Career Questions and Answers
GL Accountant vs Accounts Payable?
Asked by John Arkan
Is there a big difference between these two positions? Also if an Accounts Payable person wanted to move to GL would it be hard?
Asked by John Arkan
Is there a big difference between these two positions? Also if an Accounts Payable person wanted to move to GL would it be hard?
A:
Best Answer:
General Ledger deals with credits and debts and hardcore accounting....AP may or may not encompass all of these ideals, or may be more admin asst role. I think you should look at the job descriptions and see if GL would be over your head.
General Ledger deals with credits and debts and hardcore accounting....AP may or may not encompass all of these ideals, or may be more admin asst role. I think you should look at the job descriptions and see if GL would be over your head.
A:
no not really
Answered by the queen
Answered by the queen
A:
AP is data entry with a familiarity of the SW used by accounting departments - experience or degree
GL requires a broader, more experienced background in accounting theory - degree
AP positions (depending on years of experience) deliver around 12-17 per hour whereas GL positions are usually salaried or starting at 20+ per hour for consultants
Hope this helps
-AP girl
Answered by pumuckl_08
Answered by pumuckl_08
A:
The others have given an idea of the differences; there are some things that I would like to add.
Depending on the responsibilities and size of the organization, an AP person may also work on managing the cash flow/discounts - for example, paying early to those vendors who offer discount terms. The AP position will tend to be more individual transaction oriented - for example, verifying line items on invoices for correctness.
The GL position will consolidate AP information, AR, payroll, and other areas into accounts; it is a logical career path at some point. To move there, I would work beyond the comfort zone of strictly AP; learn how the company reports the income into the GL accounts; try to help with questions/issues regarding those postings. Learn your monthly and other financial cycles and how your work feeds in. Make a pal or two in the GL group; ask good questions. Take some additional accounting courses; you can't get a CPA without time in a public accounting firm, but you may want to look at CMA which is certified management accountant, which is a good designation.
Answered by magdarra
Answered by magdarra
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