Accounts Payable Supervisor Resume Guide
Accounts payable supervisors oversee the work of accounts payable clerks and ensure that invoices are paid in a timely manner. They may also reconcile accounts, resolve discrepancies, and prepare reports.
You have years of experience in accounts payable, and you’re ready to take on a supervisory role. But your resume isn’t reflecting your vast knowledge and expertise. To get the attention of hiring managers, you need to write a resume that demonstrates your abilities.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch accounts payable supervisor resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.
Table of Contents
The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.
Accounts Payable Supervisor Resume Sample
Susana Will
Accounts Payable Supervisor
[email protected]
219-943-7383
linkedin.com/in/susana-will
Summary
Driven accounts payable supervisor with more than 8 years of experience in accounts payable and receivable, as well as management. Experienced in working with high-volume invoices and managing a team of up to 10 people. In previous roles, increased efficiency by developing new processes and procedures that streamlined the AP process by 15%. Seeking to leverage my skills and experience to grow with ABC Corporation as your next accounts payable supervisor.
Experience
Accounts Payable Supervisor, Company ABC
Honolulu, Jan 2018 – Present
- Efficiently processed an average of 500 invoices per week, ensuring that all vendor payments were up to date.
- Improved the efficiency of the Accounts Payable department by streamlining invoice processing procedures and implementing a new electronic filing system.
- Resolved a dispute with a major supplier that had resulted in a $10,000 overpayment; negotiated a refund on behalf of the company.
- Fired two employees for falsifying expense reports; saved the company over $5,000 in fraudulent expenses.
- Advised senior management on potential cost-saving measures that could be implemented within the Accounts Payable department.
Accounts Payable Supervisor, Company XYZ
Anchorage, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017
- Resourcefully led a team of 4 accountants and 2 clerks in processing an average of 3,000 invoices per month, ensuring that all vendor payments were made on time.
- Trained new hires on Accounts Payable procedures and best practices; created process improvements that reduced data entry errors by 15%.
- Expedited the approval process for high-priority invoices by working closely with department managers; helped avoid late payment penalties on over 50 invoices last year.
- Represented Accounts Payable at monthly meetings with the Finance team; provided insightful feedback that led to more efficient use of departmental budget.
- Streamlined invoice processing by implementing a new electronic filing system; achieved paperless office status within 6 months while reducing storage costs by $200/month.
Skills
- Accounts Payable
- Accounting
- Account Reconciliation
- Accounts Receivable
- General Ledger
- Financial Reporting
- Invoicing
- Process Improvement
- Outlook
Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011
Certifications
Certified Accounts Payable Supervisor
IAAP
May 2017
1. Summary / Objective
Your resume summary/objective is like an elevator pitch – it should give the hiring manager a quick overview of your experience and skills in accounts payable.
In this section, you could mention your experience leading a team of Accounts Payable clerks, the successful implementation of new accounting software you spearheaded, and how you are able to streamline processes to save the company time and money.
Below are some resume summary examples:
Hard-working accounts payable supervisor with 10+ years of experience in accounting and finance. At XYZ, led a team of 5 AP clerks and processed an average of 1,100 invoices per month with a 99% accuracy rate. In previous roles, improved efficiency by streamlining the accounts payable process and developing new methods for processing invoices. Seeking to leverage my leadership and problem-solving skills to become the next accounts payable supervisor at ABC company.
Accomplished accounts payable supervisor with more than 10 years of experience managing high-volume AP departments. At XYZ, oversaw a team of 15 AP processors who processed an average of 3,000 invoices per week. Achieved 97% on-time payment to vendors and helped the company avoid late fees totaling $12,600 annually.
Talented accounts payable supervisor with more than a decade of experience in accounts payable and receivable, as well as auditing. Managed teams of up to 8 people and processed an average of 1,500 invoices per week while maintaining a 99% accuracy rate. In previous roles, increased efficiency by developing new process improvements and implementing accounting software upgrades. Experienced in working with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, and PeopleSoft.
Professional Accounts Payable Supervisor with 5+ years of experience in Accounts Payable and 10+ years of experience in Accounting. Seeking to leverage background to take next career step as an Accounts Payable Manager at ABC Corporation. At XYZ Inc., managed a team of 4 AP professionals while processing an average volume of 500 invoices per day. Achieved 98% accuracy rate for data entry and approvals, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings.
