Accounts Payable Clerk Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Accounts payable jobs in Tucson follow the big vendor operations. The employers that cut the most checks - Raytheon and its defense supply chain, the University of Arizona and Pima County with their thousands of vendors, Caterpillar's mining division, and the distribution centers clustered at the Port of Tucson - all keep AP teams busy matching purchase orders, coding invoices, and paying suppliers on time. Because these are large, stable institutions, AP clerk roles here tend to be steady, benefits-eligible positions rather than seasonal work.
Current Accounts Payable Openings in Tucson, AZ
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Top Tucson Employers Hiring Accounts Payable Clerks
AP roles concentrate at large employers, government agencies, and the distribution sector - anywhere with a high volume of vendor invoices.
- Raytheon (RTX) - Tucson's largest private employer, with corporate AP and procurement-finance teams.
- University of Arizona - a major public employer processing high volumes of vendor and grant payments.
- Pima County and the City of Tucson - government AP and disbursement roles.
- Caterpillar - its Tucson mining operation supports finance and payables work.
- Port of Tucson distributors - the fulfillment and logistics companies there run large payables operations.
- Staffing agencies - Robert Half and similar firms place AP clerks in contract and permanent roles.
Accounts Payable Clerk Salaries in Tucson
- Entry level (AP clerk, invoice processor): roughly $34,000 - $42,000
- Experienced (AP specialist): roughly $42,000 - $52,000
- Senior (AP lead, payables supervisor): roughly $52,000 - $62,000+
These are estimates that vary by employer and experience. Roles at large employers and government agencies often pay steadily and include strong benefits - health coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off - along with clearer advancement ladders than smaller shops.
How to Become an Accounts Payable Clerk in Tucson
An AP job requires no license and usually no degree. Employers look for a high school diploma, accuracy with numbers, and experience with spreadsheets and accounting software. Pima Community College's accounting certificates and associate degree teach the payables cycle, coding, and reconciliations, which is a practical way to qualify or move up. Experience with enterprise systems like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite is a plus at Tucson's large employers, where AP is often handled inside a bigger ERP platform.
What the Job Involves
Accounts payable clerks receive and verify vendor invoices, match them to purchase orders and receiving records, code them to the right accounts, obtain approvals, and process payments by check or electronic transfer. They reconcile vendor statements, resolve billing discrepancies, and help close the books each month. At Tucson's large employers, the volume is high and the work is process-driven, rewarding people who are organized and accurate under deadlines.
Skills Employers Look For
- Accuracy with data entry and invoice coding
- Spreadsheet skills and accounting or ERP software experience
- Three-way matching and reconciliation know-how
- Organization and the ability to hit payment deadlines
- Professional communication with vendors and internal departments
Career Path and Advancement
AP clerk is a reliable entry into accounting. In Tucson, clerks advance to AP specialist, then AP lead or payables supervisor, and can cross into full-charge bookkeeping or staff accounting by adding coursework at Pima Community College and transferring toward a degree via Pima2UA. At large employers like Raytheon and the University of Arizona, strong AP staff can move into broader general-ledger and financial-operations roles over time.
Related Careers in Tucson
Accounts payable clerks in Tucson often explore these related career guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a degree to be an accounts payable clerk in Tucson?
No. Most Tucson AP jobs require only a high school diploma along with math skills and accounting-software experience. A Pima Community College accounting certificate or associate degree helps, and knowledge of enterprise systems like SAP or Oracle is valued at large local employers, but a four-year degree is not required.
What is the difference between accounts payable and accounts receivable?
Accounts payable is money the company owes and pays out to vendors; accounts receivable is money owed to the company by its customers. AP clerks manage outgoing payments, while AR clerks handle invoicing and collections. Many Tucson employers hire for both functions.
Which Tucson employers hire the most AP clerks?
Large institutions with heavy vendor volume lead: Raytheon, the University of Arizona, Pima County, the City of Tucson, Caterpillar, and the distribution centers at the Port of Tucson. Staffing agencies like Robert Half also place AP clerks into contract and direct-hire roles.
What software do Tucson accounts payable clerks use?
It varies by employer. Small businesses often use QuickBooks, while Tucson's large employers run AP inside enterprise systems such as SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite. Strong Excel skills are expected everywhere, and familiarity with an ERP platform is a real advantage for higher-volume roles.
Can accounts payable clerks work remotely in Tucson?
Sometimes. Invoice processing and payment work can often be done remotely, and some Tucson employers and staffing agencies offer hybrid schedules. On-site work remains common where clerks handle paper invoices, checks, or coordinate closely with procurement and accounting teams.
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