Accounts Payable Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Accounts Payable Resume examples

Ever wondered who makes sure every invoice gets paid, every vendor stays happy, and every financial record balances down to the penny? That's the world of Accounts Payable—the backbone of an organization's financial health. AP isn't just about cutting checks anymore. Today's AP professionals are financial detectives who catch duplicate invoices, negotiate payment terms, and help companies manage cash flow. In fact, companies with streamlined AP processes are capturing early payment discounts 63% more frequently than their competitors, according to a 2023 Institute of Finance Management survey.

The field is changing fast. Paper invoices are disappearing as automation and digital workflows transform AP departments. But this shift isn't eliminating jobs—it's elevating them. AP specialists who master both technical skills and analytical thinking are becoming strategic partners in financial decision-making. As businesses continue to focus on efficiency and working capital management, talented AP professionals will find themselves at the center of tomorrow's financial operations landscape.

Junior Accounts Payable Resume Example

Melissa Johnson

(555) 823-9641 • melissa.johnson@email.com • linkedin.com/in/melissajohnson • Columbus, OH 43215

Detail-oriented Accounts Payable Specialist with 1+ year of experience processing invoices and maintaining financial records. Quick learner who reduced invoice processing time by 17% through improved documentation practices. Committed to accuracy and efficiency in all accounting operations with strong skills in Excel and QuickBooks.

EXPERIENCE

Accounts Payable Specialist | Midwest Business Solutions | Columbus, OH | June 2022 – Present

  • Process 150+ vendor invoices weekly, ensuring accurate coding and timely payments
  • Maintain vendor files and reconcile vendor statements, resolving discrepancies within 24 hours
  • Reduced payment errors by 22% by implementing a new three-step verification process
  • Assist with month-end closing procedures including account reconciliations
  • Created an Excel tracking system that improved payment visibility for the team (my manager loved this!)

Accounting Intern | Columbus City Credit Union | Columbus, OH | January 2022 – May 2022

  • Assisted with daily processing of 30-40 accounts payable invoices under supervision
  • Helped reconcile vendor statements and researched discrepancies
  • Organized digital filing system for paid invoices, cutting retrieval time in half
  • Supported accounts payable department during busy tax season

Customer Service Representative | Retail Plus | Columbus, OH | August 2020 – December 2021

  • Handled cash transactions and balanced register with 99.8% accuracy
  • Processed customer returns and exchanges following company policies
  • Maintained organized records of daily sales and inventory changes

EDUCATION

Associate of Applied Business in Accounting | Columbus State Community College | May 2021

  • GPA: 3.7/4.0
  • Relevant coursework: Principles of Accounting, Payroll Accounting, Computerized Accounting, Business Communication

CERTIFICATIONS

QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Certification | Intuit | March 2022

Microsoft Excel Specialist | Microsoft | November 2021

SKILLS

  • Software: QuickBooks, SAP (basic), Microsoft Excel (vlookups, pivot tables), Microsoft Office Suite
  • Technical: Invoice processing, payment scheduling, account reconciliation, data entry (80+ WPM)
  • Soft Skills: Attention to detail, time management, communication, problem-solving
  • Other: Basic understanding of GAAP, three-way matching, vendor management

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Active member of the Ohio Association of Accounting Professionals (student chapter)
Volunteer, Financial Literacy Program for High School Students (2021-present)

Mid-level Accounts Payable Resume Example

Sarah Westbrook

(847) 555-9218 • s.westbrook@gmail.com • linkedin.com/in/sarahwestbrook
Evanston, IL 60201

Accounts Payable Specialist with 5+ years of experience streamlining financial operations and implementing process improvements. Reduced invoice processing time by 31% through automation initiatives while maintaining 99.7% accuracy rates. Known for strong vendor relationships and cross-functional collaboration skills, with expertise in multiple accounting software platforms.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Accounts Payable Specialist | NorthShore Medical Group | Evanston, IL | Jan 2021 – Present

  • Process and verify 500+ monthly invoices totaling over $3.2M while maintaining 99.7% accuracy rate
  • Led transition from paper-based system to digital workflow, cutting processing time from 8 days to 5.5 days
  • Manage relationships with 150+ vendors, negotiating favorable payment terms that improved cash flow by $217K
  • Collaborate with Finance Director to identify cost-saving opportunities, resulting in $86K annual expense reduction
  • Train and mentor 2 junior AP staff members on procedures, compliance requirements, and system functionality

Accounts Payable Specialist | Midwest Manufacturing Solutions | Chicago, IL | Mar 2019 – Dec 2020

