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Job outlook for accounts payable managers in the United States
Accounts payable manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected accounts payable manager job growth rate is 17% from 2018-2028.
About 123,100 new jobs for accounts payable managers are projected over the next decade.
Accounts payable manager salaries have increased 10% for accounts payable managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 30,759 accounts payable managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 53,384 active accounts payable manager job openings in the US.
The average accounts payable manager salary is $69,808.
Are accounts payable manager jobs in demand?
Accounts payable manager job and salary trends over time
Accounts payable manager jobs over time
Accounts payable manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 30,759 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 29,700 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 30,564 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 29,829 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 29,067 | 0.01% |
Average accounts payable manager salary over time
Accounts payable manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $69,808 | $33.56 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $67,576 | $32.49 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $66,588 | $32.01 | +2.3% |
| 2022 | $65,074 | $31.29 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | $63,341 | $30.45 | +3.2% |
Accounts payable manager jobs by state
Most common states for accounts payable managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 228 | 33% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 701 | 10% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 520 | 9% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 482 | 9% |
| 5 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,051 | 8% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 688 | 8% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 589 | 8% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 442 | 8% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 326 | 8% |
| 10 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 273 | 8% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 74 | 8% |
| 12 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,774 | 7% |
| 13 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 490 | 7% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 206 | 7% |
| 15 | Vermont | 623,657 | 41 | 7% |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 792 | 6% |
| 17 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 657 | 6% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 87 | 6% |
| 19 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 68 | 6% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 62 | 6% |
Most common cities for accounts payable managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Fork | 2 | 7% | $65,356 |
| 2 | Carol Stream | 2 | 5% | $70,858 |
| 3 | Tampa | 7 | 2% | $70,088 |
| 4 | Huntsville | 3 | 2% | $58,711 |
| 5 | Stamford | 3 | 2% | $85,192 |
| 6 | Phoenix | 10 | 1% | $62,201 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $71,941 |
| 8 | Pittsburgh | 3 | 1% | $74,238 |
| 9 | Houston | 5 | 0% | $73,528 |
| 10 | New York | 5 | 0% | $74,003 |
| 11 | San Francisco | 4 | 0% | $90,456 |
| 12 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $70,987 |
| 13 | Dallas | 3 | 0% | $73,122 |
| 14 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $82,477 |
| 15 | Memphis | 3 | 0% | $58,436 |
| 16 | San Jose | 3 | 0% | $89,690 |
| 17 | Austin | 2 | 0% | $73,677 |
| 18 | Colorado Springs | 2 | 0% | $70,379 |
Accounts Payable Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of accounts payable manager experts
University of Arkansas
The University of Scranton
Case Western Reserve University
DePaul University
California State University San Marcos
Loyola University Maryland
Widener University
South College
University of Pittsburgh - Johnstown
University of Wisconsin
Baruch College, City University New York
Red Rocks Community College
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Kris Allee Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Doyle Z. Williams Chair in Professional AccountingUniversity of Arkansas
Accounting Department
What soft skills should all Accounts Payable Managers possess?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Given an accounting manager assumes a leadership position at the firm, the ability to lead effectively, communicate well, and organize and manage projects would be the most important soft skills necessary.
What skills will help Accounts Payable Managers earn the most?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Certainly, passing the CPA exam is a must, as it is considered a necessary condition for advancement. Passing the exam also helps certify the minimum level of skills the person may possess. Financial analysis skills are also highly valued and hard to find in the average staff accountant. These skills traditionally would include computing, quantitative analysis, and understanding forecasting techniques and limitations. Finally, communication skills and the ability to effectively manage expectations and projects are what make an accountant indispensable and valuable to a firm.
Dr. Douglas Boyle
Chair & Professor, Director, Doctorate in Business Administration Program , Director, Nonprofit Leadership ProgramThe University of Scranton
Accounting Department
What skills stand out on Accounts Payable Manager resumes?
Dr. Douglas Boyle: Accounting is a very technical profession, so any credential that shows you have an advanced level of knowledge makes a candidate stand out. Accountants have many opportunities to pursue credentials. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the only accounting credential that is a license from the state. If you hold a CPA, the AICPA offers six specialty credentials to consider pursuing, including Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF), Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), and Certified in Entity and Intangible Valuations (CEIV). Three other organizations to consider that do not require a CPA to pursue are the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The IMA offers two credentials, the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA). The IIA offers six credentialling opportunities, the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership (QIAL), Certified Process Safety Auditor (CPSA), and Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA). Last, the ACFE offers the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). These opportunities enable accountants to specialize in several areas and provide opportunities to stand out. Our research shows that in addition to technical skills, soft skills are very important as you move to higher levels of a firm or organization.
