60+ Accounts Payable Resume Keywords for 2025 (ATS-Ready List to Get Interviews)
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🚨 Still getting rejected for Accounts Payable roles?
Your resume may be missing the exact AP keywords accounting recruiters expect.
This 2025 guide shows you the essential skills, tools, and terminology to pass ATS scans and get interviews.
🚀 Scan Your Accounts Payable Resume for Missing Keywords (Free)
Why Accounts Payable Resume Keywords Matter in 2025
Accounts Payable roles are some of the most process-driven and software-specific positions in finance. Recruiters and ATS systems scan resumes for:
- invoice processing accuracy
- accounting software knowledge
- reconciliation skills
- vendor communication
- compliance & financial controls
- volume-handling capability
ATS filters out resumes without these terms, even if candidates have real experience.
This guide gives you the exact keywords used in AP job descriptions, segmented by experience level and specialty.
Table of Contents
- Entry-Level Accounts Payable Keywords
- Core AP Process Keywords
- Invoice & Transaction Keywords
- Reconciliation & Reporting Keywords
- Vendor & Communication Keywords
- Software & ERP System Keywords
- Examples: How to Use Keywords
- FAQ
Entry-Level Accounts Payable Keywords
For AP Clerks, Assistants, and Junior Finance roles:
Data Entry, Invoice Coding, Bank Deposits, AP Filing, Vendor Setup, Document Matching, Payment Processing Support, Expense Reports, Account Coding, Accuracy, Microsoft Excel, Communication Skills
Core AP Process Keywords
Accounts Payable, Invoice Processing, Three-Way Matching (3-Way Match), Purchase Orders (PO), Non-PO Invoices, Payment Batches, Check Runs, Billing Cycles, Aging Reports, AP Compliance, Financial Controls
Invoice & Transaction Keywords
Invoice Entry, Invoice Verification, GL Coding, Cost Allocation, Payment Authorization, Batch Posting, Transaction Auditing, Credit Memos, Debit Memos, Expense Reconciliation
Reconciliation & Reporting Keywords
Account Reconciliation, Month-End Close, Variance Analysis, Bank Reconciliation, AP Reports, Aging Analysis, Audit Support, Statement Reconciliation, Journal Entries, Recordkeeping
Vendor & Communication Keywords
Vendor Relations, Vendor Inquiries, Dispute Resolution, Payment Terms, Statement Matching, Vendor Onboarding, Vendor Management, Email Correspondence, Cross-Functional Communication
Software & ERP System Keywords
(These significantly improve ATS compatibility.)
SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, Xero, Workday, Concur, Coupa, Bill.com, Expensify, Excel (VLOOKUP / Pivot Tables), ERP Systems, Financial Software
Examples: How to Use Keywords
❌ Weak Example
"Handled invoices and payments."
✅ Optimized Example
"Processed 500+ invoices monthly using SAP, performing accurate three-way matching between PO, packing slips, and vendor invoices while maintaining 98% accuracy and supporting month-end reconciliation."
CTA: Optimize Your AP Resume Now
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FAQ
1. How many AP keywords should I use?
Use 12–20 AP keywords that match the job description.
2. Should I include accounting tools?
Yes — ERP systems like SAP, NetSuite, Oracle, and QuickBooks are essential.
3. Should I list metrics for AP roles?
Yes — invoice volume, accuracy rate, and processing time strengthen your resume.
4. Is repeating keywords okay?
Yes, naturally across summary, skills, and experience.
5. Should I tailor my AP resume for each job?
Absolutely — this improves ATS score and recruiter relevance.