  • Processed bi-weekly payment runs averaging $1.8M while ensuring adherence to company payment policies
  • Reconciled vendor statements, identified discrepancies, and resolved payment issues within 48 hours
  • Maintained vendor database and updated W-9 information for 200+ active suppliers
  • Assisted with month-end closing procedures, reducing cycle time from 7 to 5 days through process improvements

AP Clerk | Winthrop Retail Group | Skokie, IL | Aug 2017 – Feb 2019

  • Processed and coded invoices for 4 retail locations, ensuring proper GL allocation and approval routing
  • Performed 3-way matching for purchase orders, receiving reports, and invoices
  • Supported transition from QuickBooks to NetSuite, helping to map accounts and test AP functionality
  • Responded to vendor inquiries and maintained filing system for all payment documentation

EDUCATION

Associate of Applied Science in Accounting
Oakton Community College | Des Plaines, IL | 2017

Certifications:

  • Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP) – 2020
  • QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Certification – 2019

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • ERP Systems: SAP, NetSuite, Oracle Financials
  • AP Software: AvidXchange, Bill.com, Concur
  • Microsoft Office Suite (advanced Excel including VLOOKUP, PivotTables)
  • Data analysis and financial reporting
  • Electronic payment processing systems
  • Document management systems
  • Tax compliance software

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Invoice processing & payment execution
  • Vendor management & relationship building
  • Month-end closing procedures
  • Internal controls & audit support
  • Process improvement & automation
  • Cross-functional team collaboration

Senior / Experienced Accounts Payable Resume Example

MELISSA R. JENKINS

Denver, CO 80202 • (303) 555-8764 • melissa.jenkins@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melissarjenkins

Detail-oriented Accounts Payable Manager with 12+ years of progressive experience in multi-entity environments. Expert in streamlining AP workflows, managing vendor relationships, and implementing payment systems that reduced processing times by 31%. Proven track record supervising teams of up to 8 staff while handling $75M+ in annual disbursements. Skilled in ERP systems including SAP, Oracle, and QuickBooks Enterprise.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE MANAGER
Westfield Manufacturing Corporation, Denver, CO
June 2018 – Present

  • Lead a team of 8 AP specialists processing 1,200+ monthly invoices across 4 business entities with 99.7% accuracy rate
  • Spearheaded migration from paper-based system to Concur AP automation, cutting invoice processing time from 9 days to 2.5 days
  • Negotiated early payment terms with top 25 vendors, securing annual discounts of $127,500
  • Implemented cross-training program that reduced departmental overtime by 42% and improved team flexibility during peak periods
  • Manage $75M annual disbursements, including international payments in 6 currencies
  • Created month-end closing procedures that reduced closing time from 5 days to 36 hours while maintaining compliance standards

SENIOR ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SPECIALIST
Mountain State Healthcare Systems, Boulder, CO
March 2015 – May 2018

  • Processed and coded 700+ monthly invoices for healthcare network with 8 facilities, ensuring accurate GL coding and timely payments
  • Trained and mentored 4 junior staff members on AP processes, PO matching, and vendor management
  • Identified and resolved $43,200 in duplicate payments within first 9 months, implementing controls to prevent recurrence
  • Managed vendor master file with 300+ active vendors, maintaining data integrity and compliance
  • Performed weekly check runs averaging $650K and coordinated ACH payment batches

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SPECIALIST
Tanner & Associates, Denver, CO
January 2011 – February 2015

  • Processed invoices for professional services firm with 150+ employees and 12 partners
  • Reconciled corporate credit card statements for 35 cardholders monthly
  • Prepared and distributed 1099 forms for 80+ vendors annually
  • Assisted with month-end accruals and helped develop AP desk procedure manual

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
University of Colorado Denver, 2010

Certifications:

  • Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP), 2017
  • SAP Financial Accounting Certification, 2019
  • Concur AP Automation Specialist, 2020

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • ERP Systems: SAP, Oracle Financials, QuickBooks Enterprise
  • Automation Tools: Concur, Bill.com, Ariba
  • Payment Platforms: AvidXchange, Tipalti, ACH/EFT systems
  • Tax Compliance: 1099 processing, sales & use tax
  • Microsoft Office Suite (advanced Excel – vlookups, pivot tables, macros)
  • Reporting: Crystal Reports, SQL basics, Power BI

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Institute of Finance & Management (IOFM) AP Conference, 2021
  • Treasury Management Workshop Series, 2019
  • Leadership Development Program, Westfield Manufacturing, 2020-2021

How to Write an Accounts Payable Resume

Introduction

Let's face it—landing that perfect Accounts Payable job means getting your resume past both human recruiters and those pesky ATS systems. I've helped hundreds of AP specialists revamp their resumes over my 15+ years as a resume writer, and I've seen what works (and what definitely doesn't). This guide will walk you through creating a resume that showcases your financial accuracy, vendor management skills, and all those other AP talents you've developed.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your Accounts Payable resume clean and organized—just like your reconciliation reports! A cluttered resume sends the wrong message for a position that requires meticulous attention to detail.

