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Accounts Payable Accountant Resume Examples

By Silvia Angeloro

Jul 18, 2024

|

12 min read

Master the ledger: crafting your winning accounts payable accountant resume in simple steps so you can balance your skills and experience to stand out.

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Crafting the perfect resume for an accounts payable accountant can feel like a challenging puzzle. You know that demonstrating accuracy, attention to detail, and experience in financial management is key. Yet, summarizing these qualifications concisely often stumps even the most number-savvy professionals! The pressure to stand out in a large pool of applicants only adds to the stress. Understanding how to communicate your expertise effectively can make the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked.

Choosing the right resume template is crucial in showcasing your skills as an accounts payable accountant! A well-structured template can highlight your experiences and qualifications in the best light possible. With the right format, you can ensure your resume is both visually appealing and easy to navigate, making it easier for hiring managers to see your value immediately.

We have more than 700 resume examples to help you build the perfect resume. Explore them to find the one that best meets your needs and start building your standout resume today!

Key Takeaways

  • Choosing the right resume template is crucial to showcase skills and make your resume visually appealing and easy to navigate.
  • An accounts payable accountant resume should highlight attention to detail, efficiency, strong organizational skills, and expertise in managing financial transactions.
  • Essential sections include Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications, with optional sections like Professional Affiliations or Volunteer Experience.
  • The best format for this type of resume is reverse-chronological, using modern fonts and saving it as a PDF to maintain formatting consistency.
  • Sections like the experience, summary, skills, education, and certifications should be detailed and focused on achievements, numerical results, relevant skills, and tailored information to help your resume stand out.

What to focus on when writing your accounts payable accountant resume

An accounts payable accountant resume should clearly highlight your attention to detail, efficiency, and expertise in managing financial transactions. You need to show your strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines. Including specifics about your experiences with accounting software and any notable achievements can greatly boost your resume. Inform the recruiter about these key strengths:

  • Processed high-volume invoices and payments accurately and timely.
  • Reduced processing errors through the implementation of a new system.
  • Expertise in SAP and QuickBooks for streamlined operations.
  • Successfully managed vendor relationships to resolve discrepancies.

Must have information on your accounts payable accountant resume

When crafting your accounts payable accountant resume, certain sections are essential for showcasing your skills and experience.

  • Contact Information
  • Professional Summary
  • Work Experience
  • Education
  • Skills
  • Certifications

Additional sections like "Professional Affiliations" and "Volunteer Experience" can further highlight your qualifications. Ensure each section is well-organized and easy to read to make the best impression.

Which resume format to choose

For an accounts payable accountant resume, the best format is the reverse-chronological format, which clearly spots your most recent experience first. Opt for modern fonts like Rubik and Montserrat rather than the outdated Arial or Times New Roman. Always save your resume as a PDF to ensure it keeps its formatting across different devices and software. Margins should be set at one inch on all sides to provide ample white space and make your resume easy to read. Use clear section headings like "Professional Experience" and "Education" to help applicant tracking systems (ATS) easily parse your resume.

An accounts payable accountant resume should have the following sections:

  • Contact Information
  • Summary or Objective
  • Professional Experience
  • Education
  • Skills
  • Certifications
  • Additional Sections (if needed, like Volunteer Work or Languages)

Resume Mentor's free resume builder handles all of this, making it easy for you to create a professional resume.

How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

To create an impactful resume experience section as an accounts payable accountant, it's crucial to structure your experience in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. Start by listing your most recent or current job at the top, then work your way back in chronological order. You should not go back more than 10 or 15 years unless the older experience is highly relevant to the role you're applying for. Include job titles that directly reflect your skills and achievements in accounts payable positions. Tailoring your resume to the job description is essential. Use action verbs like "reduced," "implemented," "managed," "improved," and "reconciled" to highlight your achievements.

Let’s review a badly written resume experience section first:

Work Experience
Accounts Payable Specialist
Big Corp
New York, NY
Company Description
  • Handled invoices
  • Processed payments
  • Answered phone calls

This example is weak due to its lack of specifics and achievements. The action words used are basic and do not indicate any significant impact or improvements. It reads more like a list of job duties without showing the value brought to the company.

Now, let’s look at a well-written example:

Professional Experience
Senior Accounts Payable Accountant
Tech Solutions Inc.
San Francisco, CA
Company Description
  • Reduced invoice processing time by 35% through automation
  • Implemented new payment system saving $50,000 annually
  • Managed monthly reconciliations for 15 vendors, ensuring 99% accuracy
Accounts Payable Specialist
Big Corp
New York, NY
Company Description
  • Processed over 500 invoices monthly with 98% accuracy
  • Assisted in cutting late payment fees by 40%
  • Trained 5 new hires on AP procedures, improving team efficiency
Accounting Intern
Startup Co.
New York, NY
Company Description
  • Assisted with the processing of 300 invoices
  • Collaborated with the finance team to streamline payment processes
  • Conducted vendor account reconciliations, improving data accuracy by 15%

This example is strong because it focuses on achievements and numerical results. The bullet points detail specific improvements and savings, demonstrating value added to the company. Action verbs like "reduced," "implemented," and "managed" convey initiative and impact. Emphasizing quantifiable outcomes provides clear evidence of your capabilities, making your resume stand out from the competition.

