Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Accounts Payable Clerk Roles – 2025

Preparing for an accounts payable clerk job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your technical skills, experience with accounting systems, and problem-solving abilities. Whether you’re applying for a role in a small business or a large corporation, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us about your past experience with accounts payable?
  A: I have been working as an accounts payable clerk for the past 5 years at ABC Company, where I successfully managed the processing and organization of all vendor invoices, ensured timely payments were made, and resolved any discrepancies or issues that arose during the payment process.
• 2. What accounting software are you familiar with?
  A: I have experience working with a variety of accounting software, such as QuickBooks, Xero, and SAP. I am also a quick learner and can adapt to new software easily.
• 3. How do you ensure accuracy in your work?
  A: To ensure accuracy in my work, I always double-check my calculations and verify the data before processing payments. I am also aware of the importance of attention to detail and make sure to keep organized records.
• 4. How do you handle a high volume of invoices?
  A: I am accustomed to handling a high volume of invoices and have developed efficient systems to prioritize and manage them. I regularly communicate with the necessary parties to ensure timely payments and address any issues promptly.
• 5. How do you handle confidential information?
  A: I understand the importance of confidentiality in my role as an accounts payable clerk and take all necessary precautions to protect sensitive information. I have experience handling confidential information and am familiar with company policies and procedures regarding data security.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell us about a time when you identified and resolved an error in an invoice.
  A: In my previous job, I came across an invoice that had incorrect billing details. I immediately reached out to the vendor to clarify the mistake and worked with the relevant departments to resolve the issue and ensure that accurate payment was made.
• 7. How do you handle conflicts with vendors?
  A: I believe in maintaining a professional and respectful relationship with vendors. In any conflicts, I make sure to communicate effectively and escalate the issue if necessary to find a solution that works for both parties while still fulfilling our financial responsibilities.
• 8. Can you give an example of a time when you had to meet a tight deadline?
  A: In my previous job, we had a sudden audit that required all invoices to be completed and processed urgently. I stayed late and worked with my team to ensure that all invoices were prepared accurately and submitted on time.
• 9. How do you prioritize and manage your tasks?
  A: I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. I also regularly re-evaluate and reprioritize as needed. I use a calendar and to-do list to keep track of deadlines and ensure all tasks are completed on time.
• 10. Tell us about a time when you dealt with a difficult or dissatisfied vendor.
  A: In my previous job, we had a vendor who consistently had invoicing mistakes, causing delays in payment. I scheduled a meeting with the vendor and clearly communicated our expectations. I also followed up regularly to ensure that the issues were resolved and payments were made on time.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle duplicate invoices submitted by a vendor?
  A: If I notice duplicate invoices, I would immediately reach out to the vendor to clarify and resolve the issue. I would also review our processes to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
• 12. What would you do if you encountered an invoice with missing information?
  A: I would contact the vendor to obtain the necessary information and update the invoice accordingly. I would also review our processes to ensure that all invoices are complete before being submitted.
• 13. How would you handle a payment dispute with a vendor?
  A: I would review the payment terms and any relevant documentation to determine the cause of the dispute. I would then communicate with the vendor to find a resolution, potentially involving other departments if necessary.
• 14. What would you do if a payment was sent to the wrong vendor?
  A: I would immediately contact our accounts payable team to place a stop payment on the incorrect transaction. I would then investigate the issue and work with the correct vendor to ensure timely payment.
• 15. How would you handle a situation where an invoice exceeds the budget?
  A: I would review the budget and the invoice to see if there are any discrepancies or if additional approval is needed. If the budget cannot be modified, I would communicate with the vendor to negotiate a reduced rate or payment plan.

Technical Questions

• 16. Can you walk us through the accounts payable process?
  A: The accounts payable process typically involves receiving and reviewing vendor invoices, entering them into the accounting system, obtaining necessary approvals, making payments, and maintaining accurate records. I am familiar with each step and have experience using various accounting systems to complete them.
• 17. How do you handle sales tax for invoices?
  A: I am familiar with the different sales tax laws and rates and can ensure that the appropriate amount is included in each invoice. I also keep updated records of sales tax payments and can assist with any related inquiries or audits.
• 18. Can you explain the concept of aging reports?
  A: Aging reports track the status of outstanding invoices, showing which payments are overdue and by how much. This helps to ensure timely payments and can also highlight any potential issues or discrepancies that need to be addressed.
• 19. How do you handle 1099-MISC forms for independent contractors?
  A: I am familiar with the requirements for filing 1099-MISC forms and have experience accurately preparing and submitting them. I also keep updated records of all relevant information for easy reference during tax season.
• 20. Can you explain the difference between accounts payable and accounts receivable?
  A: Accounts payable refers to the money a company owes to its vendors for goods or services, while accounts receivable refers to the money a company is owed by its customers. As an accounts payable clerk, my role is to manage and process payments to our vendors, while an accounts receivable clerk would handle payments from our customers.