The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Procurement Coordinator / Junior P2P Administrator
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Data entry accuracy, basic PO creation, understanding of approval workflows, initial supplier communication, basic system navigation.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently processes simple requisitions without errors.
- Can independently track PO statuses and provide updates.
- Understands the importance of process adherence and data quality.
- Proactively asks clarifying questions to avoid mistakes.
- 2
Accounts Payable Specialist
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Invoice processing, reconciliation, understanding payment terms, supplier statement reconciliation, resolving payment queries. This gives you a great perspective on the 'other side' of the P2P cycle.
You're ready to move on when
- Expert in invoice processing and identifying discrepancies.
- Strong understanding of accounting principles related to payables.
- Excellent problem-solving skills for payment issues.
- Good relationships with suppliers and internal finance teams.
- 3
Logistics / Supply Chain Administrator
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Goods receipt processes, inventory management basics, understanding delivery schedules, communicating with warehouse teams and carriers. This experience gives you a solid grasp of the 'receipt' part of the three-way match.
You're ready to move on when
- Proficient in goods receipting and inventory movements.
- Understands the impact of delivery delays on operations.
- Strong communication with operational teams.
- Detail-oriented in tracking physical goods.