Accounts Payable Resume Example
Pursuing a career as an accounts payable specialist provides opportunities for career progression and responsibilities involving managing AP records and processing vendor invoices. A professional resume for accounts payable specialist applications will showcase your relevant skills and career achievements, to help you stand out from the crowd. In this article, we'll discuss how to create an accounts payable resume that catches the eye of employers, with tips and examples to help you write your own.
After reading this article, you'll feel confident creating an accounts payable resume that effectively showcases your relevant skills and experience. You'll learn how to show employers you've got the relevant qualities, skills and experience for the job, all presented in a format that employers prefer to see. The article also includes tips for formatting your resume according to your experience and strengths. Continue reading to find expert tips and advice from Jobseeker that will help you with your accounts payable resume.
What to include in an accounts payable resume
The key sections to include in an accounts payable resume are similar to those for any role or profession. If you're lacking relevant work experience, you might choose to add sections that showcase your skill set earlier than in a traditional resume layout. These sections might include projects, education, hobbies and interests, skills and other optional sections.
You will have some choice over your resume layout and structure, but be sure to include these sections as the core of your document:
Header and Personal Information
The resume header is the place to add your name and contact details, along with your LinkedIn URL if you have a profile, so employers can find more information about your career journey and skills. You don't typically need to add a photo, or any other personal information to this section. Create a clear, well-structured header that acts as the headline of your resume. Use color accents and blocks to help this section stand out and catch the eye of the reader.
Make sure the email address you list in your header is professional-looking and doesn't contain any inappropriate content such as nicknames or unsuitable language. Opt for an email address based on your name or profession, or a combination of both. Finally, check your contact details before sending your resume, to ensure everything's up-to-date.
Sarah Roberts
sarah.roberts@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA
linkedin․com/in/sarah–roberts123
Resume Objective
Following your resume header, write a resume summary to introduce yourself and showcase some of your key skills and achievements. Alternative names for this section are 'resume objective' and 'personal profile'. While a resume summary focuses on your career experience, a resume objective covers your ambitions and career plans. Furthermore, when writing your profile, focus on two or three key skills and achievements that showcase your suitability for accounts payable specialist roles.
Alternatively, use this section to emphasize your career objectives and explain how and why this role is a suitable step for you at this stage of your career.
A strong resume summary focuses on two or three key skills and achievements that showcase your suitability for accounts payable specialist roles in a clear, quantifiable way. It also gives an insight into your personal qualities, to help the reader understand why you're a suitable candidate. The graphic below showcases some good examples of what to include in your accounts payable resume summary.
Detail-oriented Accounts Payable Specialist with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and extensive experience as an Accounts Payable Analyst. Proficient in managing high-volume invoice processing, vendor relationship management, and ensuring compliance with financial policies. Demonstrated ability to streamline accounts payable processes, enhance accuracy, and improve efficiency. Skilled in utilizing accounting software and ERP systems to maintain accurate financial records and support organizational financial goals
Accounts person with a degree in accounting and some time spent in handling payments. Worked with a lot of bills and talked to vendors. Tried to follow rules and make things run smoother. Used some software to keep track of money stuff and help the company with its financial goals
Conversely, an ineffective resume summary would include generic, unspecific information on your skills and experience, while failing to provide any useful information on what makes you a unique and interesting candidate. The graphic above shows some of the pitfalls to avoid when creating your resume summary.
Skills
The skills section is one of the main ways to show employers you've got the skills required for accounts payable specialist roles. Whether your skills include ERP software proficiency, problem-solving abilities or any other useful skills for the role, you'll want to list them here. Again, refer to the job description and make sure you include skills that the employer has listed as essential or desirable for employment as an accounts payable specialist.
