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What is an accounts payable associate and how to become one
An accounts payable associate ensures that a company's bills and expenses are paid accurately and on time. They manage invoices, purchase orders, and expense reports, verifying that all charges are valid and properly authorized. Accounts payable associates also communicate with vendors to resolve any issues or discrepancies, reconcile accounts, and maintain accurate records in the company's accounting system. They work closely with other departments such as procurement, finance, and treasury to ensure a smooth financial process.
What's a day at work look like for an accounts payable associate?
Jodi Olson
Assistant Accounting Professor, Winona State University
Avg. Salary $39,270
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate -5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.63%
Asian 6.56%
Black or African American 6.80%
Hispanic or Latino 14.46%
Unknown 3.97%
White 67.58%
Genderfemale 79.39%
male 20.61%
Age - 53American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 53Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being an accounts payable associate?
Pros
Exposure to financial processes and systems
Clear career progression path
Ability to work as part of a team
Chance to work with a variety of vendors and suppliers
Opportunity to learn about different products and services
Cons
High volume of transactions can be overwhelming
Pressure to meet tight deadlines and ensure accuracy
Limited opportunity for creative problem solving
High level of detail-oriented work can be mentally taxing
May require working with difficult vendors or suppliers
Accounts payable associate career paths
Key steps to become an accounts payable associate
Explore accounts payable associate education requirements
Start to develop specific accounts payable associate skills
Skills Percentages Customer Service 11.27% Data Entry 9.02% Purchase Orders 7.54% Vendor Statements 5.98% Vendor Invoices 5.84% Complete relevant accounts payable associate training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New accounts payable associates learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an accounts payable associate based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real accounts payable associate resumes.Gain additional accounts payable associate certifications
More About CertificationsAccounts payable associate certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific accounts payable associate certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for accounts payable associates include Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA).
Research accounts payable associate duties and responsibilities
- Manage the PeopleSoft PO/Voucher/Receiver matching process for all business units.
- Prepare A/R reports for BCBSM, Medicare, Medicaid and multiple HMO's.
- Complete various seminars on Medicare and Medicaid.
- Process and verify employees' expense reports to ensure compliance with GAAP and company policy.
Prepare your accounts payable associate resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your accounts payable associate resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an accounts payable associate resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable accounts payable associate resume templates
Build a professional accounts payable associate resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your accounts payable associate resume.
Apply for accounts payable associate jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an accounts payable associate job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first accounts payable associate job
Are you an accounts payable associate?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average accounts payable associate salary
The average accounts payable associate salary in the United States is $39,270 per year or $19 per hour. Accounts payable associate salaries range between $31,000 and $49,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do accounts payable associates rate their job?
Accounts payable associate reviews
Helping companies grow their business.
learn about more about the company projects and what are the costs on these projects.
The process is still too manual, not efficient.
Making a process for the department to become more efficient, leading the process instead of following someone order, helping and mentoring employees , Having the final say in what happens in that department
Not a respectable title, do not need a bachelors degree to obtain a job, low pay, dead end job career
Updated January 8, 2025