Dependable accounts payable supervisor with more than 7 years of experience in managing AP departments for small to medium businesses. At XYZ, oversaw a team of 5 accountants and successfully processed an average of 1,700 invoices per month. Adept at vendor management, invoice processing, and disbursement control. Experienced in using various accounting software such as QuickBooks, SAP FICO, and Oracle E-Business Suite R12.
2. Experience / Employment
For the experience section, you will want to list your employment history in reverse chronological order. This means that your most recent job will be listed first.
When describing what you did at each job, it is best to use bullet points. This allows the reader to quickly see and understand the main points you are trying to make. When writing the bullet points, try to include specific details about what you did and any results or accomplishments achieved.
For example, instead of saying “Managed a team of accounts payable clerks,” you might say “Supervised a team of 10 accounts payable clerks, responsible for processing an average of 3,000 invoices per month.”
To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:
- Supervised
- Trained
- Monitored
- Evaluated
- Led
- Coordinated
- Scheduled
- Hired
- Fired
- Set up
- Implemented
- Maintained
- Improved
- Resolved
- Negotiated
Other general verbs you can use are:
- Achieved
- Advised
- Assessed
- Compiled
- Demonstrated
- Developed
- Expedited
- Facilitated
- Formulated
- Introduced
- Mentored
- Optimized
- Participated
- Prepared
- Presented
- Reduced
- Reorganized
- Represented
- Revised
- Spearheaded
- Streamlined
- Structured
- Utilized
Below are some example bullet points:
- Maintained up-to-date records of all invoices and payments, ensuring that all documents were filed correctly.
- Presented a monthly report of all expenses to the accounting department, highlighting any discrepancies.
- Demonstrated excellent time management skills by processing an average of 200 invoices per week, with a 98% accuracy rate.
- Independently resolved any issues with incorrect or missing information on invoices, working closely with vendors to obtain the correct documentation.
- Supervised a team of 3 accounts payable clerks, providing training and guidance as needed.
- Mentored and developed a team of 4 accountants, increasing productivity by 25%.
- Hired and trained 2 new accounting clerks, reducing Accounts Payable processing time by 10%.
- Optimized Accounts Payable procedures, resulting in $5,000 in annual cost savings.
- Meticulously reviewed all invoices for accuracy and compliance with company policies prior to payment; identified and resolved discrepancies on a timely basis.
- Processed an average of 300 invoices per week, totaling $1 million in payments annually.
- Achieved a 98% accuracy rate in processing invoices for payment and resolving discrepancies with vendors.
- Assessed vendor statements on a monthly basis to ensure that all invoices were accounted for and paid in a timely manner.
- Set up a new system for tracking expenses which resulted in a 10% decrease in overall spending by the company.
- Actively participated in departmental meetings to offer suggestions on process improvements and ways to streamline workflows.
- Scheduled and supervised the work of 4 Accounts Payable Clerks, ensuring that all tasks were completed accurately and within deadlines set by management.
- Facilitated the accounts payable process for a team of 12 accountants, ensuring that all invoices were processed in a timely and accurate manner.
- Consistently met deadlines for processing invoices, issuing payments and reconciling vendor statements; helped the department achieve a 97% on-time payment rate.
- Evaluated current Accounts Payable procedures and revised them to increase efficiency by 15%.
- Reduced the number of late payments to vendors by 20% through improved communication with other departments regarding invoice approval timelines.
- Successfully completed annual audits with zero discrepancies.
- Formulated and implemented a new accounts payable system which increased efficiency by 25%.
- Utilized strong negotiation skills to secure discounts from vendors which saved the company $100,000 annually.
- Compiled and analyzed data to identify trends and areas for improvement in the accounts payable process.
- Structured and led monthly meetings with the accounts payable team to discuss progress and set goals.
- Thoroughly reviewed all invoices prior to payment to ensure accuracy and compliance with company policy.
- Participated in Accounts Payable training for new hires.
- Prepared and processed 1,250 invoices per month for payment.