How to list hard skills on your accounts payable resume
For your hard skills list, include any technical abilities or specific industry knowledge that's essential to working as an accounts payable specialist. These could be skills gained through work experience or qualifications. Furthermore, your list of hard skills provides a strong indication to the reader of your expertise in accounts payable specialist roles, and how well you'll fit into the position. Aim to include four or five key hard skills. If you have space, explain how and where you've used that skill to create successful outcomes in your career. These skills will demonstrate your credentials and show how you meet the job description.
For an effective resume hard skills section, focus on the technical skills that are most essential in the job description, and that match your specific expertise. Some examples of the best hard skills for an accounts payable resume are listed below.
- Invoice processing expertise
- ERP software proficiency
- Accounts reconciliation accuracy
Listing soft skills on your accounts payable resume
Soft skills are the personal skills and qualities that make you a good fit for the job. They include transferable skills and strengths that help you settle into the role, adapt to new challenges and build effective working relationships. Indeed, as the nature of work changes, soft skills are growing in importance, so make sure you include them in your resume. It's best to aim for four or five soft skills that match the job description and reflect your strongest personal qualities.
An effective accounts payable resume soft skills section should be targeted to include skills that reflect your personality and unique characteristics, while also matching the job description. The graphic below includes some examples of good resume soft skills.
- Attention to detail
- Time management skills
- Problem-solving abilities
Education
The education section provides space to list your highest and most recent academic achievements that are relevant to working as an accounts payable specialist.
Opportunities as an accounts payable specialist and similar roles in the sector usually require a specialist degree. If you have a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree, be sure to mention this in your resume. You might also want to list any qualifications that highlight your MS Excel proficiency or invoice processing expertise.
For each entry in this section, add the name and level of your qualification, the institution you studied at, its location and your dates of study. You can also add some bullet points outlining any high grades, awards you won or specialist subjects you studied. Adding this information will show the employer your dedication to learning and your areas of specialist knowledge.
If you organized or participated in any clubs or societies while at university, or you took part in any voluntary work, you could also mention these here.
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, 2017 - 2020
Columbia University, New York, NY
Certifications and Training
Under this section, list any relevant certifications or licenses that are relevant to accounts payable specialist jobs. Add any official certifications or accreditations that increase your level of qualification and suitability for working as an accounts payable specialist. Therefore, list any official licenses and certifications, along with their dates, so employers can assess whether you've got the necessary qualifications to work as an accounts payable specialist.
Review the list below for some suitable certifications for an accounts payable resume:
- CPA Certification, 2022
- CMA Certification, 2022
- CAPP Certification, 2022
Work Experience
Under your work experience section, add any jobs you've had in the past that are relevant to the position of an accounts payable specialist. Include any relevant jobs you've held in reverse-chronological order. Start with your current or most recent roles and work back through previous roles. For each job, list your title, the name of the company, its location and the dates you worked there.
Add some bullet points under each job entry, explaining your achievements in the role, so the reader can see how you contributed towards success for the company. Provide evidence of your impact and make sure each point addresses a requirement listed in the job description.
A good work experience section pulls the reader in with clear examples of where you've put the skills necessary for the job into good use in your career to date. This typically includes evidence of how your skills and activities contributed to positive outcomes for the organization. Review some strong examples of resume work experience sections in the graphic below.
Accounts Payable Analyst, January 2022 - Present
SurePay Solutions, Inc, Winston-Salem
- Streamlined invoice processing, reducing average approval time from 10 days to 2 days, enhancing vendor relationships and cash flow
- Implemented automated payment system, decreasing manual errors by 85% and saving the company $50,000 annually in processing costs
- Successfully reconciled $2 million in outstanding vendor accounts, improving financial accuracy and reducing overdue payables by 40%
Accounts Payable Analyst, January 2022 - Present
SurePay Solutions, Inc, Winston-Salem
- Managed invoice processing tasks to improve efficiency and vendor relations
- Implemented systems to reduce errors and save costs
- Reconciled vendor accounts to enhance financial accuracy and reduce payables
In the graphic above you can see a great example of what to avoid when writing your resume work experience section. Poor examples of resume work experience sections tend to be vague and fail to quantify your achievements and the impact you've made in your career to date. They may also focus on responsibilities above relevant skills and how you've used them.
