Senior Accounts Payable SpecialistJob Description
Everything recruiters need to write, post, and fill a senior accounts payable specialist role—fast.
Job Description Sample
Need a clear, ready-to-use job description? Copy, paste, and hire faster.
Job Title: Senior Accounts Payable Specialist
Location: [City, State/Remote/Hybrid]
Type: Full-time
About the Role:
We're seeking an experienced Senior Accounts Payable Specialist to oversee our AP operations and mentor junior staff. You'll manage complex vendor relationships, ensure accurate payment processing, and drive process improvements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Process high-volume invoices across multiple entities and currencies
- Reconcile vendor statements and resolve payment discrepancies
- Lead month-end close activities and accrual processes
- Train and mentor AP team members
- Implement AP automation and workflow improvements
- Manage vendor relationships and respond to inquiries
- Ensure compliance with financial policies and tax regulations
- Prepare detailed account analyses and financial reports
Perks:
- Competitive salary and performance bonuses
- Comprehensive health and retirement benefits
- Professional development and certification support
- Flexible hybrid work arrangements
Senior Accounts Payable Specialist Responsibilities
Hiring a senior accounts payable specialist? Here's what you can expect them to handle:
- Process and approve invoices for accuracy and compliance
- Reconcile vendor statements and resolve payment issues
- Coordinate month-end close and prepare accrual schedules
- Train junior staff on AP policies and procedures
- Implement process improvements and automation initiatives
- Manage vendor relationships and handle escalated inquiries
- Prepare financial reports and account reconciliations
- Ensure compliance with tax regulations and audit requirements
Qualifications to Be a Senior Accounts Payable Specialist
Here's what a solid candidate typically brings to the table:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field5+ years of progressive accounts payable experienceAdvanced proficiency in ERP systems and AP softwareStrong knowledge of GAAP and financial regulationsProven leadership and team mentoring capabilitiesSenior Accounts Payable Specialist Prerequisites
Before you even think of hiring, make sure your candidates have:
Expert-level Excel skills including pivot tables and VLOOKUPExperience with multi-currency and international vendor paymentsStrong analytical and problem-solving abilitiesExcellent attention to detail and accuracyAbility to manage high-volume workload under deadlinesSenior Accounts Payable Specialist Hard Skills
The “must-haves” on every recruiter's checklist:
ERP Systems: SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Microsoft DynamicsAP Software: Bill.com, AvidXchange, Coupa, ConcurAccounting Tools: QuickBooks, Sage, Great PlainsMicrosoft Office: Excel (advanced), Word, OutlookPayment Platforms: ACH processing, wire transfers, virtual cardsAutomation Tools: OCR technology, workflow automation softwareData Analysis: Pivot tables, VLOOKUP, financial reportingDocument Management: SharePoint, electronic filing systemsSenior Accounts Payable Specialist Soft Skills
Tech skills get them in the door—soft skills help them stick around.
Leadership and team mentoring capabilitiesStrong communication with vendors and stakeholdersCritical thinking and problem-solving abilitiesExceptional attention to detail and accuracyTime management and prioritization skillsCollaborative teamwork and cross-functional coordinationAdaptability to changing processes and technologiesProfessional judgment and decision-makingSenior Accounts Payable Specialist Salary by Experience Level
Entry Level (0-2 Years)
$42k – $52k
Common Titles
Junior Senior Accounts Payable Specialist, Associate Senior Accounts Payable Specialist
Mid Level (2-5 Years)
$50k – $65k
Common Titles
Senior Accounts Payable Specialist, Senior Accounts Payable Specialist II
Senior Level (5+ Years)
$60k – $75k
Common Titles
Senior Senior Accounts Payable Specialist, Lead Senior Accounts Payable Specialist
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Senior Accounts Payable Specialist Hiring
A Senior AP Specialist focuses on complex transaction processing, vendor management, and mentoring staff while handling escalated issues. An AP Manager has broader supervisory responsibilities including budget oversight, strategic planning, and full team management with hiring authority.
Yes, candidates with 7+ years of progressive AP experience and relevant certifications (like CPP or CAP) can substitute for a degree. Focus on demonstrated expertise in complex AP operations, system implementations, and proven leadership capabilities during evaluation.
Prioritize technical proficiency first—candidates must demonstrate mastery of ERP systems, Excel, and AP processes. However, strong communication and leadership skills are critical since they'll mentor staff and manage vendor relationships daily.
Present case studies involving vendor disputes, duplicate payment scenarios, or month-end accrual challenges. Ask candidates to walk through their resolution process, explain their Excel approach for reconciliations, or describe how they'd implement automation improvements.
Watch for candidates who can't explain three-way matching, lack experience with ERP systems, or show poor attention to detail in their resume. Limited knowledge of automation tools or inability to describe process improvements suggests they may not operate at a senior level.
Tools and Programs Senior Accounts Payable Specialist Use
Here's what their digital toolbox might look like:
ERP Platforms
SAP•Oracle Financials
AP Automation
Bill.com•AvidXchange
Expense Management
Concur•Expensify
Payment Systems
ACH networks•wire platforms
Spreadsheets
Microsoft Excel•Google Sheets
Collaboration
Microsoft Teams•Slack
Document Management
SharePoint•DocuSign
Reporting Tools
Power BI•Tableau
Job Description Examples
.NET Architect.NET DeveloperAccountantAccounting ManagerAccounts AssistantAccounts Payable ClerkAccounts Payable InternAccounts Payable LeadAccounts Payable ManagerAccounts Payable SpecialistAccounts Payable SupervisorAccounts Receivable ClerkAccounts Receivable LeadAccounts Receivable ManagerAccounts Receivable SpecialistAccounts Receivable SupervisorAdministration ClerkAI/ML EngineerAI/ML InternAndroid ArchitectAndroid DeveloperAndroid Developer InternAngular DeveloperAngular Developer InternApp ArchitectApp DeveloperApp Developer InternApp Development ManagerAssistant AccountantAssistant Brand ManagerAssistant Communications ManagerAssistant Community ManagerAssistant Ecommerce ManagerAssistant Events ManagerAssistant PR ManagerAssociate Brand ManagerAssociate Communications ManagerAssociate Ecommerce ManagerAssociate Events ManagerAssociate Product ManagerAttendance OfficerAudit AssociateAudit InternAudit Manager
.NET Architect.NET DeveloperAccountantAccounting ManagerAccounts AssistantAccounts Payable ClerkAccounts Payable InternAccounts Payable LeadAccounts Payable ManagerAccounts Payable SpecialistAccounts Payable Supervisor
Accounts Receivable ClerkAccounts Receivable LeadAccounts Receivable ManagerAccounts Receivable SpecialistAccounts Receivable SupervisorAdministration ClerkAI/ML EngineerAI/ML InternAndroid ArchitectAndroid DeveloperAndroid Developer Intern
1of12
...
Page 1 of 12 • Showing 1-44 of 502 job titlesShowing 1-44 of 502 titles
Related Articles