  • Stick to 1-2 pages (1 page for junior roles, 2 pages max for senior positions)
  • Use a clean, professional font like Calibri or Arial (10-12pt)
  • Include clear section headings with plenty of white space
  • Save as a PDF unless specifically asked for another format
  • Name your file professionally (JaneSmith_AccountsPayable.pdf)

Profile/Summary Section

Your summary should be 3-4 lines highlighting your AP experience, key skills, and biggest accomplishment. Think of it as your "invoice" to get paid attention by hiring managers!

Tailor your summary to each job application. Review the job description and mirror key terms, especially regarding specific AP software, payment volumes, or industry experience they're seeking.

For example, a mid-level AP specialist might write: "Detail-oriented Accounts Payable Specialist with 5 years of experience managing $2.7M monthly payment cycles. Proficient in Oracle

Financials and SAP with track record of reducing processing errors by 19%. Skilled in vendor negotiations and implementing paperless AP workflows."

Professional Experience

This is where AP candidates often fall short—listing basic duties instead of achievements. Don't just say you "processed invoices" (duh, that's the job!). Instead, show HOW WELL you did it:

  • Processed 500+ weekly invoices while maintaining 99.8% accuracy rate and meeting all early payment discount deadlines
  • Reduced invoice processing time from 6 days to 2.5 days by implementing three-way matching automation
  • Recovered $37,485 in duplicate payments through comprehensive vendor statement audits
  • Managed AP aging reports for 200+ vendor accounts and reduced past-due invoices by 43%
  • Trained and mentored 4 junior AP clerks on check run procedures and vendor database management

Education and Certifications

List your degrees in reverse chronological order. For AP roles, relevant certifications can be just as valuable as degrees—sometimes more so!

  • Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP)
  • Fundamental Payables Specialist (FPS)
  • QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification
  • Oracle Financials Certification

Keywords and ATS Tips

Most companies use ATS software that scans for specific keywords. For AP positions, make sure you include:

  • Software names: SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics
  • Process terms: three-way matching, vendor maintenance, payment processing, check runs
  • Skills: reconciliation, aging reports, GL coding, accruals, tax compliance

Industry-specific Terms

Sprinkle these throughout your resume (but only if you actually have experience with them!):

  • 1099 processing
  • T&E report auditing
  • Vendor master file maintenance
  • ACH/EFT payments
  • Purchase order matching
  • Month-end close procedures
  • SOX compliance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Vague descriptions (saying "responsible for invoices" instead of quantifying volume and accuracy)
  • Focusing only on duties rather than accomplishments
  • Omitting key software proficiencies
  • Including irrelevant personal interests (sorry, but hiring managers don't care about your stamp collection)
  • Using cutesy email addresses (stick with some version of your name!)

Before/After Example

Before: "Responsible for processing invoices and dealing with vendors."

After: "Processed 300+ weekly invoices ($1.2M monthly) with 99.7% accuracy while managing relationships with 87 active vendors and negotiating $18,450 in early payment discounts annually."

See the difference? The second version gives concrete numbers and showcases the value you brought to your employer—exactly what AP hiring managers are looking for!

Soft skills for your Accounts Payable resume

  • Clear communication with vendors (especially when resolving payment discrepancies)
  • Process improvement mindset – found ways to cut our monthly close by 1.5 days
  • Team coordination during high-volume periods and month-end closings
  • Conflict resolution when handling sensitive vendor payment issues
  • Adaptability to changing financial software systems and procedures
  • Detail-oriented without sacrificing efficiency (maintained 99.2% accuracy rate)

Hard skills for your Accounts Payable resume

  • Oracle NetSuite and SAP financial modules (5+ years)
  • Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros)
  • Automated payment processing systems (AvidXchange, Bill.com)
  • 3-way matching verification techniques
  • QuickBooks Desktop and Online (expert-level)
  • Tax compliance documentation for 1099 contractors
  • Month-end reconciliation and accrual reporting
  • Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) processing
  • Purchase order management systems (Coupa, Jaggaer)