concise. Part of communication is also being able to ask the right questions and learn from the responses received. Young accountants must ask questions to guide the learning process. Part of asking questions is to learn from the process and avoid asking the same question repeatedly.
Accountants must be able to critically evaluate information and problem solve as necessary. Textbook assignments tend to be very clear on what items are needed or not needed, but such is not always the scenario in the workplace. Young accountants must be confident in their understanding of accounting concepts and critically evaluate problems presented on a case-by-case basis.
What experience really stands out on Accounts Payable Administrator resumes?
Jaclyn Barkow: From employers I have spoken with in the past, the experience that stands out is having some type of internship. While it does not have to be in the precise area of the employer's industry, my observations have been that employers like to see that they have some type of hands-on experience. In addition, employers also speak highly of being involved on campus, in various clubs, and positive community involvement.
Francisco Depusoir
Associate Professor of AccountingUniversity of the Virgin Islands
School of Business
What skills stand out on Accounts Payable Administrator resumes?
Francisco Depusoir: The following skills could open the door to various opportunities for an accounting graduate on their resume.
-Excellent analytical skills
-Knowledge of Microsoft Excel
-Knowledge of Quickbooks
Dr. Nicholas Robinson
Director of AccountancyEastern Illinois University
EIU School of Business
What skills stand out on Accounts Payable Administrator resumes?
Dr. Nicholas Robinson: In a general sense, the skills that are most impactful on a resume are demonstrating success when faced with a problem. This can be difficult to convey on a resume, but if you can show problems or challenges that you face, how you overcame them, and the resolution of the problem, recruiters love that more than almost anything.
Showing the ability to overcome and solve problems illustrates your skills in a practical way that will be beneficial to the company you are applying to. Every business has challenges. If you can help solve them, you are invaluable. Demonstrating a history of problem-solving will certainly make you stand out amongst the applicant pool.
What soft skills should all Accounts Payable Administrators possess?
Dr. Nicholas Robinson: Thinking of the less than the obvious answer would be the ability to ask questions the right way. If something is unclear or you just cannot figure it out, ask a question. The key part to this is TRYING to figure it out first and understanding when you are wasting your own time not getting anywhere. People will respect that you tried before coming to them for help. Another aspect of asking questions is listening to the answer. Make sure the answer is clear, and you know where or what you are supposed to do from there. Carry a notebook or something like that to both write down the questions you have on your project and their answers. I always find it impressive when people take notes and pay attention to the answer because it happens far too often that people ask questions but never listen to the response.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Accounts Payable Administrators?
Dr. Nicholas Robinson: Excel, excel, excel. It does not matter how much you know in Excel. There is always something more to learn, improve upon, or make more efficient. If you are coming straight out of school, you may have had a lot of exposure to Excel, but if you are not using it every day in a work-like setting, you can get slow and forget how things work. Know how to look up techniques and tools. You will spend much of your working life dealing with Excel spreadsheets, so be sure you are comfortable with them.
What skills will help Accounts Payable Administrators earn the most?
Dr. Nicholas Robinson: Management and sales. If you can rise above your peers as a manager, you will make more. If you can drive sales, you will make more. If you enter an accounting firm and have the ability to not just do the work but can efficiently manage a team to do the work, you will be promoted to that position. Similarly, if you can attract more clients to the firm, you will become far more valuable to the firm. Your ability to create new revenue will be rewarded.
Working for a business as an internal accountant likely would not present the opportunity to drive new business. Promotion and raises will be determined by your ability to lead a team.
Charles Makar
Instructor of BusinessMisericordia University
Business Department
What soft skills should all Accounts Payable Administrators possess?
Charles Makar: Communications skills (oral and written).
Abby Xin Liu Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorPacific Lutheran University
School of Business
What hard/technical skills are most important for Accounts Payable Administrators?
Abby Xin Liu Ph.D.: Software skills.
Dr. Henri Akono Ph.D.
Associate Professor of AccountingUniversity of Maine Orono
Maine Business School
What hard/technical skills are most important for Accounts Payable Administrators?
Dr. Henri Akono Ph.D.: -In today's environment, with greater usage of data big and small by companies, accountants are expected to have a better understanding of accounting analytics and a greater ability to analyze and identify patterns in data. Therefore, accounting analytics is a very important skill for accountants today.
-Just knowing excel is not enough. Being able to use software like excel QuickBooks for accounting/controllership/audit/tax-related decisions is a plus.
-In addition, being able to use visualization software like Tableau or Power BI is also a plus.
-Some type of analytics certification (Excel, general analytics, etc.) is a plus.
-However, this does not substitute for accounting-related knowledge and understanding.
What skills stand out on Accounts Payable Administrator resumes?
