Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
How to Become an Accounts Payable Officer in Australia: careers in Accounting and Bookkeeping
Definition of an Accounts Payable Officer
An Accounts Payable Officer is a key member of any finance function. They manage supplier payment cycles, reconcile creditor accounts, and keep financial records clean and accurate. Their work directly supports cash flow and financial reporting.
Core tasks include reviewing invoices for accuracy, matching them to purchase orders, and processing payment runs. Officers work closely with procurement and finance teams to fix discrepancies. They also maintain supplier data and support month-end close processes.
Accounts Payable Officers work within established accounting frameworks, including ATO rules for GST and BAS. A solid grasp of accrual accounting and internal controls is expected at more senior levels. Many professionals in this field hold a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40222). Others work towards a Diploma of Accounting.
Salaries range from $65,000 to $95,000 a year in Australia, with a typical figure of around $80,000 (SEEK, 2026). With experience, officers can move into Accounts Payable Team Leader, Management Accountant, or Finance Business Partner roles.
About the author
Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.
