What Does an Accounts Receivable Clerk Do?
An accounts receivable clerk is responsible for managing incoming payments and maintaining accurate financial records for a company. This role plays a vital part in ensuring steady cash flow by generating invoices, tracking receivables, processing payments, and reconciling account balances. AR clerks work closely with internal finance teams and external customers to resolve discrepancies and maintain strong financial standing.
This position often involves using accounting software and spreadsheets to document transactions, follow up with customers on overdue accounts, and generate financial reports for management. AR clerks must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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Accounts Receivable Clerk Core Responsibilities
- Generate and distribute accurate customer invoices in a timely manner
- Process incoming payments via various methods (e.g., checks, ACH, wire transfers)
- Monitor accounts for delayed or missed payments and initiate collections activities
- Maintain up-to-date customer records, including contact information and payment terms
- Reconcile accounts receivable transactions and resolve payment discrepancies
- Communicate with clients to follow up on outstanding invoices
- Collaborate with sales, customer service, and accounting teams to ensure accuracy and efficiency
- Prepare AR aging reports and other financial summaries for internal use
- Assist with month-end closing processes and audit support
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP)
- Experience with invoicing systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms
- Knowledge of basic accounting principles and AR processes
- Familiarity with cash applications, payment processing, and account reconciliation
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent time management and organizational abilities
- Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills
- Persistence and follow-through when managing collections
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate degree in accounting, finance, or related field preferred
Certifications
- Certifications are not typically required
- Certified Bookkeeper or similar credential may be beneficial in certain roles
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in an accounts receivable or billing role
- Experience with high-volume or complex billing environments
- Prior work in a specific industry (e.g., healthcare, legal, construction, real estate)
- Bilingual communication skills (Spanish commonly preferred)
- Familiarity with automated AR and collections software
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
Sample Job Description Templates for Accounts Receivable Clerks
Entry-Level Accounts Receivable Clerk
Position Overview
The entry-level accounts receivable clerk supports the billing and collections functions of the finance department by performing administrative tasks, processing simple transactions, and assisting with routine financial reporting. This role is ideal for someone starting a career in accounting or finance and eager to develop core AR skills in a structured, team-oriented environment.
Accounts Receivable Clerk Responsibilities
- Assist in generating and sending customer invoices
- Enter payment data into the accounting system
- Prepare and organize documentation for AR files
- Support senior AR staff with reporting and reconciliations
- Monitor shared AR inbox and route inquiries
- Perform data entry and ensure accurate recordkeeping
- Help with customer account updates and file maintenance
Accounts Receivable Clerk Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Familiarity with general office software
- Data entry speed and accuracy
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational habits
- Willingness to learn and take direction
- Reliable and punctual with good follow-through
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate degree in accounting or business preferred
Certifications
- None required
Accounts Receivable Clerk Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or clerical experience in an office environment
- Exposure to basic accounting or bookkeeping tasks
- Experience with cloud-based accounting software
Mid-Level Accounts Receivable Clerk
Position Overview
A mid-level accounts receivable clerk handles the full AR process from invoice creation through payment tracking and account reconciliation. This individual works independently to maintain accurate customer accounts and partners closely with sales and finance teams to resolve issues and improve cash flow.
Accounts Receivable Clerk Responsibilities
- Generate and issue customer invoices
- Record incoming payments and apply to appropriate accounts
- Reconcile account balances and identify payment discrepancies
- Communicate with customers regarding outstanding invoices
- Support month-end close by preparing AR reports
- Maintain internal documentation for audit compliance
- Assist with credit checks and customer onboarding processes
Accounts Receivable Clerk Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with QuickBooks, NetSuite, or similar software
- Strong Excel skills (formulas, sorting, pivot tables)
- Knowledge of GAAP and basic AR workflows
Soft skills
- Proactive communicator with follow-up skills
- Strong organizational abilities
- Team player with ability to prioritize tasks
Education
- Associate degree in accounting, finance, or business required
Certifications
- Not required, but relevant bookkeeping certifications may be helpful
Accounts Receivable Clerk Preferred Qualifications
- Prior collections or credit control exposure
- 2+ years of accounts receivable experience
- Familiarity with ERP systems and high-volume environments
Senior Accounts Receivable Clerk
Position Overview
A senior accounts receivable clerk leads AR processes for assigned client accounts, resolves escalated payment issues, and supports internal financial reporting and audit prep. This role often serves as a mentor to junior team members and ensures smooth AR operations with minimal oversight.
