By Colleen Kay Watson, Career Professionals®

Accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) job responsibilities have been morphing into new career opportunities. The skills required can vary widely. Often the size of the company has the greatest impact on the person responsible for AP/AR work. Automation continues to move this "pen and paper" work toward the effective utilization of technology.

Traditional AP/AR

Traditionally, the bookkeeper handled all of these responsibilities. Simply stated, AP/AR run much like one handles their person checkbook. Deposits are made and recorded. Debits are written against the deposits made and hopefully do not exceed the balance available.

1. Small Business AP/AR

Small businesses often assign these responsibilities to the "Office Manager." Beth Devine, Administrator of the MJUA (MN Joint Underwriting Association) said, "In a small business setting the AP and AR functions are handled mostly manually. The closest we come to an AP/AR is the job titled, bookkeeper."

2. Medium Size Companies

Ann Lanoue, Financial Director for the city of Inver Grove Heights stated, "AP and AR are two separate and distinct jobs. AP receives the invoices, codes them to the correct departments and then distributes them for authorization to pay. AR receives the information to create invoices. The bills are then entered into a computer and sent out automatically. AP and AR responsibilities are intentionally segregated as an internal control. This removes opportunities for fraud."

3. Large Corporations and AP/AR

Regis Corporation, headquartered here in the Twin Cities supplies 5,500 beauty salons. The cash flow issues are a gigantic task for AP and AR personnel. Kyle Didier, V.P. of Finance for Regis Corp. indicated, "Computers and new software programs have significantly changed the work of AP and AR staff." Didier continued, "What used to be a typically transactional clerical function is becoming a process manager. We are now looking for people who can use technology effectively to create new processes."

So, no matter how large or small AP and AR skills are critical to the life of any business.

Job Requirements:

Duties and requirements vary with the size of the company or department.

Smaller companies ask for the following:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Customer service/ call center handling incoming and/or outgoing calls
• Ability to work and make decisions independently
• 10-key and accurate typing skills

Larger firms are seeking the following:

• 2 or 4-year accounting degree
• PC experience including spread sheet programs
• Knowledge of basic accounting principals
• Ability to work and make decisions independently
• Perform under deadlines and assume responsibility for problems and problem resolution

Wages

Pay varies in A/P and A/R careers by area of the country, size of the city, and type and size of employer.

Source, Minnesota WorkForce Center and U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Future of A/P & A/R Careers

Armed with this information, one can decide where they fit into the evolving AP/AR career opportunities. One size does not fit all.

-- Colleen Kay Watson is the CEO and Co-Founder of Career Professionals®, which helps job seekers find entry-level opportunities in Management, Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, Finance and Administrative positions. For more information about Career Professionals®, please go to http://www.gocpi.com or call 952-835-9922.

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