Anyone work in A/P, A/R, or Payroll?

I am thinking of going back to school and have a few questions of what I would need to major in to work in this type of a job. Would I need my Bachelors or Associate degree? Also could you tell me what your daily responsibilities are? Please feel free to FM me. Thank you.

Re: Anyone work in A/P, A/R, or Payroll?

My DH is an accountant, but I don't think any degree is needed to work in A/R or payroll. A/R is a lot of calling to check up on money (he supervises the dept.). Honestly, since times are tough, these areas are being cut, so if you are going back to school, I would choose a different field. DH desperately wants to get out.

Re: Anyone work in A/P, A/R, or Payroll?

For A/R or A/P you really just need basic bookkeeping knowledge with good computer and phone skills. You could probably take a certificate class at a community college.

Payroll is a little more involved. If you work for a company that uses a payroll service (which most do) it's a little easier. I have worked for mostly small companies so payroll & HR have been combined positions which requires a little more expertise and experience.


As for going back to school in general, I think accounting is a good field to go into. It requires a bachelor degree but I believe it's one of those stable jobs. Every person and every company requires tax returns. A lot of companies have their own accounting departments. I was talking to a guy at work who was telling me about his CPA neighbor that specializes in investigating fraud. He said it's very lucrative.

Re: Anyone work in A/P, A/R, or Payroll?

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it!