In the field of business, there are many challenging roles that require skilled professionals to handle complex financial responsibilities. One of those roles is that of the accounts payable supervisor, the primary person who oversees the accounts payable, or bill paying, functions of the company. This professional makes sure that all invoices, taxes, tariffs, expenses and fees are paid for in a timely manner in order to keep a business in good standing.

An accounts payable supervisor oversees the accounts payable record-keeping of an organization. This can include recording invoices and other amounts due to outside parties throughout the month. He or she also schedules payments in accordance to payment terms as set forth by agreements with the outside parties to avoid late fees or credit problems.

In addition to keying in invoices for payment, the accounts payable supervisor works closely with vendors to ensure that invoice amounts are correct before payment is processed. This can involve reviewing contracts, negotiating with outside parties and managing any special requirements with vendors so that payment can be allocated efficiently. The accounts payable supervisor may also be in charge of calculating discounts to save the company money.

The accounts payable supervisor ensures that expense reports are coded properly, prepares and approves vouchers for payment, and checks that payment issuance is accomplished accurately and in a timely basis. Once invoices and other payment vouchers are reviewed, then it is normally up to the accounts payable supervisor to arrange for executive management approval and signature of checks and other forms of payment.

Depending on the policies of an organization, an accounts payable supervisor will generally be in charge of running periodic financial reports. Reports can indicate if the profitability of a company is falling behind expenses. The accounts payable supervisor will have the knowledge and experience to determine this from examining each section of the financial reports and then make adjustments in payment terms or processing methods in order to balance the company portfolio.

In general, an accounts payable supervisor position will require a minimum of a four-year college or university degree. In addition, the accounts payable supervisor may have between five to ten years of on-the-job experience in business finance and accounting, as well as an overall knowledge of government regulations and taxation laws. Salary ranges for accounts payable supervisors are in the mid-range for earnings depending on the size of the company and the scope of job responsibility.