Dr. George Young: Skills pertaining to software, especially software used to analyze data for reasonableness, classification non-conformity, other errors, and fraud, will always be eye-catching to employers. Students should also not overlook participation in activities that represent a contribution to the greater good. Activities like Habitat for Humanity and the local Helping Hands organizations not only convey the willingness to benefit others but also conveys the skill of getting along with others while working on a common goal.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Accounts Payable Administrators?
Dr. George Young: Besides becoming fluent in accounting, which is the language of business, students should take every opportunity to learn more about spreadsheet software such as Excel and increase their skills in using Tableau. These types of software enable accountants to analyze, summarize, and communicate their results in an understandable manner.
Frank Longo
Assistant Professor of BusinessCentenary University
Business Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Accounts Payable Administrators?
Frank Longo: Proficiency with emerging technology is an attention-getter. We should note that the Certified Public Accountants Exam will contain three sections by 2024, including Data Analytics, Tax Compliance and Planning, and Information System and Controls. A basic knowledge will be required in each of these, and the CPA candidate will identify one area of the above for more detailed testing. This change in knowledge requirements reflects the skills employers see as most important to hire. Using technology in any of these areas can move a candidate to the top of the hiring list. We should emphasize that the job candidate does not need to be an expert in each area, but the ability to effectively use technology in one area is important. Employers are looking for the ability to use technology in information security, business processes, information systems, IT audits, data analytics, and tax planning but not all of them.
Keep in mind that successful firms performed audits, prepared tax returns, advised clients on data security, and much more during the pandemic, and they often did so remotely. This can be expected to continue into the future.
What skills will help Accounts Payable Administrators earn the most?
Frank Longo: Accountants are generally very well compensated in each of the areas we have discussed. The ability to combine critical soft skills, problem solving and teamwork, with almost any hard skill, including data analytics and information technology, will typically lead to higher pay. Having a CPA license or Certified Management Accountant designation can add to earnings potential. Many accountants do well financially without having either.
The bottom line or key take-a-way is that critical technological skills are required along with a personality that enables you to explain and discuss that technology to better work with teams and solve problems.
What skills stand out on Accounts Payable Administrator resumes?
Frank Longo: The Accounting Coordinator position requires a variety of soft and hard skills. Hard skills or technical skills are expected and required to secure the position. Hard skills are becoming a minimum requirement. By demonstrating key soft skills, the candidate can move to the top of the hiring list. These skills include problem-solving, teamwork, written communications, leadership, work ethic, and oral communications. These skills have been identified as required after the onset of the pandemic. It is interesting to note that before the pandemic, essentially, the same skills were viewed as critical, but the order changed a bit. Problem-solving moved from number two to number one on the list after the pandemic began. Demonstrating these skills in a concise and specific manner greatly improves the resume.
What soft skills should all Accounts Payable Administrators possess?
Frank Longo: The skills listed above in question number one are soft skills. They are the skills that truly differentiate the candidate. All candidates are expected to possess hard skills such as excel proficiency. It is the soft skills that get the job done. The ability to solve problems and to lead a team are the top requirements. Recent studies conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers consistently arrived at this conclusion, as did a recent Centenary University survey that included New Jersey and New York employers. These skills can be demonstrated through work experience, internships, and extra-curricular activities, including clubs and sports, which can serve as examples.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Accounts Payable Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Zev Fried Ph.D.: The good news is that there is still a high demand, if not an even greater demand for CPA's now. Individuals and companies are dealing with unpredictable business cycles and cash flows as well as constantly changing regulations. CPAs are needed to deal with all this and more. Of course, now that remote work is considered normal, it is likely here to stay in one form or another, deepening the pool of talent that employers can potentially dip into.
What technical skills for an Accounts Payable Administrator stand out to employers?
Zev Fried Ph.D.: For accountants, the same skills that were always needed such as proficiency with numbers, use of different types of computer software, and problem identification and solving are still needed. Emerging from the pandemic, there are also added skills such as the ability to work remotely and collaborate and share your work that will be important to employers.
How have salaries changed over time for Accounts Payable Administrators?
Zev Fried Ph.D.: While starting salaries have not changed by that much in the accounting field, the big disparity comes with years of experience. As accountants gain valuable experience, compensation increases significantly. The rate of these changes has accelerated substantially in recent years. So while an accounting starting out now may not be making much more that they would have been a few years ago, after a few years they will be making much more.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Accounts Payable Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Qian Song Ph.D.: The pandemic has accelerated the immersion of technology in our work and life. People work remotely, study remotely, shop online from grocery to furniture, tour the museums and consult a doctor virtually. Increased closures of brick and mortar stores and online business play a role in the surge of technology stocks. Thus, the pandemic has changed the way companies use technology to conduct business. Ultimately, accounting and other professionals are expected to be proficient in the use of technology in their work. The Big Four and other public accounting firms are increasing their investments in technology such as data analytics and robotic process automation. Entry-level accounting or structured, repetitive, and rule-based tasks are increasingly being automated. Such automation in business processes also occurs in other industries. It is only a matter of time before we see robots and machines (and they do not get COVID) taking over a large number of accounting and other jobs that can be automated. Advances in data analytics will speed up this process and change the nature of the accounting function. For example, instead of a traditional audit sampling, data analytics tools can be used to examine the entire dataset. The accounting firms are expected to hire more data science professionals rather than traditional accountants.