Jobseeker Tip:
Focus on specific accomplishments that highlight your work ethic and reliability, such as "reduced processing time by 15%" or "earned Employee of the Month twice." (1) Pair this with a simple, clean format that ensures your resume looks professional and approachable. (2)
Additional Information
As well as the main sections of an accounts payable specialist resume, optional sections can help you prove your credentials to employers. Pick from the optional sections below to help show the employer you have the skills and experience for the job.
Hobbies and Interests
Including your hobbies and interests can be a valuable way of showing your key skills and qualities. They also help to show a different side of your personality, and can help your resume create a more memorable impression on hiring managers. If you're short on real world work experience, hobbies and interests can be a useful way of providing more information about your qualities. Just make sure any hobbies and interests you include in your resume add genuine insight into your personality, in ways other sections of the resume can't.
Volunteer Experience
This section can be valuable for an accounts payable specialist resume, if you've done any voluntary work that showcases your relevant skills. Add your volunteer job title or role, the name of the organization, its location and the dates you were involved.
References
Standard accounts payable specialist resumes don't tend to include references, but you might find them requested occasionally. Check the job advert to see if you'll need to add references to your resume. Add two or three professional references, and be sure to approach each referee before you include them.
References can be provided upon request.
Best action words for your accounts payable resume
Action words can help illustrate to the hiring manager the difference you made in each of your previous jobs. Choose verbs from the suggestions below that highlight your key skills or those mentioned in the job description.
- Processed
- Reconciled
- Audited
- Managed
- Verified
- Documented
- Allocated
- Analyzed
- Prepared
- Implemented
For help creating an eye-catching resume design to catch the attention of hiring managers, see Jobseeker's professional resume layouts. You can also use our clear, effective cover letter templates to complete your application.
Example of an accounts payable resume
The accounts payable resume example below incorporates all the information from above into a full-designed resume template, so you can see how a final resume will look:
1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA
•
sarah.roberts@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/sarah–roberts123
Detail-oriented Accounts Payable Specialist with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and extensive experience as an Accounts Payable Analyst. Proven track record in managing vendor relationships, processing invoices, and ensuring timely payments while maintaining accuracy and compliance with financial regulations. Skilled in utilizing accounting software, conducting reconciliations, and streamlining accounts payable processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Strong analytical abilities and a commitment to maintaining financial integrity.
Accounts Payable Analyst
2020
-2022
FinBalance Solutions Inc (Milwaukee)
- Streamlined invoice processing, reducing cycle time by 30% and improving accuracy through automated workflow implementation
- Reconciled and resolved $500K in outstanding vendor disputes, improving vendor relationships and preventing late payment penalties
- Developed and executed a cost-saving initiative, resulting in a 15% reduction in annual operational expenses
Invoice processing expertise
ERP software proficiency
Accounts reconciliation accuracy
Attention to detail
Time management skills
Problem-solving abilities
CPA Certification
CMA Certification
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Best practices for an accounts payable resume
- Tailor your resume for each application you send. Review the job description and adapt the content to reflect the specific requirements, including key skills and experience.
- Quantify your career achievements by including evidence of your impact throughout your resume.
- Review your resume thoroughly and correct any errors before sending it, to avoid unnecessary harm to your chances.
- Use a clear resume format with professional elements, including suitable headings, line spacing, fonts and margins, to make your resume as readable as possible for hiring managers.
- Keep your accounts payable resume as brief as possible. A single page is ideal for junior applicants, while two sides is acceptable for senior jobs.
- Don't lie or exaggerate any information on your accounts payable resume, as this can cause you problems further down the line.
- Don't use passive language because it can switch off the reader. Adapt phrases like 'the work was completed' to 'I completed the work'.
- Don't use jargon or acronyms that can make your accounts payable resume more difficult to read.
