What does an Accounts Receivable Clerk do?

Today we’ll look at the job description of an Accounts Receivable Clerk position. The primary role of an Accounts Receivable Clerk is to provide financial, clerical and administrative services in order to ensure that you make timely, efficient and accurate receipt of payments in the accounts under your control.

The Accounts Receivable Clerk falls within the accounting  profession (aka accountancy). In a broader context, accountacy involves the production of information about an enterprise and the transfer of that information to those who need it.

You can pursue a career in many fields of accounting, including cost, financial, fund, management, tax and forensic. There are also many accounting job positions within each field, so there is a huge scope of responsibilities you could have as an accountant!

Key tasks and responsibilities of an Accounts Receivable Clerk

• Generate and distribute invoices
• Follow up, collect and allocate payments
• Keep billing systems up to date
• Carry out account reconciliations
• Perform billing, collection and reporting activities by deadlines
• Collect data and generate key metrics monthly
• Communicate with clients and customers face-to-face or via phone, email or mail
• Investigate customer concerns and queries and resolve them
• Process adjustments to accounts
• Prepare deposits for the bank
• Maintain accounts receivable records in customer files
• Compile an ageing analysis on accounts receivable
• Investigate and solve payment discrepancies
• Follow established procedures for processing of cash, receipts and other transaction data
• Assist with the end-of-month closing of accounts & systems

Recommended education and experience

Typically 1-3 years of experience working in accounts receivable and general accounting duties is enough for you to take on jobs in accounts receivable.

Competencies that are useful in getting a position an Accounts Receivable clerk include: knowledge about accounts receivable, general bookkeeping procedures, general accounting principles, and administration procedures in an office environment.

Skill with relevant computer software programs, including common office software like Word and Excel, as well as specialised accounting applications such as MYOB or Quicken, are highly regarded.

Qualifications such as the Certificate IV in Accounting or Certificate IV in Bookkeeping are practical way of cementing your experience and formalising your abilities in order to pursue opportunities as an Accounts Receivable Clerk and related accounting positions.

Useful personal traits & skills

Accountants need to have a great attention to detail, and be highly organised, consistent and accurate. As accounting involves a great deal of recording and communicating of information, good verbal and written communication skills are critical.

Accounts don’t always add up. Accountants need to be able to track down the cause of problems. Strong analytical skills and the ability to solve problems is therefore a requisite of working in accounting roles.

Accountants often have to perform under pressure to meet deadlines and client demands. As a result, a sense of urgency, the ability to tolerate stress and tenacity are all useful attributes for you if you’re interested in working as an Accounts Receivable Clerk.