Accounts payable accountant resume experience examples

Welcome to the experience section, where we account for every remarkable detail—pun intended! Here, we’ll spotlight your skills and achievements in the world of accounts payable accounting, ensuring you’re set to be the top invoice investigator.

Achievement-focused

Highlighting your accomplishments shows potential employers what you’re capable of achieving.

Work Experience

Senior Accounts Payable Accountant

FinanceCorp

June 2018 - Present

  • Reduced overdue payments by 30% through improved tracking.
  • Streamlined the approval process, cutting down payment cycles by 15%.
  • Recognized as Employee of the Month for outstanding performance.

Skills-focused

Emphasizing your skill set can make your expertise pop.

Work Experience

Accounts Payable Specialist

MoneyMatters Inc.

May 2017 - May 2018

  • Advanced proficiency in QuickBooks and SAP.
  • Expertise in auditing and compliance.
  • Strong analytical skills leading to enhanced report accuracy.

Responsibility-focused

Showcasing your responsibilities highlights your ability to manage tasks effectively.

Work Experience

Accounts Payable Clerk

PayMeWell Services

July 2016 - April 2017

  • Handled invoice processing for over 300 vendors monthly.
  • Managed reconciliation of accounts to maintain accurate records.
  • Ensured compliance with financial policies and procedures.

Project-focused

Detailing specific projects can reveal your practical experience and initiative.

Work Experience

Accounts Payable Supervisor

TechFin Solutions

January 2019 - December 2020

  • Led a project to digitize payment processing, reducing paperwork by 40%.
  • Implemented a vendor portal, enhancing communication and transaction speed.
  • Oversaw a team in a transition to a new ERP system.

Result-focused

Focusing on results shows the tangible impacts of your work.

Work Experience

Accounts Payable Analyst

SmartFinancials Ltd.

August 2015 - June 2016

  • Achieved a 20% cost saving through vendor negotiations.
  • Reduced invoice processing time by 25% through process improvements.
  • Increased early-payment discounts leveraged by 15%.

Industry-Specific Focus

Detailing industry-specific experience tailors your resume to fit the job.

Work Experience

Accounts Payable Lead

HealthNet Accounts

October 2018 - Present

  • Specialized in healthcare industry billing and compliance.
  • Managed payments for a network of hospitals totaling $15M annually.
  • Ensured compliance with healthcare-specific regulations.

Problem-Solving focused

Emphasizing problem-solving encourages confidence in your critical thinking skills.

Work Experience

Accounts Payable Coordinator

AccuraPay Solutions

January 2017 - December 2018

  • Resolved a chronic ledger discrepancy issue, saving $10,000.
  • Identified and corrected billing errors leading to 98% invoice accuracy.
  • Improved vendor relationship through effective communication, reducing late fee disputes by 50%.

Innovation-focused

Shining a light on your innovations shows your forward-thinking mindset.

Work Experience

Accounts Payable Manager

FutureFinances Co.

March 2018 - February 2019

  • Introduced an automated invoice tracking system.
  • Developed a dynamic dashboard for real-time financial monitoring.
  • Initiated a paperless billing system, saving $5,000 annually.

Leadership-focused

Leadership experiences can exhibit your ability to guide and manage teams.

Work Experience

Team Lead, Accounts Payable

PrimeCash Solutions

September 2015 - October 2017

  • Led a team of 10 accountants, focusing on continuous improvement.
  • Coached team members, resulting in a 20% increase in overall efficiency.
  • Implemented monthly workshops to enhance team skills.

Customer-focused

Showcasing customer service highlights your dedication to vendor satisfaction.

Work Experience

Vendor Relations Specialist

TrustPay Corp.

April 2019 - March 2020

  • Resolved vendor issues within 24 hours, improving satisfaction by 30%.
  • Enhanced vendor communication channels, reducing misunderstandings.
  • Managed vendor onboarding process, increasing efficiency by 20%.

Growth-focused

Highlighting your role in growth demonstrates your strategic mindset.

Work Experience

Accounts Payable Analyst

ExpandFinance Inc.

June 2016 - May 2018

  • Identified opportunities for cost reductions, aiding in a 15% expense cut.
  • Expanded vendor base by 10%, providing more reliable services.
  • Developed new reporting methods, enhancing financial analysis.