Thomas King
Department Chair, Director, Master of Accountancy Program, Professor, AccountancyCase Western Reserve University
Accountancy Department
What skills stand out on Accounts Payable Manager resumes?
Thomas King: Evidence that someone is smart is a fast learner and works well with others.
What soft skills should all Accounts Payable Managers possess?
Thomas King: The ability to develop working relationships with a wide range of colleagues who have diverse skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Accounts Payable Managers?
Thomas King: The ability to extract information from unfamiliar data sets and then explain conclusions reached in a clear, persuasive manner.
What skills will help Accounts Payable Managers earn the most?
Thomas King: The ability to lead others to bring about intended change.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Accounts Payable Managers?
Delvin Grant: Yes. I strongly believe coronavirus will have a lasting impact on new graduates. A increasing paradigm shift is taking place as we speak, as some IT-related jobs can be done remotely. I expect the shift to continue until a steady state condition is achieved, when companies feel they have the right mix of remote and face-to-face employment. Some companies may resist the trend, valuing face-to-face over remote working. Face-to-face satisfies a human need to socialize and, in some cultures, much business is done by face-to-face. There is evidence of a paradigm shift as many IT employees work remotely, due to the pandemic. Some companies have realized the shift is here to stay and others take a wait and see attitude. It is hard not to recognize the shift as there are cost saving from office rent, office space, heating, cooling, computing cost, travel costs, etc. The impact will vary by profession. IT and other professions are a natural fit for remote working while others are not. For example, a chemist working in a lab environment cannot work from home as his lab is the only place to mix and experiment with chemicals and chemistry.
What's a good job out of college for Accounts Payable Managers?
Delvin Grant: To answer this question, I am assuming a COVID-19 environment. We know most jobs can be carried out in a face-to-face mode, but if this is not possible in a COVID environment, then it is difficult to consider those jobs as good jobs. Therefore, a good job is one that can be easily carried out in a COVID environment so MIS, IT, Computer Science, and similar professions that fit a remote working mode are excellent jobs.
What's a good job out of college for Accounts Payable Managers?
Jolynn Zhou Ph.D.: The answer to this question really is highly subjective. Different students may give you different answers. Typically younger, fresh-out-of-college students prefer public accounting because they get to learn a lot in a relatively short period of time and it is good for career advancement. Students with families may prefer private accounting because of the work-life balance and the predictable work hours. Government jobs can be attractive too because of the benefits. Ultimately it is up to the student to determine what type of job is best for themselves.
What technical skills for an Accounts Payable Manager stand out to employers?
Jolynn Zhou Ph.D.: This may be surprising to some business school students, but Excel skill is very important and highly valued by employers. In recent years, data analytics is becoming more and more important. Many business schools and accounting programs are beginning of offer this course.
Dr. JP Krahel Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Accounting, Accounting Department ChairLoyola University Maryland
Accounting Department
What technical skills for an Accounts Payable Manager stand out to employers?
Dr. JP Krahel Ph.D.: First, Excel. It's the most basic, essential tool for the accounting professional. If you can come in on Day 1 knowing essential keyboard shortcuts, proper formula and reference use, and how to format a spreadsheet properly, you'll have an immediate advantage over your peers.
Second, believe it or not, is writing. People think that accounting is all about numbers, but really, it's less about the math (which Excel does for you) and more about being able to explain the deeper meaning behind the results. Can you explain complex depreciation methods to an audit client? Give bad news to a tax client in an understandable way? These are big deals.
Third is data analytics. Given the immense volume of data now available to firms, someone who can extract, clean, and present that data using modern software tools will have an edge. It's really another form of communication, and one that early-career accounting professionals would do well to familiarize themselves with before entering the workforce.
Joseph Hargadon Ph.D.
Department Head, Accounting, Economics & Finance, Professor of AccountingWidener University
Department Head of Accounting, Economics & Finance
What general advice would you give to an Accounts Payable Manager?
Joseph Hargadon Ph.D.: Even during pre-pandemic times, I provide the following recommendations to my accounting graduates as they begin their careers. I expect that they all will work hard, be motivated and follow directions, but I always add the following:
-Be a team player.
Their ability to work well with others, even in a remote culture, will continue to be valuable. In particular, they will need to enhance their ability to collaborate in a digital environment
-Continue to be an effective time manager. Being able to prioritize and multi-task in an efficient manner will lead to a better work-life balance.
