The role of an Accounts Payable Clerk is a critical cornerstone in any organisation’s finance department. Responsible for managing outgoing payments, reconciling invoices, and maintaining accurate financial records, this role ensures smooth operational flow and prevents financial discrepancies. The average salary for an Accounts Payable Clerk in the UK ranges from £22,000 to £32,000 annually, depending on experience and company size. This makes the position both an attractive starting point for finance professionals and a vital step for those looking to advance into higher-level accounting roles.
Understanding the Accounts Payable Clerk Job Description
An Accounts Payable Clerk is primarily tasked with processing invoices, maintaining vendor relationships, and ensuring all payments are made accurately and on time. Key responsibilities include:
Receiving and verifying invoices from suppliers.
Matching purchase orders with invoices and payment requests.
Preparing payments via electronic transfer or cheque.
Reconciling accounts and resolving discrepancies.
Maintaining accurate records for audits and financial reporting.
Supporting month-end and year-end closing processes.
For those who aspire to excel in this field, crafting an interview-winning cv template is the first step to getting noticed by top UK employers.
Why a Strong CV Matters for Accounts Payable Clerks
Recruiters and hiring managers often spend less than 10 seconds on an initial CV scan. Your CV must immediately highlight your accounting skills, accuracy, organisational abilities, and software proficiency, such as Excel, SAP, or Oracle. A well-structured cv example tailored to the Accounts Payable Clerk role increases your chances of landing interviews and negotiating a competitive salary.
Creating an Accounts Payable Clerk CV That Stands Out
To create a high-impact CV, it’s essential to focus on the following sections:
1. Contact Information and Professional Summary
Begin with clear contact details followed by a concise, compelling professional summary. This summary should showcase your key skills, experience, and achievements in a way that immediately engages the recruiter. Example:
“Detail-oriented Accounts Payable Clerk with 5+ years of experience managing high-volume invoices, improving payment accuracy by 20%, and supporting financial audits. Proficient in SAP and Excel with a strong track record of maintaining vendor relationships and ensuring timely payments.”
2. Core Skills and Competencies
Highlight relevant skills that make you an asset to any finance team:
Invoice Processing & Verification
Accounts Reconciliation
Vendor Relationship Management
Payment Processing & Record Keeping
Microsoft Excel & Accounting Software Proficiency
Attention to Detail & Accuracy
3. Professional Experience
Use reverse chronological order to showcase your career progression. Emphasise achievements and measurable results rather than simply listing duties. For example:
“Accounts Payable Clerk, XYZ Ltd, London – 2021-Present”
Managed over 1,000 invoices monthly, reducing payment errors by 15%.
Collaborated with the procurement team to streamline purchase order approvals.
Assisted in monthly financial reconciliations and audits.
4. Education and Qualifications
Include your highest relevant qualifications, along with any professional accounting certifications like AAT or ACCA. Graduates should highlight degrees in finance, accounting, or business administration.
5. Additional Sections
Optional sections may include professional memberships, software certifications, or volunteer work that highlights transferable skills.
Advice for Graduates
For new graduates, your focus should be on transferable skills and internship experience. Highlight your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and any work placements in finance or accounting departments. Use metrics wherever possible, for example:
“Completed a 3-month internship at ABC Corp, assisting with invoice processing and reconciliation, improving departmental efficiency by 10%.”
Advice for Middle and Senior Management
For more experienced professionals, emphasise leadership, process improvement, and strategic contributions. Highlight your ability to mentor junior staff, implement new accounting systems, and optimise accounts payable workflows. Showcase measurable outcomes:
“Led a team of 4 Accounts Payable Clerks, implementing a new automated payment system that reduced processing time by 30%.”
General CV Structure Tips
Keep your CV to 2 pages max.
Use bullet points for readability.
Tailor your CV for each job application.
Include relevant keywords like “Accounts Payable Clerk,” “invoice processing,” and “accounts reconciliation” to enhance searchability.
Ensure consistent formatting and professional fonts.
Do’s and Don’ts on Your CV
Do:
Use strong action verbs: managed, implemented, processed.
Quantify achievements wherever possible.
Tailor your CV to the specific job description.
Proofread for grammar and spelling errors.
Include LinkedIn profile links.
Don’t:
Include irrelevant personal information.
Overload your CV with jargon.
Lie or exaggerate your experience.
Use unprofessional email addresses.
Forget to update your contact information.
Conclusion
A well-crafted Accounts Payable Clerk CV template can open doors to exciting opportunities in finance and accounting. By highlighting your skills, achievements, and experience, you demonstrate to recruiters that you are the right candidate for the role. Whether you are a fresh graduate looking to kickstart your career or a seasoned professional aiming for senior management, applying these strategies ensures your CV stands out.
Ready to take your career to the next level? Book an appointment today to have your CV and LinkedIn profile professionally improved by experts: https://www.cvlondon.net/book-an-appointment/. Let’s make your Accounts Payable Clerk application truly interview-winning!