Efficiency-focused

Focusing on efficiency improvements showcases your ability to optimize processes.

Work Experience

Accounts Payable Coordinator

FinEfficient Solutions

May 2018 - Present

  • Cut down invoice processing time by 30% through workflow optimization.
  • Reduced errors by implementing a double-check system.
  • Streamlined payment approval, improving payment timeliness by 25%.

Technology-focused

Technology expertise can make you stand out in today's digital workspaces.

Work Experience

Accounts Payable Specialist

TechPay Innovate

July 2017 - June 2019

  • Integrated cutting-edge AP software, enhancing process automation by 40%.
  • Conducted training on new tech tools, boosting team proficiency.
  • Implemented electronic invoicing, reducing paperwork and errors.

Collaboration-focused

Highlighting collaboration shows you work well with others, a key team trait.

Work Experience

Accounts Payable Associate

CoWork Financial Services

April 2016 - March 2017

  • Worked closely with procurement to streamline the purchase order process.
  • Collaborated with finance to reconcile accounts, improving accuracy.
  • Coordinated with IT to resolve system issues swiftly.

Training and Development focused

Detailing training and development highlights your ability to grow and mentor others.

Work Experience

Accounts Payable Trainer

EduPay Solutions Inc.

January 2020 - Present

  • Developed comprehensive training manuals for new hires.
  • Conducted bi-weekly workshops to enhance team skills.
  • Mentored junior accountants, resulting in a 15% rise in overall team performance.

Write your accounts payable accountant resume summary section

Writing your resume summary as an accounts payable accountant means highlighting your best skills, experience, and what makes you different. The summary should be clear and concise. Focus on what you do best. Explain how you've helped companies in the past.

One way to describe yourself is by emphasizing your skills and achievements. Use numbers if you can. For example, mention how many accounts you've handled or how much money you've managed. This shows what you can do and gives real-world proof.

A resume summary tells what you’ve done and who you are. A resume objective, on the other hand, tells what you want to do. An objective states your career goals. A resume profile is a mix of a summary and objective. It gives a bit of your past and a bit of your future. A summary of qualifications is a list of your key skills. It’s like a bullet-point list of what you bring to the table.

Example 1:

SUMMARY
I am an accounts payable accountant with lots of experience. I have worked at many companies and have handled many tasks. I am very good at my job and can work well with others.

This is not a good resume summary. It's too vague and lacks specific details. It doesn't tell what makes you special or how you can add value to the company.

Example 2:

SUMMARY
Detail-oriented accounts payable accountant with 5+ years of experience. Managed over $1 million in accounts and reduced invoice processing time by 20%. Skilled in QuickBooks and Excel. Proven track record of improving financial accuracy and efficiency.

This is a strong resume summary. It gives specific numbers and skills. It shows real achievements and how you’ve made a difference. The details make you stand out and show exactly what you offer.

Writing a good resume summary makes you more likely to get noticed. Keep it short, clear, and full of relevant facts. This will make your resume shine.

Listing your accounts payable accountant skills on your resume

When crafting your accounts payable accountant resume, the skills section can be designed to stand alone or be integrated into your experience and summary sections. Strengths and soft skills highlight your interpersonal abilities, such as communication and teamwork. Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities like proficiency in accounting software or financial analysis.

Your skills and strengths also act as resume keywords that recruiters and systems scan for. Including these keywords can help make your resume stand out in the selection process.

Skills
Accounts Payable Processes, Invoice Management, Vendor Relations, Financial Reporting, Data Entry, Reconciliation, ERP Systems, Time Management

This example skills section is effective because it lists relevant skills without being too wordy. Each skill is precise, showing what you bring to the table as an accounts payable accountant. Skills like "Accounts Payable Processes" and "Vendor Relations" show your core competencies. By including "ERP Systems" and "Data Entry," you demonstrate technical proficiency. This focused approach helps recruiters quickly identify your strengths.

Best hard skills to feature on your accounts payable accountant resume

Accounts payable accountants need specific hard skills to excel. These skills should underline your expertise in managing financial transactions and using accounting software. Highlight these to show your capability in maintaining accurate financial records.