Accounting graduates will face challenges and also opportunities in today's advanced technological environment. Other than the basic accounting knowledge, accounting students can acquire data analytics and technological skills. Although accounting jobs are predicted to increase in the future, the increase is likely to be for the newly transformed accounting jobs that utilize technology
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Accounts Payable Administrators?
Qian Song Ph.D.: Certifications in data analytics and other technological skills are expected to have the biggest impact on future job prospects. Universities such as MIT, Cornell, Columbia and organizations such as IBM, Dell and Microsoft are offering certifications in data analytics and other technology. An increasing number of institutions are adding business analytics degrees or data analytics and other technology courses in their curricula.
How have salaries changed over time for Accounts Payable Administrators?
Qian Song Ph.D.: Salaries vary according to the region, employers, and positions. Salaries seem to be relatively stable with a slight increase for inflation. However, salaries are higher for graduates with data analytics certifications or advanced data analytics skills.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Accounts Payable Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Alee Phillips CPA: As you might know, accounting recruiting starts so early. Many students secure their entry-level job during the spring of their Junior year. That is when they are recruited for Senior year spring or summer internships that then lead to full time offers after the end of their Master in Accounting and CPA eligibility year. As far as I know, none of those offers were pulled during the pandemic. If we do have a decrease in accounting opportunities, I think it will not be seen for another year or so as companies adjust to hiring less interns during these challenging times.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Accounts Payable Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Andrew Griffith: With or without the pandemic, the most dominant trend in the accounting field is the need to continually upgrade one's skills and knowledge base. For several years, accounting has found ways to incorporate technology to automate routine tasks. The pandemic has been a catalyst to accelerate this evolution. This means that those who do not stay current will find their employment opportunities diminishing as their time in the workforce progresses. Those who can develop the skills and knowledge to be and remain at the front of their field's trends will have the most employment opportunities during their time in the workforce.
As I often tell my students, the days of simply having one degree and being done for life are long gone. Assuming the trends in educational attainment across the nation continue as they have since 1991, a bachelor's degree is no longer sufficient for those in the workforce. In every field, one will need at least one master's degree to remain viable in the workforce during the next 30 or more years. In fact, I've noticed a trend in the workforce where people have multiple master's degrees and some even have multiple research and professional doctorate degrees, albeit a much smaller percentage of the workforce than those that have not gone beyond the master's degree level.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Accounts Payable Administrators?
Dr. Andrew Griffith: As a student (both undergraduate and graduate), the most important experience you can have while a student is collaborating with faculty on research projects that lead to co-authorship of academic research publications in legitimate, highly visible journals. For the past several years, higher education institutions have advocated for continual learning (AKA lifetime learning). I see this become more of a requirement than an elective as the workforce evolves over the next few decades. The institutions that will be truly successful in adding long-term value to their students' futures in the workforce are the ones that embrace research in high quality journals AND include their students on their projects. The collaboration of students with faculty on academic research that addresses real life problems or pushes the field forward is critical to those students' future success because it helps them understand the value of and how to use academic research. That experience also equips these students with the skills necessary to be able to identify early where their field of expertise is going throughout their careers. The engagement of students with current research projects at the undergraduate and graduate levels of higher education is a trend that is emerging in the business disciplines and it will become more obvious as the workforce evolves. In the long run, the lack of engaging students at all levels through serious academic research will certainly contribute to hastening the demise of financially insecure higher education institutions in the U.S.
Regarding certifications and licenses in the accounting field, I cannot emphasize enough that anyone entering the accounting field must make it a priority to obtain more than just the minimum licenses and credentials required to obtain or retain an employment opportunity. Meeting just the minimum expectations of their employment market is insufficient and will limit their employment opportunities. As Charles Windeknecht of Atlas Air Worldwide once said to some of my students, "Today is the day to get ready for the opportunities of tomorrow. If you don't, the opportunities of tomorrow will pass you by." His words are very accurate. To maximize one's employment opportunities while in the workforce, each of us need to exceed the minimum qualifications and expectations of every role we hold and pursue in the workforce. With that in mind, I highly recommend and encourage those in the accounting field to obtain the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) as a minimum qualification goal because this is the #1 credential sought by employers according to Robert Half International (see https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/salaries-and-skills/finance-and-accounting-certifications-employers-want-to-see). Based on the data presented by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, I conclude that approximately half of the people working in the accounting field hold an active CPA license. This statistic alone is suffient enough to justify the CPA as everyone's first license/credential goal in the accounting field. Once that goal has been satisfied, I recommend that each person quickly shift their focus to any major licenses and certifications that are more in line with their career goals and current career opportunities. For example, if a CPA wants to work primarily in income taxation, then that person should also obtain the Enrolled Agent (EA) credential because it adds tangible value to those in the tax field. I also recommend that CPAs and EAs in the tax field consider obtaining the US Tax Court Practitioner (USTCP) credential. Another example involves CPAs who want to work in internal audit; they should obtain the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and other related credentials offered by The Institute of Internal Auditors as quickly as they can. CPAs who want to work in the fraud examination field should consider the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. CPAs who want to seek management positions should consider the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) from the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants and/or the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) from the Institute of Management Accountants.