- Spearheaded the implementation of a new AP automation system that reduced processing time by 50%.
- Diligently followed up with vendors on outstanding invoices to ensure timely payment.
- Negotiated discounts with vendors on behalf of the company which saved $12,000 annually in AP expenses.
- Implemented a new accounts payable system that increased efficiency by 25%.
- Introduced a paperless invoicing system that saved the company $4,000 per month in processing costs.
- Coordinated with vendors to resolve invoice discrepancies and late payments, saving the company an average of $600 per month.
- Streamlined the Accounts Payable department’s workflow, reducing processing time for invoices by 30%.
- Substantially improved vendor relations through proactive communication and prompt payment of invoices.
3. Skills
Skills that are commonly required for an accounts payable supervisor role include experience with accounting software, strong attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills.
If you have these skills, be sure to list them prominently in your resume so that they will be picked up by any applicant tracking system that is used. You can further elaborate on your skillset by discussing it in more detail in other areas, such as the summary or experience section.
Below is a list of common skills & terms:
- Access
- Account Management
- Account Reconciliation
- Accounting
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Receivable
- Accruals
- Analysis
- Auditing
- Bank Reconciliation
- Bookkeeping
- Business Process Improvement
- CPA
- Corporate Finance
- Data Entry
- Equity Research
- Finance
- Financial Accounting
- Financial Analysis
- Financial Modeling
- Financial Reporting
- Financial Statements
- Fixed Assets
- Forecasting
- GAAP
- General Ledger
- IFRS
- Internal Controls
- Inventory Management
- Investment Banking
- Invoicing
- JD Edwards
- Journal Entries
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Outlook
- Payroll
- PeopleSoft
- Process Improvement
- QuickBooks
- SAP
- SEC Filings
- Sarbanes-Oxley
- Tax
- Team Leadership
- Teamwork
- Time Management
- US GAAP
- Valuation
- Variance Analysis
4. Education
Adding an education section to your accounts payable supervisor resume is optional. If you have plenty of relevant work experience, you may not need to include your education at all. However, if you are just starting out in your career or do not have much professional experience, mentioning your education below your resume objective can be beneficial.
If you choose to include an education section, simply list the name and location of the school(s) you attended as well as any relevant coursework. For example: “Bachelor of Science in Accounting from XYZ University” and “Courses included Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting.”
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011
5. Certifications
Certifications in accounting and finance show a potential employer that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform in an accounts payable supervisor role. These certifications demonstrate that you are up-to-date with industry standards and best practices.
Some of the most common accounting and finance certifications for accounts payable supervisors include: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Including one or more of these credentials in your resume will give you a competitive edge over other candidates who do not possess any relevant certification.
Certified Accounts Payable Supervisor
IAAP
May 2017
6. Contact Info
Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.
You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.
Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Susana Will, this would be Susana-Will-resume.pdf or Susana-Will-resume.docx.
7. Cover Letter
Providing a cover letter along with your resume gives hiring managers a better sense of who you are and what kind of employee you would be. This document is usually made up of 2 to 4 paragraphs and contains information that supports and expands upon the points in your resume.
While not every job application will require a cover letter, it’s always a good idea to include one. Not only does it give recruiters additional insights into your qualifications, but it also allows you to highlight your communication skills.
Below is an example cover letter:
Dear Sarina,
I am writing to apply for the Accounts Payable Supervisor position at ABC Corporation. With more than 10 years of experience in accounts payable and a proven track record of leading and motivating teams, I am confident I would be an asset to your organization.
In my current role as Accounts Payable Supervisor at XYZ Corporation, I oversee a team of 15 accountants who are responsible for processing invoices, issuing payments, and reconciling accounts. I have implemented several process improvements that have resulted in increased efficiency and accuracy within the department. In addition, I have developed strong relationships with vendors which has helped to reduce late payment fees.
I am knowledgeable of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and have experience working with ERP systems such as SAP and Oracle. My analytical skills allow me to identify trends and potential problems so that they can be addressed in a timely manner. I am also proficient in Microsoft Excel which allows me to create detailed reports that provide valuable insights into the department’s performance.
I believe my qualifications make me the perfect candidate for this position, and I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your organization’s success.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]