-Be adaptable and willing to change as needed. As we know change is the one constant in today's post-digital workplace.
-Have a great attitude 100% of the time.
Volunteer for additional assignments, admit your mistakes, commend your colleagues and don't be a "whiner".
Note: If you number our alphabet from 1 to 16 (A = 1, B = 2, Z= 26, etc.), you will find that the numbers that correspond to the letters in the word "ATTITUDE" add up exactly to 100%.
A T T I T U D E
1
+ 20 +
20 + 9
+ 20 +
21 + 4
+ 5 = 100%
What general advice would you give to an Accounts Payable Manager?
D. Pace Porter: The accounting profession is made up of several disciplines and is inherent in all businesses from small and medium size to large, publicly traded global companies. You should have a solid idea of where you want to begin. Private industry accounting, which industry, general accounting or tax; or public accounting with a CPA firm and audit, tax or advisory services within that type organization? These are some of the questions that you must answer for yourself, as well as for the potential interviewer. You should have the information necessary to help you answer those after completing your degree and taking all of the required accounting courses. I would also advise you to focus on general skills such as written and oral communication, technology (Excel and beyond), attention to detail, time management and above all, professional integrity.
What type of skills will young Accounts Payable Managers need?
Cristina DeDiana: As we have already seen, technology is taking over our lives. Graduates are already expected to know Excel and to use data analytics. In the future, it is likely they will need to be well-versed in using Artificial Intelligence to support business decisions. Above and beyond the technical skills, though, graduates should be able to communicate with their employers and clients. All that technical knowledge is useless unless it can be effectively communicated to decision makers. Writing and speaking skills are never going to disappear, and with remote working becoming more ubiquitous, the ability to communicate effectively becomes more imperative. Also, as we have seen during the pandemic, we also need to be flexible to adapt to ever-changing conditions. While (I hope) we won't have to deal with a global pandemic again, the world and life will continue to change, and we need to change with it, embracing the technology.
What experience really stands out on Accounts Payable Manager resumes?
Cristina DeDiana: All experiences are great. Anything that demonstrates a commitment will show employers that a candidate has potential. Obviously, an internship in your field tops the list, but don't neglect to include that first burger-flipping job, the organizations you belong to, the sport you played in high school, and volunteer activities. The most important experience is the one that means the most to you and that you can speak about passionately.
What skills stand out on Accounts Payable Manager resumes?
Dr. William Miller: While a student can get an accounting degree with one hundred twenty credits, virtually all employers want their new hires to graduate with the requisite one hundred fifty credits to make them eligible to sit for the CPA exam (whether they intend to sit for it or not). Ninety-nine percent of our students graduate with one hundred fifty credits, most often with a double major. Historically that second major has been finance, however, that has changed. The gold standard of double majors is now accounting and information systems. It is not just me saying that, but the employers as well.
The entire world is data driven, every college of business needs to add course work that teaches students how to analyze and interpret data. Not just accounting, but every college of business degree. A resume highlighting either a second major in information systems or completing course work in data helps to set students above the fray. We have added a data analytics course to our accounting program as well as having incorporated integrated data analytics into several other courses, as well.
Highlighting expertise in the use of Microsoft Excel on a resume (perhaps gained through both course work and internship experience) also will stand out.
The above examples are all required, pandemic or not, but with the pandemic, essential skills, like the ability to work independently, communicate effectively, solve unstructured problems, and think critically, have taken on much more importance. Luckily, these are all attributes that we help our students develop throughout our program.
While I am a full time professor, I do a fair amount of consulting and just completed a two and a half year stint as the Chief Financial Officer of a struggling business. The last two years of that work were done entirely remotely. The technologies we have available today to stay connected, share data, communicate, and collaborate all exist and are phenomenal. Microsoft 365 including Teams (I prefer this over Zoom, Skype, etc.) has been a gamechanger for both industry and academia. I can't imagine how any of us would have gotten through the last eighteen months without these products. Our students are well versed in all these products and have been experiencing their use in most of their classes in some form or another in the last year. So, they will start their careers already experienced in how to use them.
Dr. Lilac Nachum Ph.D.
Professor, International BusinessBaruch College, City University New York
Allen G. Aaronson Department of Marketing & International Business
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Accounts Payable Managers?
