What Is an Accounts Payable Clerk and How to Become One
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What Does an Accounts Payable Clerk Do?
An accounts payable clerk ensures that accounting paperwork and invoices are filed and distributed correctly. Accounts payable clerks also create accounts payable reports, maintain accounting files, reconcile accounts payable transactions, communicate with vendors and clients, and file invoices for payment. A central part of an accounts payable clerk’s job description is making sure that the organization’s bills are paid in full, and any outstanding balances are reconciled appropriately.
How to Become an Accounts Payable Clerk
Key components of an account payable clerk’s job description are reconciling bills and reviewing invoices. You can become an accounts payable clerk by earning a high school diploma or GED certificate. Secure an associate degree in accounting, finance, or business. Earn an advanced degree to maximize career prospects, focusing coursework in accounts management, payroll administration, accounts payable, and accounting. When job searching, ensure that your resume is aligned with the job description then secure an interview for an accounts payable role.
How to Be a Good Accounts Payable Clerk
An accounts payable clerk files, distributes, and maintains invoices to ensure that the organization’s bills are properly paid. A good accounts payable clerk produces accounting work that is consistent, timely, and useful. Accuracy and attention to detail are especially important since every dollar that is disbursed by accounts payable must be accounted for, so being a good accounts payable clerk requires attention to detail. Good accounts payable clerks regularly practice accountability, taking ownership of the invoices, spreadsheets, and reports they produce.
Accounts Payable Clerk Job Description Sample
With this Accounts Payable Clerk job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Accounts Payable Clerk role.
Job Summary
We are seeking a talented, motivated individual to join our company as an Accounts Payable Clerk. As part of our team, you process invoices, reconcile company credit card payments and track key financial data in our accounting system. You assist multiple departments in ensuring financial information is appropriately reported and stored according to federal guidelines, and perform regular audits to confirm regulatory compliance. Our ideal candidate has three or more years of experience in accounts payable, close attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Process invoices and reconcile payments
- Input, track and retrieve financial data
- Ensure financial data is stored and reported according to regulatory guidelines
- Perform periodic audits of data to ensure regulatory compliance
- Track and correct discrepancies with accounts
Requirements and Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Prior professional experience in an accounting environment
- Close familiarity with accounts payable procedures
- Knowledge of federal and state accounting requirements and laws
- Strong computer proficiency
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
