Accounts Payable (A/P) Administrator

Accounts payable (A or P) administrators are responsible for the daily management of staff in the accounting department for a business. Their staff members can include accounts payable clerks and bookkeepers. They ensure the accuracy and timeliness of processes and payments. They are also responsible for ensuring compliance with federal and state government requirements. At times, they serve as a liaison for outside vendors, corresponding with them and responding to their inquiries.

Accounts payable managers prepare annual reporting and daily, weekly and monthly analysis and reconciliations. They may have to resolve discrepancies where they exist. They work closely with the purchasing departments, management, and the accounting departments they oversee. They typically work in an office environment on a normal Monday through Friday work week with standard business hours. They may, however, be required to work additional hours during peak accounting times, such as the end of year and tax seasons.

Accounts payable administrators may work in a wide variety of industries: They can be employed in the public or private sector, across all areas of government, as well as large and small private companies. Typically these companies require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or a related field for an accounts payable manager. Several years of work experience is also usually required. Aside from those requirements, accounts payable administrators need to have a strong basis and understanding of accounting concepts, an advanced aptitude in spreadsheet software and excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

As an Accounts Payable A/P Administrator with 0-3 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

• Process and verify invoices, ensuring accuracy and adherence to company policies and procedures. Review and match invoices with purchase orders and receipts, resolving any discrepancies.
• Maintain vendor accounts, including reconciling statements, processing payments, and resolving payment discrepancies. Communicate with vendors to clarify invoice details and resolve payment issues.
• Assist with month-end closing processes, including reconciling accounts payable transactions and preparing reports. Collaborate with the finance team to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Support internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and explanations.

For an Accounts Payable (A/P) Administrator, the following qualifications are required:

• Proficient knowledge of accounting principles and practices to accurately process invoices, expense reports, and payments.
• Attention to detail and strong numerical abilities to ensure accuracy in data entry and reconciliation of accounts.
• Familiarity with accounting software (eg, QuickBooks, SAP) and proficiency in using spreadsheets for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify and resolve discrepancies, including investigating and reconciling vendor statements and invoices.

The role of an Accounts Payable A/P Administrator is crucial for efficient financial operations. With 0-3 years of experience in Australia, here are four alternative roles to consider:

• Junior Accountant: A position that involves assisting in financial recordkeeping, data entry, and basic bookkeeping tasks.
• Payroll Administrator: A role focused on managing employee payroll, including processing timesheets, calculating wages, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
• Billing Coordinator: A position that involves generating and managing customer invoices, tracking payments, and resolving billing discrepancies.
• Accounts Receivable Clerk: A role focused on managing incoming payments, reconciling customer accounts, and following up on outstanding invoices.

According to the latest data available with Google, the growth of the Accounts Payable (A/P) Administrator role in the Australian market is projected to be steady over the next 10 years. With increasing emphasis on financial management and compliance, the demand for A/P Administrators is expected to remain strong. This trend is supported by the rising number of job opportunities within the field, with several employment opportunities anticipated to be available in the future.