What Does an Accounts Receivable Clerk Do?
Accounts receivable clerks play a vital role in assuring their organization’s bottom line and in helping manage and process incoming payments to their company from customers and clients.
People in this role need to be detail-oriented and number-oriented as well as have strong time management and communication skills.
This critical role is essential in balancing everything out for the company, tracking budgets, monitoring incoming credit accounts, and securing payments from debtors.
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National Average Salary
Accounts receivable clerk salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Accounts Receivable Clerk is:
$43,222
Accounts Receivable Clerk Job Descriptions
Creating the perfect job description is crucial when seeking an accounts receivable clerk. To aid in this process, we’ve gathered real-world examples that serve as valuable templates, giving you the best chance to attract top finance talent to your team.
Example 1
The accounts receivable clerk is responsible for maintaining the accuracy of the company’s accounts receivable records. They will ensure that all payments are entered and documented correctly, and will work with customers and management to resolve any billing issues. The accounts receivable clerk is also responsible for various tasks related to the billing cycle. These include resolving discrepancies between invoices and payment receipts, preparing invoices and other billing documents, and maintaining accurate customer records. They must also be able to effectively communicate with customers and management in order to resolve any billing issues. The ideal candidate for this position has excellent customer service skills, is proficient in computer usage, and has at least one year of experience in an accounts receivable role.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Process incoming payments in compliance with financial policies and procedures
- Reconcile the accounts receivable ledger to ensure that all payments are accounted for and correctly posted
- Generate financial statements and reports detailing the accounts receivable status
- Audit ledgers to ensure they contain the correct information, such as billing addresses and invoice numbers
- Initiate collections on past-due accounts
- Communicate with clients about billing discrepancies and questions
Education and experience
- This position requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related discipline
Required skills and qualifications
- Solid understanding of accounting, fair credit practices, and collection regulations
- Proven ability to calculate, pos,t and manage accounting figures and financial records
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and accounting software
- Data entry skills along with a knack for numbers
- A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
Preferred qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting
- Minimum one year of experience in accounts receivable
- Exceptional customer service skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite
- Knowledge of accounts receivable software
Example 2
Responsibilities
- Ensure that the processing of all invoices is completed properly
- Process checks for payment of all invoices as necessary
- Process checks manually in an emergency situation
- Maintain complete and accurate files in order to handle vendor inquiries
- Reconcile vendor statements and solve any discrepancies
- Coordinate and analyze the general ledger with the Assistant Director of Finance
- Reconcile daily invoices
- Month-end accrual preparation
- Check the re-bill process
- Copies of all invoices forwarded to AR for billing
Qualifications
- Previous Accounting experience is preferred
- Strong Excel skills required
- Good verbal/written communication skills
- Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
- Maintain a professional business appearance, attitude, and performance
- Must be able to work a variety of shifts, including weekends and holidays
Example 3
Duties and responsibilities
- Maintaining the billing system
- Generating invoices and account statements
- Performing account reconciliations
- Maintaining accounts receivable files and records
- Producing monthly financial and management reports
- Investigating and resolving any irregularities or inquiries
- Assisting in general financial management and analysis
- An ability to prioritize and manage expectations
- A keen eye for detail
- An ability to work independently
- The ability to communicate articulately and efficiently with other people within the company
Requirements
- Proven working experience as Accounts Receivable Clerk, Accounts Receivable Manager, or Accountant
- Solid understanding of basic accounting principles, fair credit practices, and collection regulations
- Proven ability to calculate, post, and manage accounting figures and financial records
- Data entry skills along with a knack for numbers
- Hands-on experience in operating spreadsheets and Billing Programs (QuickBooks, Open Invoice, Coupa, Taulia, Ariba)
- Proficiency in English and in MS Office
- Customer service orientation and negotiation skills
- A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
Example 4
Position overview
The Accounts Receivable Clerk will be doing high-volume data entry. Communication is incredibly important when working with this Accounting team and requires organization, attention to detail, and being team-oriented! This would be a great entry-level role for a recent college graduate!
Responsibilities
- Matching invoices to purchase orders of vouchers
- Performing data entry
- Assisting with the process of accounts payable and accounts receivable
Qualifications
- 0 – 1 year of experience
- Data entry skills
- Familiarity with accounts receivable
- Familiarity with accounts payable
- Proficient in Excel
- Time management skills
- Well organized and a multitasker
Education requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting (or similar) is required
Candidate Certification to Look For
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
The CPA designation identifies accounting professionals who meet eligibility requirements, including passing a rigorous examination. CPAs are licensed to provide assurance services, such as audits and reviews, as well as other services.