Accounts Payable Specialist Job Description and Role Overview

An Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for accurate processing of supplier invoices, timely supplier payments and maintenance of vendor records. Candidates with practical accounting experience, strong numerical accuracy and a methodical approach to reconciliations and invoice control should apply.

Accounts Payable Specialist Job Profile

The Accounts Payable Specialist manages the end to end accounts payable cycle to ensure liabilities are recorded correctly and payments are made on time. The role supports financial control and cash management by maintaining accurate transaction records, resolving supplier queries and supporting month end activities.

This position requires close collaboration with procurement, finance and operations teams to enforce payment terms, apply correct cost coding and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. The Specialist contributes to process improvements and supports audit readiness.

Accounts Payable Specialist Job Description

In this role you will process and verify supplier invoices, match invoices to purchase orders and goods receipts where applicable, and prepare payment runs in accordance with agreed schedules. You will be expected to apply consistent accounting treatments, post transactions to the ledger and maintain supporting documentation for each transaction.

The role operates within a control environment that requires adherence to approval workflows, segregation of duties and accurate record keeping. You will handle supplier enquiries, investigate discrepancies, and escalate complex issues to senior finance staff while maintaining clear communication and timely resolution.

Regular responsibilities include month end activity such as accruals, reconciliations and reporting to support the close process. The Accounts Payable Specialist will also assist with audit requests, assist in supplier onboarding checks and contribute to initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce errors.

Accounts Payable Specialist: Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive, validate and code supplier invoices for payment processing.
• Match invoices to purchase orders and goods receipts and perform three way matching where required.
• Prepare and execute scheduled payment runs and manage payment priorities.
• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve outstanding items with vendors.
• Post accounts payable transactions to the general ledger and maintain accurate vendor accounts.
• Prepare month end accruals and support the finance close process with timely reconciliations.
• Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies, short payments and credit notes.
• Support supplier onboarding by verifying documentation and maintaining vendor master data.
• Respond to supplier enquiries and provide clear communication on payment status and remittance information.
• Maintain filing and document retention in line with internal control requirements.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests and provide required documentation.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and contribute to control enhancement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with tax and regulatory requirements relevant to payable transactions.
• Collaborate with procurement and operational teams to resolve invoice disputes and improve accuracy.

Accounts Payable Specialist: Requirements and Qualifications

• Part qualified or certified in accounting, bookkeeping or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of two years practical experience in accounts payable or a similar finance role.
• Good understanding of basic accounting principles and invoice lifecycle.
• Proven experience with reconciliations and month end accounting tasks.
• Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to liaise with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential financial information.
• Familiarity with supplier onboarding, vendor master data maintenance and invoice controls.
• Ability to analyse discrepancies and apply logical problem solving to resolve issues.
• Competence in preparing accruals and supporting month end close procedures.
• Willingness to support process improvement and standardisation activities across the team.
• Attention to compliance with tax and regulatory requirements relevant to payables.