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How to Become An Accounts Payable Officer

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What is a Accounts Payable Officer

An Accounts Payable Officer handles a company’s outgoing money. They make sure suppliers get paid on time and that every invoice is correct. It’s a key finance role that suits people who love working with numbers and keeping things organised.

Each day, an Accounts Payable Officer reviews invoices, matches them to purchase orders, and processes payment runs. They fix errors before money leaves the business. They also prepare reports and help with month-end close.

The role sits inside the wider accounting team. Accounts Payable Officers use tools like Xero, MYOB, and SAP to track payments and report on spending. Good communication with suppliers and colleagues is part of the job too.

Pay starts around $65,000 and can reach $95,000 with experience (SEEK, 2026). The role suits anyone who likes numbers, is well-organised, and wants a clear career path in finance. Many officers move into senior roles over time.

Career Outlook for Accounts Payable Officer

Accounts Payable Officers work in almost every industry in Australia. About 139,500 people work as accounting clerks nationally (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). This includes roles in finance, construction, manufacturing, and the public sector.

Most roles are full-time. About 70% of accounting clerks work full-time hours (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Median weekly earnings sit at $1,442 before tax (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). SEEK puts the typical advertised salary at around $80,000, with a range of $65,000 to $95,000 (SEEK, 2026).

Future demand is forecast as stable, with 4.3% projected job growth over the next five years (SEEK, 2026). Automation is handling more routine data-entry tasks, but skilled officers are still needed to manage exceptions and support compliance. This role is a solid stepping stone to senior positions like Accounts Payable Team Leader or Management Accountant.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to become an Accounts Payable Officer

Step 1: Complete Year 12 or Equivalent

Aim for strong results in mathematics and business studies in Year 12. These subjects build the number skills you will use every day in an accounts payable role. Some employers accept Year 10, but Year 12 gives you a better chance of landing your first position.

Step 2: Complete the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40222)

Enrol in the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40222) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This qualification takes 12 months full-time or up to 2 years part-time. It covers accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliations, BAS preparation, and payroll processing. This is the most common entry pathway for accounts payable roles in Australia.

Step 3: Build Skills in Accounting Software

Get hands-on practice with accounting platforms used in Australian workplaces. Xero and MYOB are the most common in small-to-medium businesses. SAP and Oracle are standard in larger organisations. Many RTOs offer short add-on modules for these tools. Strong software skills make you far more competitive when applying for roles.

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience in a Finance Role

Apply for entry-level roles such as accounts assistant, finance administration officer, or accounts payable clerk. These roles let you apply your training with real transaction volumes and tight deadlines. Aim for at least one to two years of hands-on experience before applying for a full Accounts Payable Officer position.

Step 5: Join a Professional Body

Consider joining the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) or CPA Australia as a student or associate member. Membership gives you access to industry resources, training events, and a professional network. It signals your commitment to the field and helps when applying for more senior roles.

What does an Accounts Payable Officer do?

An Accounts Payable Officer keeps a company’s bills and payments running on time. Each day, they check invoices, match them to orders, and process payment batches. They fix errors before money leaves, reconcile supplier accounts, and help with month-end close. It’s a detail-driven role at the heart of the finance team.

Tasks

Accounts Payable Officers keep the money flowing out of a business accurately and on time. Here are the key tasks they handle each day.

  • Invoice Processing: Check and verify invoices, then enter them into the accounting system.
  • Payment Processing: Prepare and run payment batches to suppliers and vendors.
  • Reconciliation: Reconcile accounts payable transactions and fix any errors quickly.
  • Record Keeping: Keep tidy and accurate records of all financial transactions.
  • Supplier Communication: Handle queries from suppliers about payments or invoices.
  • Reporting: Help prepare financial reports and expense summaries.
  • Audit Support: Provide documents and records during internal or external audits.
  • Process Improvement: Look for ways to make the AP process faster and more accurate.

Skills for Success

Accounts Payable Officers need sharp attention to detail and solid number skills. Using accounting software like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks is important in this role. Employers look for someone who manages their time well and stays calm under deadlines.

Strong communication helps when dealing with suppliers and internal teams. An eye for discrepancies and good problem-solving skills are also key to doing this job well.

Skills & Attributes

  • Attention to Detail
  • Accounting Software Proficiency (Xero, MYOB, SAP)
  • Invoice Processing and Reconciliation
  • Effective Communication
  • Time Management
  • Problem-Solving
  • Knowledge of GST and BAS Requirements
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Data Entry Accuracy
  • Understanding of Internal Controls

Average Salaries

The average annual salary for an Accounts Payable Officer in Australia is around $80,000 (source: SEEK, 2026). Pay ranges from about $65,000 for entry-level roles to $95,000 for experienced officers. Salaries vary by industry and location, with government and finance sectors offering the highest rates.

min $65 K

max $95 K

av $80 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.