Accounts Payable Specialist Cover Letter Example + Tips

When applying for a position as an Accounts payable specialist, a cover letter, well targeted for the position and the employer, may be your first point of contact. As such, it is important that you’re able to get the most out of that contact by providing a veritable blueprint of why you should move on to the next step: landing the interview.

Accounts Payable Specialist Job Description

The specific duties will vary depending on the needs and requirements of the particular employer, but, in general, you can expect at least some of the following duties:

• Review invoices for accuracy
• Protect against payment duplication
• Send payments
• Maintain files
• Issue checks
• Maintain W2 and 1099 records
• Create reports
• Act as liaison between related departments
• Address vendor inquiries
• Track income and expenses
• Reconcile accounts
• Process payroll
• General bookkeeping

Education & Training Requirements

A college degree in finance or accounting can be helpful, but a high school diploma is often all that’s required. Although formal training is not necessarily required for accounts payable specialists, cover letters should emphasize any higher education and all related experience you may have. In particular, include in your cover letter any training or skills that demonstrate strong math, analytical, and accounting abilities.Accounts payable specialist cover letters should include proficiency in computer programs (accounting programs and office programs, at minimum) since computers will be used for much of the work being performed. Accounts payable specialist cover letters need to show you’re able to work independently, excel at organization, and have excellent communication skills. Accuracy is paramount, and timeliness (to meet the inevitable deadlines) is a must.

Salary Range

Cover letters will sometimes include salary expectations, so familiarize yourself with the expected range. Salaries can range for $20,000 to $57,000. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks averaged $35,170, or $16.91 an hour, in 2012. Accounts Payable Specialist Cover Letter Scoring an interview can be as simple as drawing a line between your skills and abilities and the needs of the employer. A great cover letter can help you do that. See the sample cover letter below.