Hard Skills

  • Accounts Payable Processes
  • Invoice Management
  • Financial Reporting
  • Reconciliation
  • Data Entry
  • Vendor Relations
  • ERP Systems
  • General Ledger Accounting
  • Budgeting
  • Financial Analysis
  • Compliance with Financial Regulations
  • Payment Processing
  • Purchase Order Management
  • Spreadsheet Proficiency
  • Auditing Skills

Best soft skills to feature on your accounts payable accountant resume

Soft skills are just as crucial as hard skills. They showcase your ability to work well with others and manage your workload efficiently. Highlighting these skills can make you a desirable candidate for hiring managers.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication Skills
  • Time Management
  • Problem-Solving
  • Team Collaboration
  • Adaptability
  • Organizational Skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Customer Service Orientation
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Stress Management
  • Multitasking Ability
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Proactive Attitude
  • Confidentiality and Integrity

How to include your education on your resume

An education section is an important part of your accounts payable accountant resume. It showcases your academic background, which can be critical to securing the job. This section should be tailored to the job you're applying for—only include relevant education. If a degree or coursework doesn't relate to the job, leave it out.

Including your GPA can be beneficial, especially if it's above 3.5, as it demonstrates your academic excellence. If you graduated with honors, such as cum laude, this should also be included to highlight your achievements. Listing your degree accurately is essential; include the degree name, institution, and the dates attended.

Here’s a bad example of an education section:

Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Some Art School
New York, NY

This example is inadequate because it includes an irrelevant degree, a low GPA, and unnecessary details like location. These mistakes make the candidate seem unqualified for an accounts payable accountant position.

Here’s a better example of an education section:

Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Cum Laude
University of Illinois
GPA
3.75
/
4.0

This example is strong because it highlights a relevant degree, showcases academic success with a high GPA, and honors distinction. This format makes you appear well-qualified and prepared for an accounts payable accountant role.

How to include accounts payable accountant certificates on your resume

Including a certificates section on your accounts payable accountant resume can significantly boost your chances of landing a job. Certificates not only demonstrate your expertise but also show your commitment to ongoing professional development. You can list the name of each certificate, include the date you received it, and add the issuing organization for clarity.

You should consider including the certificates section in the header if you have high-value certificates that you want to highlight immediately. For example:

Certifications
Certified Accounts Payable Professional
Institute of Finance & Management (IOFM)

A well-structured certificates section might look like this: [here was the JSON object 2]

This example is strong because it includes relevant certifications for the position of an accounts payable accountant. The titles are specific and easily recognizable within the industry, which adds credibility. Moreover, mentioning the issuing organizations makes the certificates more trustworthy to potential employers.

Extra sections to include in your accounts payable accountant resume

Crafting a compelling resume as an accounts payable accountant involves carefully curating various sections to highlight your diverse skills and experiences. Each section can add a unique dimension to your overall story, providing a well-rounded view of who you are both professionally and personally.

  • Language section — Specify your proficiency in relevant languages to show your ability to work in multicultural environments. This can set you apart, especially if the company operates globally.

  • Hobbies and interests section — Highlight hobbies like chess or reading financial journals to show analytical thinking. Mentioning personal interests can make you more relatable to the hiring manager.

  • Volunteer work section — Note any volunteer financial work, such as managing budgets for non-profits. This demonstrates your willingness to use your skills for the greater good.

  • Books section — List books on finance or accounting, like "Accounting Made Simple" by Mike Piper, to show continuous learning. It reflects your commitment to staying updated in your field.

Combining these sections nicely ties your professional skills with personal attributes, making your resume stand out. Adding language skills, hobbies, volunteer work, and books can offer a fuller picture of your capabilities and interests. You'll appear not just as a qualified professional, but as a multi-faceted individual.

Pair your accounts payable accountant resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. It introduces you to the employer and highlights your relevant experiences, skills, and achievements. This personalized letter helps the hiring manager understand why you are the best fit for the position.

For an accounts payable accountant, your cover letter should emphasize your attention to detail, organizational skills, and experience with bookkeeping software. Mention any specific experiences handling large volumes of invoices, reconciling accounts, and ensuring timely payments. Detailing these helps demonstrate your ability to manage financial tasks accurately and efficiently.

Ready to create your cover letter? Resume Mentor's cover letter builder makes it easy to craft a professional letter in just a few steps. Exporting to PDF helps protect your content and formatting, ensuring your letter looks polished on any device. Start today and showcase your qualifications with confidence!

Chloe Martinez

Dallas, Texas

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@resumementor.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

Having followed [Company’s Name] for some time, I've always admired your commitment to innovation and excellence. Joining your team as an Accounts Payable Accountant aligns perfectly with my professional goals and passion for enhancing financial operations.

One of my key accomplishments was leading a team of five at H-E-B, where I implemented a new invoice approval workflow in Chrome River that resulted in a 25% increase in approval speed. This not only minimized late payment penalties but also improved the overall efficiency of our payment processing system.

I would welcome the opportunity to bring my skills in financial analysis, reconciliation, and process optimization to [Company’s Name]. I look forward to discussing how my background, skills, and certifications can contribute to the continued success of your team. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.

Thank you for considering my application.

Kind regards,

Chloe Martinez

Accounts Payable Accountant
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