Accounts Receivable Clerk Job Description
Summary: The term “accounts receivable” is used to identify client accounts that owe money to the company for products or services and other incoming finances of a company. Accounts receivable clerks, under the supervision of an accounts receivable manager, work on various clerical, administrative and financial tasks, such as accounting and bookkeeping. Since the job involves overseeing various invoices from unpaid business contracts, it is important that accounts receivable clerks have high levels of integrity and confidentiality.
Duties of an Accounts Receivable Clerk: Tasks of an accounts receivable clerk varies depending on the industry, but they are generally assigned to handle incoming money of a company. Accounts receivable clerks are responsible for updating billing systems, following up and collecting payments, allocating funds, carrying out billing and collection, reconciling accounts, monitoring payment-related customer account details such as non-payments or delayed payments; reconciling accounts, maintaining accounts receivable files of customers; preparing bank deposits; processing adjustments; investigating customer queries; developing automated spreadsheets, and communicating with customers via e-mail, phone, personal or traditional mail.
Education and Training Requirements for an Accounts Receivable Clerk Job: To become an accounts receivable clerk, you must obtain a high school diploma and at least 1 year experience in the field. Most companies require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, commerce, economics or a business-related field. Some companies prefer clerks to have worked with an accounting firm, while others require newly-hired clerks to complete on-the-job training before working as a full-time accounts receivable clerk. Advancement as an accounts receivable manager may occur after several years as a clerk, after completing a master’s degree or after receiving a promotion.
Knowledge and Skills Requirements for an Accounts Receivable Clerk Job: To become successful in this field, one must have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, customer service skills, time management and organizational skills, problem solving and decision-making skills, strong mathematical skills, interpersonal skills, decision-making skills, and knowledge of bookkeeping principles, relevant computer applications and accounts receivable procedures.
Working Conditions: Accounts receivable clerks work on an 8 to 5 shift in a fast-paced, ever-changing office setting. Overtime may be required occasionally to meet deadlines or during tax season. They usually spend their workdays sitting in front of a computer, which may cause eye strain or back pains.
Salary of an Accounts Receivable Clerk: The average salary of accounts receivable clerk jobs is $29,000 per year, with the lower 10% receiving $16,000 annually and the higher 10% receiving up to $41,000/year. Average accounts receivable clerk salaries may vary due to job location, company size, industry, experience, benefits and other factors.