- Don't write any unnecessary personal details on your resume. Details such as age, gender or nationality can lead to unintentional recruitment bias.
- Don't forget to keep your contact information up to date, to ensure the employer can contact you if necessary.
How to make your resume ATS compliant
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are increasingly taking responsibility for the management and processing of job applications, helping hiring practices to become more efficient. This can include screening resumes by scanning and ranking each application according to how closely it matches the job description. When you're writing your accounts payable resume, there are several things you can do to make sure your resume stands the best chance of passing the ATS stage.
Here a some simple tips to follow for an ATS-friendly resume:
- Use a traditional resume layout, such as a reverse-chronological or functional format. This will mean your resume includes all the necessary sections, in the expected order.
- Use keywords throughout your resume that reflect the job description, so ATS resume scanners can recognize a strong connection between your skills, and those in the job description.
- Include clear headings that make it easy to identify each section of your resume. This will help any ATS software navigate your resume during the scanning process.
- Use design elements that help make your resume more readable. These might include white space, clear, professional fonts and subtle color accents to help certain elements stand out.
- Use concise language to keep the length of your resume to between one and two pages. This will make it easier to scan for ATS applications.
If you need help creating a professional resume, take a look at our expert career articles and variety of resume examples created by careers experts.
An accounts payable resume FAQs
After writing your accounts payable resume, you'll want to write an accompanying cover letter that helps your application stand out.
In some situations, a full, professional cover letter may not be necessary. Check the job advert and decide whether to write a formal cover letter, or if a brief email is more suitable.
If you choose to write a full cover letter, follow traditional letter-writing conventions surrounding greetings, sign-offs and use of professional language. The body of the cover letter tends to be three paragraphs. The first introduces yourself and the role you're applying for, giving reasons for your application. The second briefly covers your key skills and achievements that are most relevant to accounts payable specialist roles. Finally, the third paragraph re-emphasizes your interest in the role and leaves a call to action, encouraging the employer to reach out to you.
If you want to impress employers with a professional cover letter, use Jobseeker's simple and beautiful cover letter templates.
For an experienced accounts payable specialist, the resume is an account of your achievements and the skills you've gained through your career. As an experienced accounts payable specialist candidate, you'll want your resume to highlight your relevant work history. As such, consider going further back than the standard 10 to 15 years with your employment history. Add any optional sections that reinforce your image as a knowledgeable, respected professional in your field. This might include awards and other recognition, successful projects or a dedicated achievements section.
Use a resume headline to make it easy for the reader to start assessing your suitability for accounts payable specialist positions at first glance. Resume headlines are also helpful for the ATS stage of the recruitment process, as they can help you reference the job title and one or two keywords for the role. Write a concise headline including the job title, a reference to your experience or track record and one or two key skills.
See below for an example of a well-constructed resume headline:
- Aspiring Accounts Payable Specialist
- Detail-Oriented Accounts Payable Specialist
- Experienced Senior Accounts Payable Specialist
The best format for your resume depends on two key factors. Firstly, the amount of relevant work experience you have. Secondly, the type of role and its level of seniority. For entry-level roles, or situations where you're changing to a new career, a functional resume is often the best option. This places your skills and education above your work experience. If, however, you have relevant work experience in the industry, it's typically best to use a reverse chronological resume format. This highlights your achievements in work, which is probably the most important factor for hiring managers to consider.
Takeaways for your accounts payable resume
Writing a strong, impactful resume is about using your experience to demonstrate your relevant skills and achievements. You can do this through your work history or other resume sections. Use a suitable resume format and tailor your resume for every application you submit.
Jobseeker has a wealth of resume tools, including resume templates and examples, to help you create a winning job application. Sign up today to get started. Jobseeker's expert-designed cover letter generator can help your applications make a strong first impression on hiring managers. Find detailed cover letter examples to complement your resume and get your application noticed.
Sources:
(1) Writing a Resume, California Department of Human Resources: https://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/Pages/resume-tips.aspx
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
