Career Paths for Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Roles

Updated on January 16, 2025

Accounts receivable (AR) and accounts payable (AP) roles are essential to maintaining an organization's financial health. These positions offer opportunities for growth, whether you're just starting in the accounting field or looking to advance your career. In this guide, we explore what AR and AP roles entail, the qualifications needed, and the potential career paths available to help you achieve your professional goals.

What Are Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Jobs?

Accounts receivable (AR) are funds that a customer or client has not yet paid the provider of a good or service. Accounts payable (AP) are funds owed to the vendor or provider of a good or service that has not yet been paid for. Maintaining consistent documentation of AR and AP allows you to uphold an organization that is financially healthy and sound. This responsibility falls to those who hold AR/AP roles at every level. Read on to learn more about the different career paths suited to AR/AP professionals.

Accounts Receivable/ Accounts Payable Specialist

Accounts receivable/accounts payable specialists are responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring timely processing of invoices, payments, and outstanding balances. They play a crucial role in upholding the financial health of an organization by ensuring cash flow is managed effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Accounts Receivable (AR): Managing incoming payments, generating invoices, and following up with clients or customers to resolve overdue accounts. AR specialists ensure the organization receives payments for goods and services rendered.


• Accounts Payable (AP): Verifying and processing payments to vendors, reconciling purchase orders, and ensuring all expenses are paid on time to maintain positive vendor relationships.

Required Education and Skills

To succeed as an accounts receivable/accounts payable specialist, a strong educational background and specific skill set are essential. At a minimum, candidates should have an associate degree in accounting, billing, or a related field. However, a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business is highly preferred for more advanced roles. Additionally, certifications such as the Certified Accounts Payable Associate (CAPA) or Certified Accounts Receivable Specialist (CARS) can significantly enhance job prospects and demonstrate expertise in the field.

Key skills for this role include strong organizational and analytical abilities to manage multiple financial records and transactions efficiently. Proficiency in accounting software, such as QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle, is also critical to streamline financial processes. Lastly, a detail-oriented mindset is vital for identifying and correcting errors or discrepancies, ensuring financial accuracy and compliance.

Career Growth

Entry-level specialists often begin their careers by learning standard procedures and gradually take on more responsibilities. With experience, they can progress into supervisory roles or specialize in specific industries like healthcare, retail, or technology, where AR/AP functions may involve unique challenges.

Accounts Receivable/ Accounts Payable Manager

Accounts receivable/accounts payable managers oversee the financial processes and teams responsible for AR and AP. They ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in financial operations while leading and developing their team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervision: Managing a team of AR/AP specialists, providing training, and ensuring all financial transactions are recorded accurately.


• Compliance: Ensuring all processes align with organizational policies and external regulations, such as GAAP or IFRS.


• Strategic Planning: Analyzing financial data to identify trends, improve cash flow, and develop strategies to optimize the AR/AP process.


• Problem Solving: Handling escalated issues, such as disputes with vendors or late payments from clients.

Required Education and Skills

A strong educational background and a well-rounded skill set are essential for success as an accounts receivable/accounts payable manager. A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business is a minimum requirement for this role, providing the foundational knowledge needed to oversee financial operations. For those looking to gain a competitive edge, advanced degrees such as a master’s in accounting or an MBA can open doors to higher-level opportunities and leadership positions.

In addition to education, key skills are crucial for excelling in this role. Leadership and interpersonal abilities are vital for motivating and effectively managing teams, ensuring productivity and collaboration. Advanced proficiency in financial reporting and analysis tools, such as Excel, Tableau, or SAP, enables managers to identify trends and make data-driven decisions. Furthermore, excellent negotiation and conflict-resolution skills are essential for maintaining positive vendor and client relationships, addressing disputes, and ensuring smooth financial processes.

Career Growth

AR/AP managers often progress to senior management roles, such as Finance Manager, Controller, or even Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Success in these roles requires a combination of technical expertise and the ability to drive strategic financial decisions within an organization.

Your Accounts Receivable/ Accounts Payable Career Journey

An AR/AP role calls for a dedicated accounting professional committed to monitoring company finances with integrity and diligence. Although a finance-based educational background is preferred, a highly dedicated individual with transferable skills from previous roles is not to be counted out. If you’re interested in pursuing an accounts receivable/accounts payable career, contact an Aston Carter recruiter today.

*Originally published on January 23, 2025