I highly recommend that "minor" credentials in every field be avoided because they do not add value to one's career. Instead, those consume valuable resources including time and money. Everyone is much better off pursuing well established and widely recognized licenses and credentials that are highly desired by employers and serve to enhance one's career opportunities. With that in mind, the list compiled by Robert Half International is a great starting place. As a selling point to get people to spend their money, most organizations that offer a professional credential in the accounting field make a claim that their credential holders make more money than those without the promoted credential. Such statements are often very misleading or not true. Unless one works for a beauracy (like the federal government), obtaining the next degree or license or certification does not normally result in a salary increase. Instead, the major accounting licenses and credentials will create more career opportunities for their holders that, depending on how one performs with the new opportunities, could lead to other better compensated opportunities. In other words, an employee's performance has a larger role in influencing compensation over time than some of these organizations are willing to acknowlege in their quest to entice people to spend their money to obtain the promoted credentials.
What's a good job out of college for Accounts Payable Administrators?
Dr. Andrew Griffith: Because of the CPA experience requirements by some states (California is an example), I recommend that students consider spending some time as external auditors to meet any state-mandated experience requirements in external audit. If a student's target state's CPA license qualifications does not require experience in external audit, then I highly recommend that students first spend five years as an accountant or as an internal auditor in a sizeable corporation before entering external audit. In my opinion (which is contrary to the commonly promoted career path in the accounting field), the time spent in corporate accounting or internal audit will make them more effective at external audit when they enter it, in part, because they will be less gullible and better positioned to recognize problems within the accounting systems and the organizations they audit. If a student wants to work in tax, I highly recommend that they enter public accounting first because it will certainly expose them to numerous situations and learning experiences that they cannot get anywhere else.
Lori Dunn CPA
LecturerPenn State Wilkes-Barre and World Campus
Department of Business Administration and Accounting
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Accounts Payable Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Lori Dunn CPA: The largest trend in the job market for accounting careers is remote working. Professionals have already seen this transition even for entry level positions. Many interviews and onboarding are occurring remotely as well as most accounting tasks in a position. We may see this continue to be the trend even after the pandemic levels off. As indicated in the Robert Half Accounting and Finance Salary Guide 2021, the top skills that are going to be expected of professionals in accounting as a result of the pandemic include: technology skills in cloud based systems as well as data analytics, soft skills including working independently, exhibiting creativity, strong writing and verbal communication skills as well as the ability to be a team player virtually. Although all of these skills have been necessary, the pandemic has brought them to the forefront when hiring accounting talent.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Accounts Payable Administrators?
Lori Dunn CPA: The most well-known licenses in accounting are the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Both of these licenses are still the licenses to get. However there are more specific licenses that can be attained in the accounting field dependent on where the accountant may specialize. For example a Certified Fraud Examiner, may be a license that an accountant in the forensic accounting field may want to earn. Whether the CPA, CMA, CFE or other license, attaining a license in a specialized field of accounting can only help talent to attain that position they are interested in.
As for course work, assuming a student has earned a bachelor's degree in accounting, the accountant should be sure to continue coursework in technology.
An understanding and use of cloud base technologies as well as data analytics software such as Tableau or Power BI are necessary skills that attractive talent must be experienced in. Recruiters also expect accounting talent to have experience in spreadsheet and accounting software.
A specialized master's degree is another way for talent to set themselves apart. There are specialty master's degrees in Finance, Taxation, Accounting and many other areas an accountant may want to focus on. If an accountant wants to attain a position in a specialty area, this advanced degree may help set them apart from other candidates.
How have salaries changed over time for Accounts Payable Administrators?
Lori Dunn CPA: Salaries have increased steadily over the years in the accounting profession at all levels. They tend not to stagnate and usually show an increase of at least cost of living each year. The outlook for the coming year according to Robert Half Accounting and Finance Salary Guide 2021 is that accounting position salaries will remain stable even during the pandemic. This is good news for not only new but seasoned talent as well.