Career as an Accounts Receivable Clerk
An Accounts Receivable Clerk is an entry-level accounting professional who specializes in accurately recording financial transactions that generate revenue for their organization. Accounts receivable clerks monitor the inflow of money on the income side of general ledgers to highlight the company’s profits. Managers and executives rely on accounts receivable clerks to update statements on incoming money to ensure that the company is being properly paid for products or services rendered Along with monitoring credits and debits for accounts, accounts receivable clerks are also responsible for following posts of payments for customers, sending payments to accounts, verifying payments or deposits, monitoring unpaid invoices, and contacting customers who are late on payments. They also maintain records of any debits or credits within the company, send out payments, follow-up on payments, and monitor payments. Accounts receivable clerks must be able to quickly resolve issues that might come up with customers or within the company. They also work with supervisors and other clerks to do their job. Accounts Receivable Clerks need to be able to analyze information and resolve issues, as well as have a strong attention to detail, communication skills, data entry skills, and math skills. They also must have knowledge of financial software. Most employers only consider applicants with at least one to three years of experience in accounts receivable or general accounting, or equivalent education. They performs a variety of accounting and bookkeeping duties according to established policies and procedures. Maintains contact with attorneys, staff, vendors and clients and observes confidentiality of client and firm matters. The typical job duties of the Accounts Receivable Clerk includes to billing, keeping track of and collecting money owed, maintaining customer files, communicating with customers, preparing bank deposits, making sure the billing system is up-to-date, and operating office equipment such as copiers and fax machines, as well as a 10-key calculator. Given these duties, it is important that an accounts receivable clerk have good interpersonal and communication skills, a strong eye for detail, knowledge of computer software programs such as Microsoft Office, a strong background in mathematics, a familiarity with office equipment, good organizational skills, and the ability to work independently. The skills to handle stress, negotiate, solve problems, and manage conflict may also be helpful.