Accounts Payable Job Description

Accounting is a vast field and there are many tasks that are required to carry out complex transactions in detail. One of the most important sections that is required to be present in the company is the accounts and finance department. And in this department, the accounts payable clerk and manager are two important accounting jobs. The term 'accounts payable' is normally used to describe the payments and debts that are yet to be paid to the creditors. Professionals involved in accounts payable can also be referred to as bookkeeping executives.

Accounts Payable Clerk

An accounts payable clerk is a person who is handed over the responsibility to look after every detail and record of the payments that are due to be made to creditors. He has to maintain a record of all the business debts and payments to be made for the services availed from other corporate entities. For bookkeeping, he has to be well versed in using suitable accounting software. The records of the payments are approved by the accounts payable manager, and then the payments are made using checks or online transactions. In addition, he has to record the expenses for tax payment purposes.

Salary Range

Classification by Experience
Freshers: $29,000 to $39,000
1 - 4 years: $30,000 to $40,000
5 - 9 years: $31,000 to $42,000
10 - 19 years: $33,000 to $43,000

Classification by State
New Jersey: $31,000 to $39,000
Illinois: $29,000 to $39,000
New York: $31,000 to $42,000
California: $31,000 to $43,000

Classification by Employer
Company: $29,000 to $38,000
Non Profit Organization: $26,000 to $37,000
Private Firm: $31,000 to $42,000
Foundation or Trust: $30,000 to $55,000

Accounts Payable Manager

An accounts payable manager has to supervise all aspects of the finance department which relate to paying of dues and unpaid expenses. He has to review and assess important expenses and corporate debt and then approve the payment. An accounts payable manager has to make sure that all the firm's invoices are handled in a proper manner. He may have to consult with other practices from the organization regarding executing financial transactions and payments. He is also responsible for the recruitment of new joinees in the accounting department and providing employee training about the tasks required to be carried out. He has to resolve issues with the vendors and creditors regarding the payments to be made.

Salary Range

Classification by Experience
Freshers: $29,000 to $54,000
1 - 4 years: $34,000 to $48,000
5 - 9 years: $37,000 to $56,000
10 - 19 years: $40,000 to $63,000

Classification by State
Virginia: $36,000 to $64,000
Illinois: $37,000 to $62,000
New York: $46,000 to $71,000
California: $44,000 to $65,000

Classification by Employer
Company: $38,000 to $59,000
Non Profit Organization: $34,000 to $52,000
Private Firm: $39,000 to $60,000
Foundation or Trust: $44,000 to $66,000

By now you might have understood that the duties of an accounts payable clerk and a manager are to ensure that the debt settlement is being made on a timely basis. Note that the above mentioned accounts payable salary ranges are approximate figures and may change as per financial conditions.