How to Become an Accounts Payable Supervisor

If you are quick with numbers and have great supervisory skills, you may want to become an accounts payable supervisor. Most accounts payable supervisors start in data entry positions and become supervisors through promotions. The right combination of education and experience can lead to a rewarding job as an accounts payable supervisor. Read on to learn more.

Things You'll Need

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Undergraduate degree in accounting or finance

Instructions

Become an Accounts Payable Supervisor

1. Earn a degree in accounting or finance. Select a school that has a strong business department and whose graduates are known to be working in the field in positions similar to the one you desire.

2. Enlist the help of an employment placement agency that specializes in accounting jobs. Employment agencies that specialize in placing employees in the field of accounting will have connections and first hand knowledge about job openings.

3. Work in a data entry position while in college or during summer breaks. Data entry is a requirement for anyone who works in accounts payable. As a supervisor, you will need to know how to complete every job function in order to train staff.

4. Work as a supervisor in data entry to gain experience managing a team of employees. As long as the data entry is accounting related, you can gain your 5 to 6 years of accounting and supervisory experience at once.

5. Take classes in a specialty field to further develop your skills. For example, if you wish to become an accounts payable supervisor in the medical field, take some basic classes in medical assisting. This will familiarize you with terminology and equipment about which you may be speaking to vendors while in your position. Without such a class, you will not be equipped to determine the cost of items that will be processed in the accounts payable department.

6. Sharpen your PC skills by taking classes in Excel and Word. Advanced classes for accounting programs (such as Crystal reporting or Oracle) will be helpful, but most likely not required. As new versions of computer applications become available, be sure to familiarize yourself with them for better job proficiency.

7. Learn tax accounting for companies and for independent contractors. As an accounts payable supervisor, you may be responsible for overseeing the completion of 1099 forms for all independent contractors or vendors. This type of accounting can be learned from local tax accounting firms who offer tax education classes.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that tax laws and 1099 reporting can change yearly. Keep abreast of these changing laws and requirements.