Accounts payable vs Payroll

[u/TomatilloNo3672]

For some context, I’ve been working as an admin assistant for about a year now. I have an associate’s degree in accounting and recently started going back to school to get my bachelor’s degree in accounting.

The job market is pretty tough here, so while I originally wanted to do something more related to accounting, I decided to take the admin assistant position anyways.

But now that I’m back in school, it’s really making me want a job that’s related to accounting. That way I can start gaining experience in the field while also studying.

Anyways two positions recently opened up internally at my company, one for a payroll clerk and the other for an accounts payable clerk. I’m planning to apply for both, but I was wondering which role might open more doors for me in the future (even if it’s years down the road)

So I guess my question is, which position do you guys think would be more beneficial long-term? Again I’m applying to both so if I am selected for either one I don’t mind, just curious which one might teach me more transferable(?) skills

Honestly I really like my company and the benefits here, I just feel ready to do something other than write memos & letters all day lol

[u/Acceptable-Letter386]

Payroll would be the better looking on a resume but accounts payable will teach you more accounting knowledge.

[u/Quirky_Incident9336]

You'll be limited in career growth with Payroll. Accounts Payable teaches you more about accounting, and could lead to a Staff Accountant position in the future.

Depending on how big the company is (200 emp or less), I'd honestly ask if they're interested in combining the positions into an Accounting Specialist title, and pay you more than both individual positions.

I worked as an Accounting Specialist in local government, doing AP/AR & Payroll for 215 employees, and it kept me busy, but I actually enjoyed the work. I'm now a Staff Accountant elsewhere. I only left because the city has 1 Accountant, who's been there 20 years & won't be retiring for another 20.

[u/Hassan-AI-Tech]

Since you're finishing the bachelor's, I'd lean AP too, but I'd ask in the interview what the role actually touches. AP at some places is just keying invoices, at others you're coding to GL accounts, doing accruals at month end and talking to vendors about discrepancies, and that's the version that teaches you the most. Payroll is its own thing (tax filings, garnishments, state rules) and it's a solid skill, but it's a narrower track unless you want to stay in it.

Either way, whichever you land, volunteer to help with month-end close if they'll let you. That's where your coursework will start clicking.