Accounts Payable is usually combined with Accounts Receivable in smaller businesses and has its own department in larger companies. This department is responsible for processing bills and making payments, as well as being responsible for the financial, administrative and clerical support of a company.
This is an important function within any business because they make sure that the invoices owed by the business to suppliers and other creditors are paid, as well as paying vendor invoices for goods and services. This department also records the company’s short-term debts, plus manages the payroll – all effectively keeping the business afloat.
Accounts Payable as a term is not limited to companies, individuals have payable accounts such as electricity, telephone, broadband and mobile.
Responsibilities
One of the first things to do when looking into an Accounts Payable Clerk role is to make sure that you know the accounting principles of the company. A good work ethic is needed because you will have to adhere to many processes that will often be time specific. You will need to show that you are honest, responsible and dependable.
One of the main functions of the role is data entry so accuracy and the ability to enter high volumes is key. You must have the ability to handle work that is analytical, and evaluative data and understand both accounting theory and practice. Good communication skills will be useful because you will generally be in daily communication with employers and vendors.
Having quick and efficient computer skills are the main hard skill required, and a good eye for detail is one of the soft skills necessary because these will both be needed when processing invoices efficiently. Larger businesses may have their Accounts Payable department deal with staff travel expenses, administering petty cash and controlling the distribution of sales tax exemption certificates.
If you are asking yourself, is an account payable job hard, a typical problem that you will come across is only having a short time frame to process payments. You will also have the responsibility of making sure a company’s cash and assets are safe, and that the accounts payable process complies with internal controls.
Let us help you secure an Accounts Payable job, submit your CV to Cantello Tayler Recruitment here and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
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Qualifications and Skills
Whilst a degree is not mandatory for an Accounts Payable position, an understanding of accounting skills and basic bookkeeping will be required. However, a degree in the following subjects would definitely be beneficial for an Accounts Payable career:
How Cantello Tayler Recruitment can help
Cantello Tayler Recruitment offer over 140 years’ experience providing temporary, permanent and contract candidates with roles ranging from sales work to accountant roles, across a wide range of sectors and industries.
Our dedicated, friendly and professional team are here to help you every step of the way when applying for Accounts Payable jobs, and we take pride in offering an exceptional level of service and thoroughly enjoy working in partnership with our candidates to help launch their careers.
We offer a bespoke service to our candidates, offering as much support and guidance as needed, including answering any answer questions you may have on CV building, cover letter writing, job application advice, offer management, and interview tips too.
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