How do you get into the Accounts payable field?
What type of background do you need to have, and where do I start?
You would want to know what type of accounts you'd deal with.
For instance, if you have some background experience and skills in medical insurance or medical coding and billing, you may be familiar with accounts payable within that scope. Depending on the company and requirements, you may also need to have an Accountant or Business Degree and know how to use specific software and systems. Google certifications such as Certified Bookkeeper (CB), Certified Accounts Payable Associates (CAPA), and Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP).
Google the job requirements, bookkeeping, QuickBooks software, work as an asset to someone in the field, or try ADP, Paychecks companies
Look for jobs with little to no accounts payable or accounting experience, say as a data entry person in an accounting dept within a small or med size private business. You don’t need any special background other than rudimentary PC skills, and a bit of common sense. Thats unless you want to become a CPA or want to explore higher education for your future. Networking and finding the roles to gain new skills is key for anyone starting out. Even if you want to go toward the “public” accounting arena, versus private businesses bookkeeping, you could intern to find out what sparks your interest, what kind of accounts payable career you’d like to pursue. What industry are you interested in? Temping was my way in for a number of roles, and it helped me determine what environment I enjoyed. There’s a vast difference between being part of the 5 member AP admin TEAM for a huge university versus a five employee small business who needs one all around bookkeeper / admin / office mgr. There’s a great need these days for accounting professionals and supports for them.