Dr. Lilac Nachum Ph.D.: The impact of the pandemic on graduates' employment opportunities is already notable, apparent in terms of the demand for graduates and the nature of employment. With millions of people out of jobs, the pandemic diminished the employment prospects and made it more difficult to enter into the job market. But whereas this effect is likely to be short-lived, and may disappear as the economy recovers, the more enduring one would be the change in the nature of employment. As the economy goes through structural change, the nature of the demand for jobs would change too. The crisis triggered accelerated transformation to "all things digital", much of it is likely to continue beyond the pandemics. This would boost demand for employment in the digital economy.
What type of skills will young Accounts Payable Managers need?
Dr. Lilac Nachum Ph.D.: In light of the changes described in #1, the most apparent skills would be those related to digital employment. These will relate to both new opportunities, created digitally, as well as the transformation of brick and mortar jobs online. The former requires skills such as online management of supply chains, digital marketing, online sale, and the likes. These new jobs might require in addition to digital skills also heavy doses of creativity and entrepreneurship as new products and industries are being created and developed. In relation to the latter, the jobs themselves might be well established and familiar for some graduates but their delivery would be transformed in significant ways and require advanced digital skills related to the implementation of these activities.
What experience really stands out on Accounts Payable Manager resumes?
Dr. Lilac Nachum Ph.D.: Digital experience as well as entrepreneurial background, as it signals to potential employers the ability to capitalize on the new opportunities opening up digitally.
Janet Tarase
Lead Accounting Faculty / Accounting Department ChairRed Rocks Community College
Accounting Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Accounts Payable Manager job market given the pandemic?
Janet Tarase: Even though over 7 million people are currently unemployed, employers still need individuals to maintain their operations. Human Resource departments are recruiting individuals through social media platforms. My daughter works in HR recruiting and they only use LinkedIn. Companies are using video or phone interviews to select candidates. Which means that potential candidates have to communicate effectively and make a good first impression quickly.
Employers will be looking for individuals that have proven communication, organizational and time management skills that are able to work independently since telecommuting will be continuing in the future. Applicants will also need to have technological and critical thinking skills to manage the challenges presented while working from home. Because of the pandemic and so many of us having to work from home, companies may broaden their recruiting geography to find the best candidates out of state or in different time zones. Finally, employees need to be flexible and resilient - you never know what the next job requirement will demand.
What Accounts Payable Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Janet Tarase: Students that need to take a gap year have several opportunities to make that year count. They should consider doing one or more of the following three things:
Work on honing your soft skills, which include: critical thinking/problem solving, oral/written communication, teamwork/collaboration, technology/digital literacy, leadership, professionalism, time management, organizational, and confidence. These talents are desired by employers and also will help you succeed in your educational aspirations
Take free classes offered online through organizations like edX at EDX. Even Harvard is offering free classes, check out:
Onlinelearning
Also expand your global views or overcome those challenges you may be facing by checking out Ted Talks at Ted
Look for a job (full or part-time) or internship in your chosen career field. Even entry-level positions can allow you to see how this job fits into the larger picture or you could ask to shadow someone for a day. Since I am in the accounting field, I suggest contacting Accountemps; their website is: RobertHalf Occasionally, you can also receive job and skill enhancement training through Accountemps.
What general advice would you give to an Accounts Payable Manager?
Janet Tarase: Create a vision board to set your yearly objectives and a long-term strategic plan that includes your professional and personal goal aspirations; be prepared to modify both of these guides as things change in your life. Join LinkedIn, if you haven't already, update it and make sure it is current. Make connections with a local professionals' group and create a network of like-minded, goal-oriented individuals. Also find a mentor or ask senior employees for their advice and counseling. Clean up your social media accounts or at the very least mark your questionable content as private so you are not sharing it publicly; become the professional you want to be. Continue your professional development, either through your employer, free online programs, or by furthering your education. Keep track of your accomplishments and continue to update your biography and resume. Finally, be appreciative and modest - thank those that help you and make sure to acknowledge those who participated in your successes.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Accounts Payable Manager job market given the pandemic?
Carol Sullivan: My hope is that the Permian Basin will diversify and strengthen health care, so I actually think students in our Accounting for Healthcare classes will benefit from the trends because of the pandemic. Also, students in supply chain and logistics will be rewarded in terms of trends. Finally, I think that the energy sector that basically defines the area will rebound and the great jobs will stabilize.
What skills stand out on Accounts Payable Manager resumes?
Carol Sullivan: Microsoft Office is most important in my professional opinion, but also Accounting software like QuickBooks is important. Computer literacy is really important, especially if employees continue to work remotely.