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What is an accounts payable lead and how to become one
An accounts payable lead is an individual who manages and maintains accounts, procedures, and policies, related to accounts payable for organizations or businesses. These individuals manage the monthly handling of account payable records and ensure that they comply with company and regulatory standards. These professionals also evaluate vendor invoices, manage payments to vendors, generate expense reports, and work to reconcile closing balances.
Many accounts payable leads have a bachelor's or an associate's degree in accounting, business, or a related field. However, individuals who have comparable knowledge or skills can be considered viable candidates. These professionals should possess excellent analytical, leadership, math, computer, and communication skills.
Most accounts payable leads can make up to $49,000 annually, but the job market is expected to decline slightly by 4% in the next ten years.
Avg. Salary $57,175
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate -5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.63%
Asian 6.54%
Black or African American 6.77%
Hispanic or Latino 14.38%
Unknown 3.96%
White 67.72%
Genderfemale 71.27%
male 28.73%
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
Accounts payable lead career paths
Key steps to become an accounts payable lead
Explore accounts payable lead education requirements
Start to develop specific accounts payable lead skills
Skills Percentages FAA 7.47% Purchase Orders 6.78% Vendor Invoices 6.14% Reconciliations 5.57% Data Entry 4.73% Complete relevant accounts payable lead training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New accounts payable leads 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 lead based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real accounts payable lead resumes.Gain additional accounts payable lead certifications
More About CertificationsAccounts payable lead 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 lead certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for accounts payable leads include Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA).
Research accounts payable lead duties and responsibilities
- Manage weekly payment scheduling to expedite and efficiently meet vendor payment deadlines; including check run dates, wires and ACH.
- Manage payroll transactions utilizing ADP payroll software.
- Process check runs: set payments within the system, verify accuracy, and print checks launch ACH payments.
- Assist in the implementation of new ERP system by testing and providing information need to meet the accounts payable processes.
Get accounts payable lead experience
Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become an accounts payable lead. The most common roles before becoming an accounts payable lead include accounts payable clerk, accounting clerk team lead and mechanic.Prepare your accounts payable lead resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your accounts payable lead 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 lead 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 lead resume templates
Build a professional accounts payable lead 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 lead resume.
Apply for accounts payable lead jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an accounts payable lead 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 lead job
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Average accounts payable lead salary
The average accounts payable lead salary in the United States is $57,175 per year or $27 per hour. Accounts payable lead salaries range between $41,000 and $79,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do accounts payable leads rate their job?
Accounts payable lead 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
