Accounts Payable Specialist with Microsoft Excel
Accounts Payable (AP) Specialists ensure that an organization’s bills and financial obligations are well-organized and paid on time. For many AP Specialists, software such as Microsoft Excel 2019 performs a vital function in organizing, tracking and paying vendors and contractors. This 100% online course will prepare you to become an AP Specialist and Excel expert. Upon successful completion, you will receive an Accounts Payable Specialist (APS) certification, offered by the Institute of the Finance & Management (IOFM). You will also be eligible to take the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Expert certification exam for Excel 2019. Enrollment options include a voucher to cover the cost of the MOS Expert exam.
- The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 4% growth in the demand for Accountants and Auditors between now and 2019. This matches the overall expected growth for all job categories. The BLS reports that many routine clerical functions may be replaced by technology. However, financial professionals who keep up with technology and specialize in high-value operational areas will continue to enjoy strong demand.
- According to PayScale.com, Accounts Payable Specialists earn $19.03 per hour, or $44,965 per year, on average. Pay rates for early-career Accounts Payable Specialists range between $14.31-23.06 per hour, with an average of $18.12 per hour or $42,783 per year during the first four years of their careers.
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DO YOU NEED A CERTIFICATION TO WORK AS AN ACCOUNTS PAYABLE MANAGER?
Accounts Payable Specialists are responsible to keep an organization in good financial standing with its vendors and creditors. Some of their key skills include:
- Processing Accounts Payable amounts, timing and disbursement
- Managing vendor invoices
- Handling expense reports
- Issuing and managing purchase orders
- Reconciling and closing balances for month-end accounting procedures
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IS THE MICROSOFT OFFICE 2019 SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION VALUABLE?
Microsoft certifications are considered the gold standard in the information technology industry. According to Microsoft, 23% of Microsoft certified technologists report earning bonuses from their employers upon certification. CIO magazine lists Microsoft Office certifications among its top 15 in-demand certifications among employers and work teams.
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IS CERTIFICATION IMPORTANT FOR AN ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SPECIALIST?
Accounts Payable Specialists are needed in organizations and enterprises of every size. For large employers, especially, certification signals that you are a professional-caliber team member who takes their preparation and their work seriously. The Institute of Finance & Management reports that over 25,000 professionals have earned one of its certifications.
- To create, modify, and manage Excel workbooks
- To use formulas, functions and work with tables
- To convert, sort, filter, and manage lists
- To use conditional formatting and styles
- To create pivot tables and charts
- To import and export data
- Foundations of accounts payable best practices, specifically internal controls and tax and regulatory matters
- To identify process improvements in the accounts payable function
- Automation technology terminology and how it affects your profession
- Become a certified Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Expert in Excel 2019
While there are no prerequisites to take this course, you should be comfortable using a personal computer and be familiar with operating Windows Office software. Additionally, IOFM recommends that you meet one of the following for the APS certification:
- No degree = 3 yrs. AP experience
- 2-year degree = 2 yrs. AP experience
- 4-year degree = 1 yr. AP experience
Software Requirements:
- Microsoft Excel 2019 (not included in enrollment). While Microsoft Excel 2019 is ideal, you can download the desktop version of Excel that comes with Microsoft 365. Please note that there may be some differences between your version of Excel and what you see in the course.
- Microsoft Word or an equivalent word-processing program. Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.While there are no prerequisites to take this course, you should be comfortable using a personal computer and be familiar with operating Windows Office software. Additionally, IOFM recommends that you meet one of the following for the APS certification:
- No degree = 3 yrs. AP experience
- 2-year degree = 2 yrs. AP experience
- 4-year degree = 1 yr. AP experience
Software Requirements:
- Microsoft Excel 2019 (not included in enrollment). While Microsoft Excel 2019 is ideal, you can download the desktop version of Excel that comes with Microsoft 365. Please note that there may be some differences between your version of Excel and what you see in the course.
- Microsoft Word or an equivalent word-processing program. Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Microsoft Excel 2019 Certification Training
A. Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2019
B. Intermediate Microsoft Excel 2019
C. Advanced Microsoft Excel 2019
II. Accounts Payable Specialist Certification (Exam Cost Included)
Instructors
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Pam Miller
Pam Miller, Senior Trainer, IOFM, was the first candidate to earn AP certification as an Accredited Payables Manager (APM) with distinction. Her professional background includes 15 years as Director of AP at BMC Select. She is recognized in the accounts payable industry as an innovator and an early adopter of AP related technologies. Before working in AP, she spent six years in the IT industry, implementing point of sale software.
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Judy Bicking
Judy Bicking, APM, is a Senior Trainer for IOFM and a 27-year veteran of Johnson & Johnson. She is a recognized pioneer and leader in Procure-to-Pay and Credit Management. After a career in AR and AP management, Judy leads the development and implementation of J&J’s two Shared Service Centers, located in the U.S and Europe. These shared services handle over 2.5 million invoices across 200 decentralized companies.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is open enrollment. You can enroll and begin at any time.
