Accounts Payable Manager job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is an Accounts Payable Manager?
Accounts Payable Managers, also known as Accounts Payable Supervisors, are responsible for managing and supervising financial operations within the company’s accounts payable department.
They review invoices, contracts, financial reports, statements, and other documentation to ensure the accuracy and adherence to the company’s policies and procedures.
They also maintain and oversee the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, and project accounting.
Additionally, they establish and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and distributors and negotiate payment terms and prices.
The top Accounts Payable Manager skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are hiring an Accounts Payable Manager to supervise our accounts payable department. In this position, you will be responsible for managing the company’s accounts payable operations and overseeing the team of accounts payable employees. You will maintain the general ledger, accounts payable, and project accounting, ensure the accuracy of financial reports, statements, payment transactions, and invoices, and process payments to vendors and suppliers.
In addition, your job will include analyzing financial information and reporting back to management, implementing corrective measures to improve efficiency and accuracy, and keeping track of the company’s financial expenditures. You will also establish and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers, negotiate payment terms and prices, and train and support accounts payable staff members.
As an Accounts Payable Manager, you should have superb financial knowledge, along with excellent communication, attention to detail, organization, and leadership.
Duties and responsibilities
- Manage and supervise the operations in the company’s accounts payable department
- Maintain the general ledger and project accounting
- Maintain and ensure the accuracy of financial reports, statements, payment transactions, and other documentation
- Process and manage payments to vendors and suppliers and maintain vendor records and invoices
- Ensure accounts payable staff adheres to the company’s policies and procedures
- Manage and keep track of the company’s financial expenditures
- Analyze financial information and report back to management
- Implement corrective measures to improve efficiency and accuracy and facilitate departmental goals and objectives
- Review purchase orders, contracts, and other documentation related to the company’s purchases
- Establish and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and business partners
- Negotiate prices and payment terms with vendors and suppliers
- Review invoices for accuracy and completeness
- Hire, train, and evaluate the performance of accounts payable staff members
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance, economics, or a related field
- Additional industry-related certification may be required
- Previous working experience as accounts payable clerk, bookkeeper, accountant, or a similar position
- Strong computer skills, including knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping software
- Strong knowledge of accounting, accounts payable, and business financial principles and concepts
- The ability to analyze and interpret complex financial data
- Exceptional communication and leadership skills
- Effective problem-solving and attention to detail
- Excellent organizational skills
Take the template with you
Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
Degree first, then the certification.
Common educational requirements for Accounts Payable Managers include a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, economics, finance, or a related field.
Some employers would prefer to hire candidates with a Master’s degree in some of these areas.
There are several certifications available for Accounts Payable Managers that can prove their knowledge and expertise and enhance their professional credentials.
Some of the recognizable certifications are the Certified Accounts Payable Associate (CAPA), Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP), and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).
Certified Accounts Payable Associate
Demonstrates foundational knowledge in accounts payable processes and best practices.
Institute of Finance and Management (IOFM)Certified Accounts Payable Professional
Validates advanced skills and expertise in accounts payable management.
Institute of Finance and Management (IOFM)Chartered Global Management Accountant
Indicates proficiency in management accounting and financial management.
American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)Sample interview questions for an Accounts Payable Manager.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- Could you tell us more about your strengths and weaknesses?
- What motivated you to become an Accounts Payable Manager?
- What skills would you like to improve in the future?
- Why are you interested in working in this company in particular?
- Could you tell us about your previous working experience related to this position?
- What would you be your ideal salary for this position?
- Could you tell us about your previous experience managing an accounts payable team?
- What common challenges or issues did you face in your previous job?
- What processes did you implement in your previous job that increased efficiency in the workplace?
- How would you explain accounts payable processes to someone with no technical background?
- What methods do you use to ensure the accuracy of financial documentation?
- How do you ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations related to accounts payable?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $17 at the 10th percentile to $48 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Accounts Payable Clerk
An Accounts Payable Clerk is a professional responsible for managing a company's financial obligations to vendors and suppliers.
$43,831 medianAccounts Payable Accountant
Frequently asked questions.
What do Accounts Payable Managers do?
Accounts Payable Managers are responsible for managing and supervising the operations of the accounts receivable department within the organization.
They review, analyze, and maintain financial reports, statements, invoices, and other documentation, negotiate with vendors and suppliers, keep track of the company’s financial expenditures, and hire and train new members of the accounts payable team.
Where do Accounts Payable Managers work?
Accounts Payable Managers can work in a variety of industries and sectors, depending on their field of expertise or interest.
They typically work in corporate businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare and educational institutions, financial services firms, etc.
Who do Accounts Payable Managers report to?
Accounts Payable Managers usually report to high-level financial executives within the company, such as the Director of Finance or Chief Financial Officer.
What skills are crucial for Accounts Payable Managers?
Accounts Payable Officers must have strong financial and industry knowledge, as well as outstanding communication, attention to detail, leadership, problem-solving, and organization.
Other job description templates.
Same format, same free, same median pay data. Browse the full library if the role you are hiring for is not here.
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