Dealership Accounts Payable Overview
Table of Contents
Accounts Payable Job Description
Qualifications for Accounts Payable Jobs
Benefits of Working for DARCARS Automotive Group
Accounts Payable vs. Accounts Receivable Jobs
Growth Opportunities at DARCARS Automotive Group
Discover Accounts Payable Vacancies at DARCARS Automotive Group
FAQ
Accounts Payable Roles at a Glance
Key Responsibilities & Skills
- Precise and speedy invoice processing and verification, account reconciliation, and payment remittance
- Accurate management of sensitive information, automotive records, and accounts payable transactions to assist in regulatory audits
- Proficiency with GAAP, data entry, and accounting software like QuickBooks, and accounting cycles to ensure accurate financial reporting
- High problem-solving and time-management, including the ability to identify and resolve invoice, payment, or other financial issues
Accounts payable jobs are ideal for professionals with keen attention to detail and excellent communication skills. Working in AP for auto dealerships puts you in a position to see the inner workings of the company's financial operations, allowing you to expand your experience in the auto industry as you hone your organizational and analytical skills. Whether you're a seasoned veteran looking to expand your knowledge or a newcomer hoping to learn and grow in the accounts payable realm, we welcome your application.
DARCARS Automotive Group is often seeking qualified accounts payable candidates to join our ranks. If you're interested in an AP job, you can apply on our website. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring whether you're a good fit for the role!
Accounts Payable Job Description
Before we dive into the accounts payable responsibilities, let's review the big picture. The AP department manages and tracks all of the money that flows from the dealership's accounts to vendors, creditors, and providers, diligently confirming that all payments are made on time in accordance with deadlines. While not strictly considered an accounting role, it is in the same wheelhouse; working accounts payable jobs requires strong attention to detail and at least some knowledge of the auto finance world.
There are multiple jobs you could have in an accounts payable department at a dealership. One of the most common openings we offer at DARCARS Automotive Group is the role of clerk.
Here are some of the duties of an accounts payable clerk:
- Processing dealership invoices
- Executing payments for invoices
- Keeping detailed records of all money leaving the dealership's accounts
- Creating and communicating financial reports to the rest of the team
- Additional miscellaneous accounting tasks
If you have a strong background working accounts payable jobs, you may qualify for an AP controller job. Responsibilities for this position include:
- Leading the accounts payable team to maintain efficiency and adhere to compliance
- Signing off on invoices to keep up-to-date financial records for the dealership
- Fostering relationships with suppliers and vendors
- Negotiating rates and terms
- Keeping accurate financial records
- Completing industry-standard financial AP reports
- Effective management of the AP team
If the accounts payable department appeals to you, but you aren't sure which role is right for you, you can always reach out to DARCARS Automotive Group to chat with our careers department. We are here to answer your questions and set you up for success!
Qualifications for Accounts Payable Jobs
As you can probably deduce from the automotive accounts payable job description, this role is largely administrative in nature. However, there are often leadership positions available, including accounts payable manager. Auto dealer finances are not entirely different from expenses you might see at another type of business, but coming to the job with a prior understanding of the day-to-day operations of a dealership may give you an advantage.
Check out this list of qualifications for a clerk role to see if this job aligns with your experience level:
- One to two years of experience in the automotive industry is a plus but not required
- Experience using Reynolds & Reynolds is a bonus
- Candidate must have a high school diploma or GED, or equivalent education and experience
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft programs, is preferred
- Office experience and working with office equipment are preferred
- Candidates are required to pass a background check before advancing
If you have your sights set on an accounts payable controller role, your qualification requirements add:
- Experience as an auto accounts payable manager, controller, or equivalent role is required
- Must have an extensive knowledge of accounting and internal controls
- Must bring an extensive knowledge of compliance regulations
- Must be experienced with accounting software and technology-oriented
Soft skills required for any job in the accounts payable department include diligence, organization, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. People with strong communication skills are also invited to apply, as the role requires facilitating information across multiple departments.
Benefits of Working for DARCARS Automotive Group
DARCARS Automotive Group is dedicated to supporting our employees through comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid holidays and time off, and employee discounts. Here are some benefits you may enjoy as an employee here:
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance plans
- Short- and long-term disability plans
- Life insurance plans
- Paid holidays
- Paid time off
- 401(k) contribution
- Employee discounts for purchasing vehicles, parts and services
- Career advancement opportunities at DARCARS Automotive Group
- Community service initiatives
You'll also enjoy a positive work environment, which we strive to foster in all of our teams. We strive to provide a fair work-life balance and an atmosphere where all our employees can thrive.
Accounts Payable vs. Accounts Receivable Jobs
At a car dealership and in most businesses, the accounts payable and accounts receivable departments both handle the flow of money. The AP side is responsible for outgoing payments, from costs as simple as the dealership's bills to more complex payments like vendor and supplier invoices. If you work in accounts payable, you'll manage invoices, records of expenditures, and the execution of payments from the dealership's accounts to outside parties.
As you can imagine, the accounts receivable division handles the opposite end of the dealership's finances: incoming money. Those who work in AR keep tabs on every cent that the business is owed. They work closely with the sales and finance departments to ensure compliance with terms and follow up with customers on outstanding payments.
While applying for accounts payable jobs at DARCARS Automotive Group, you may notice an accounts receivable position. If so, please note that the qualifications and skill level required are quite similar across departments. Both roles require strong organization, communication, and accounting prowess.
Growth Opportunities at DARCARS Automotive Group
For decades, DARCARS Automotive Group has been a trusted leader in the auto industry. We feature more than 30 dealerships across six states, each adopting our commitment to employee growth. When you work for DARCARS Automotive Group, you join a company that invests in your career development. We love to hire from within and offer educational opportunities and excellent benefits, including life, health, and dental plans, 401(k) contributions and paid time off. If you're curious about our DARCARS employment benefits, you can read about them on our website or contact us directly to chat with a team member.
If a job with DARCARS Automotive Careers appeals to you, don't hesitate to apply directly through our job listings portal. You may also see other positions that fit your background and experience level. If so, feel free to submit an application for multiple roles. We are looking forward to reviewing your application for one or more of our accounts payable jobs!
Discover Accounts Payable Vacancies at DARCARS Automotive Group
When you're ready to jump-start your accounts payable career, DARCARS Automotive Group is a great place to start. Working in this area will allow you to learn about the financial landscape of a dealership, broadening your professional horizons.
If you've finished reading this guide and still don't fully grasp the accounts payable meaning, you are welcome to contact our corporate office for a more comprehensive description of any given role. We love to hear from candidates who may one day become part of the DARCARS Automotive Group family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does accounts payable mean?
Simply put, the accounts payable definition means a person or department that tracks all outgoing payments for a business. Whether it's an invoice from a vendor or a statement from a creditor, all of the money that moves from the dealership to a third party must go through the accounts payable department first. An AP clerk manages the processing and distribution of these payments, ensuring no payment is made late.
What does an automotive accounts payable clerk do?
Accounts payable clerks keep meticulous records of invoices, which help them to ensure money is paid out to suppliers, vendors, and creditors in a timely manner. Professionals who have excellent time management skills and a strong code of ethics are most likely to thrive in an accounts payable clerk role. If you want to learn more about a job opening, you can always reach out to our auto group.
Is it hard to be an accounts payable clerk?
Working as an accounts payable clerk comes with its challenges. Each dealership comes with its own process for keeping records and paying invoices, so there may be a learning curve in the beginning. However, this job can also be highly rewarding and serve as an entry point for candidates looking to learn and grow within the auto sales industry. If this sounds like you, you can apply online today!