Accounts Payable Specialists

Job opportunities for all bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks are projected to decline 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Despite this prediction, about 174,900 openings for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks are projected each year, on average, through 2033, due to high turnover in the profession. As a result, there will be many opportunities for accounts payable specialists.

The staffing firm Robert Half predicts that the hottest administrative and customer support industries include business services, construction, education, government, health care, hospitality, nonprofits, professional services, and technology. When seeking jobs, aspiring specialists should first look to employers in these industries for potential openings.

Advances in technology will reduce opportunities for accounts payable specialists who perform basic tasks, but those with advanced training and technology expertise will have better job prospects. “With more automation of routine tasks, bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks are expected to take on a more analytical and advisory role over the decade [2023 to 2033],” according to the DOL. “For example, rather than entering data by hand, these workers may focus on analyzing their clients’ books and pointing out potential areas for efficiency gains.”