How do you become accounts payable?
Sarah Martinez
Updated on December 31, 2025
You can become an accounts payable clerk by earning a high school diploma or GED certificate. Secure an associate degree in accounting, finance, or business. Earn an advanced degree to maximize career prospects, focusing coursework in accounts management, payroll administration, accounts payable, and accounting.
How long does it take to become an accounts payable specialist?
Certified Accounts Payable Professional At least 2 years of managerial experience with a bachelor’s degree or higher; At least 3 years of managerial experience with an associate degree or higher; At least 5 years of managerial experience with no degree required; and.
Is accounts payable a good career?
Nearly every large company has an accounts payable department responsible for paying business expenses to creditors and suppliers. If you have an interest in finance and managing costs for a business, working in accounts payable may be a good option for you.
How do you succeed in accounts payable?
Ten habits of a successful accounts payable department
- They focus on minutes and not hours.
- They focus on one thing.
- They don’t use to-do lists.
- They beat procrastination with time travel.
- They make it home for dinner.
- They only process email a few times a day.
- They avoid meetings at all costs.
- They follow the 80/20 rule.
What job can I get after accounts payable?
Here’s a quick look at the top ten most common jobs for former accounts payable clerks:
- Administrative Assistant.
- Staff Accountant.
- Accounting Clerk.
- Office Manager.
- Accountant.
- Accounts Receivable Specialist.
- Customer Service Representative.
- Accounting Assistant.
How much does an accounts payable position pay?
Accounts Payable Clerk Salary
| Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $45,000 | $22 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,000 | $19 |
| Average | $36,194 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,000 | $15 |
Is Accounts Receivable a stressful job?
Since the accounts receivable job description can be very stressful at times, not many people can handle the responsibilities without a certain number of skills and personal qualities. These can range from skills picked up in grade school to talents that have always been with the interested employee.
Which job is better accounts payable or accounts receivable?
Accounts Receivable Clerk (AR) Essentially, accounts payable clerks tend to work more closely with members of their own team, whereas accounts receivable clerks typically spend more of their time working with people outside the organization.