An accounts payable specialist manages all outgoing payments, ensures vendors are paid accurately and on time, and maintains clean records of what the business owes.
A great Accounts Payable Specialist does not just complete tasks. They own a function that directly frees you to grow. Here is what that looks like in a scaling business:
01Process and code vendor invoices accurately
02Schedule and execute vendor payments on time
03Reconcile AP subledger to the general ledger
04Manage vendor relationships and resolve billing disputes
05Support month-end close by clearing AP accruals
How this hire moves your business forward: A well-run AP function prevents late fees, protects vendor relationships, and gives you a clear picture of your cash obligations - all of which matter when you are managing growth-stage cash flow.
Why LatAm
Why LatAm Produces Great Accounts Payable Specialists.
LatAm AP specialists are experienced in high-volume invoice processing, vendor management, and US accounting systems, with strong attention to detail.
The timezone overlap with the US is strong. LatAm professionals work within 1 to 3 hours of US Eastern time, so there is no async lag, no late-night handoffs, and no communication gap.
Skills & tools
Know What a Great Accounts Payable Specialist Actually Brings to the Table.
Beyond the resume, here are the skills, tools, and traits that separate strong performers from strong interviewers.
Hard Skills
Invoice processing
Payment scheduling
Vendor reconciliation
AP accruals
Three-way matching
Common Tools
Bill.com
QuickBooks
NetSuite
Tipalti
Excel
Soft Skills & Traits
Detail-oriented
Organized
Reliable
Clear communicator with vendors
Deadline-focused
Compensation
What You Can Expect to Pay.
Based on Sur market data and regional benchmarks. Figures reflect total cash compensation.
Seniority
US Annual
LatAm Annual
You Save
Entry
$42,000
$20,000
$22,000 / yr
Mid level
$55,000
$23,000
$32,000 / yr
Senior
$70,000
$28,000
$42,000 / yr
Spot the right hire
What to Look For, and What to Watch Out For.
Green Flags
Can explain their invoice processing workflow step by step
Has experience with your AP platform or a close equivalent
Comfortable flagging discrepancies before processing
Has managed vendor communication directly
Red Flags
Processes invoices without coding review
Has no experience with AP reconciliation
Cannot identify a duplicate invoice
Our process
Our Process for This Role.
We do not post and wait. Every Accounts Payable Specialist search we run is built from scratch around your business, your stage, your team, and your goals. And at every step, we are thinking about how this hire helps you grow.
1
Onboarding Call
We start by understanding what you actually need.
2
Role Scoping and Assessment Design
We build a precise role profile and design the custom skills assessment before we search for anyone.
3
Sourcing
We source actively across LatAm and the Caribbean and through our network.
4
Prescreening and Phone Screen
Every candidate is internally screened then put through an English phone screen.
5
Your Shortlist
3 to 5 candidates delivered early in the process with background, audio clip, and our team's recommendation.
6
Skills Assessment
Shortlisted candidates take a custom assessment built to replicate the actual work of the role.
7
Hire and Guarantee
We support the offer, help structure compensation for retention, and back every placement with a 90-day guarantee.
Common Questions About Hiring a Accounts Payable Specialist.
2-3 weeks typically. Most placements are made within 21 days of the onboarding call.
Most LatAm professionals work within 1 to 3 hours of US Eastern time.
All Sur placements speak fluent English. We screen for language ability on every search. Moderate English acceptable depending on exposure.
A LatAm AP specialist delivers the same accuracy and output as a US-based hire at significantly lower cost. This is one of the highest ROI hires you can make through LatAm.
If your hire does not work out within the first 90 days for any reason, we replace them at no additional cost.
Many can handle both at an early stage, though as volume grows it makes sense to separate the functions. Sur can advise on the right structure for your stage.
Sur can advise on permission structures. Most companies give AP specialists invoice processing and coding access, while a US-based approver retains payment release authority.
Ready to Hire a Accounts Payable Specialist Who Actually Moves the Needle?
Let us design the role together and find you the right person from LatAm.