Accounts Receivable Clerk Responsibilities
- Oversee full-cycle AR for complex or high-value accounts
- Manage escalated payment disputes and coordinate with legal or sales when needed
- Lead monthly AR aging review and reporting
- Develop and refine AR procedures and documentation
- Mentor and train new AR team members
- Ensure audit readiness and compliance with internal controls
- Collaborate with finance leadership on forecasting cash inflows
Accounts Receivable Clerk Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced Excel skills (lookups, macros preferred)
- Proficiency with ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite
- Deep understanding of AR KPIs and reconciliation techniques
Soft skills
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Clear communicator who can resolve conflicts diplomatically
- Ability to manage competing deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
Certifications
- Not required, but Certified Bookkeeper (CB) is a plus
Accounts Receivable Clerk Preferred Qualifications
- 4+ years of AR experience, with progressive responsibilities
- Cross-functional team leadership experience
- Familiarity with complex billing structures (e.g., milestone, usage-based)
Accounts Receivable Clerk Team Lead
Position Overview
The AR clerk team lead oversees daily accounts receivable operations and ensures efficient, accurate processing across the department. This role provides guidance to AR staff, enforces company policies, and drives continuous improvement in billing and collections practices. The team lead balances hands-on processing with supervisory responsibilities.
Accounts Receivable Clerk Responsibilities
- Supervise and support AR team members in daily tasks
- Monitor performance metrics and provide feedback
- Coordinate invoicing, collections, and reconciliation schedules
- Implement and optimize AR processes and controls
- Collaborate with management to set AR goals and KPIs
- Resolve escalated customer payment issues
- Train new hires and conduct regular check-ins with staff
Accounts Receivable Clerk Requirements
Hard skills
- Team leadership or supervisory experience in AR
- Advanced accounting system knowledge (ERP and CRM integrations)
- Expertise in reconciliation and AR process documentation
Soft skills
- Leadership mindset with ability to coach and delegate
- Conflict resolution and people management skills
- Strategic thinking with process improvement acumen
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field preferred
Certifications
- None required; leadership or bookkeeping certifications may be advantageous
Accounts Receivable Clerk Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of accounts receivable experience
- Experience managing remote or hybrid AR teams
- Familiarity with KPI tracking and reporting dashboards
Healthcare Accounts Receivable Clerk
Position Overview
A healthcare accounts receivable clerk manages billing and payment processing for medical services, ensuring accurate claims submission and timely reimbursement from insurers and patients. This role requires knowledge of healthcare coding, claim cycles, and compliance standards like HIPAA.
Accounts Receivable Clerk Responsibilities
- Prepare and submit insurance claims using appropriate coding (ICD-10, CPT)
- Monitor claim status and resolve denials or rejections
- Post payments from EOBs and patient accounts
- Follow up with insurance providers on delayed reimbursements
- Verify patient eligibility and benefits
- Maintain compliance with HIPAA and billing regulations
- Collaborate with medical billing and patient service departments
Accounts Receivable Clerk Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with medical billing software (e.g., Epic, Kareo, Athena)
- Familiarity with ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding
- Ability to interpret EOBs and insurance guidelines
Soft skills
- Detail-focused and thorough
- Strong communication skills with patients and insurers
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced healthcare setting
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate degree in healthcare administration or billing preferred
Certifications
- Medical Billing and Coding Certification (e.g., AAPC or AHIMA) preferred
Accounts Receivable Clerk Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of medical billing or revenue cycle experience
- Experience with Medicare, Medicaid, and private payers
- Bilingual (Spanish or other language) is a plus in patient-facing settings
Construction Accounts Receivable Clerk
Position Overview
A construction accounts receivable clerk oversees billing and collections for construction projects, coordinating with contractors, project managers, and clients to ensure timely and accurate payment. This role requires an understanding of progress billing, lien laws, and project-based accounting.
Accounts Receivable Clerk Responsibilities
- Create and send progress or milestone-based invoices (AIA forms)
- Track contract retainage and release payments as appropriate
- Verify project details, work completion, and billing schedules
- Coordinate lien waiver submissions and ensure legal compliance
- Reconcile payments with contract terms and project budgets
- Work with PMs to resolve billing discrepancies
- Maintain project-based AR records and documentation
Accounts Receivable Clerk Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with construction billing software (e.g., Procore, Sage 300, Viewpoint)
- Knowledge of AIA billing forms and contract invoicing
- Familiarity with lien releases, retainage, and compliance documents
Soft skills
- Strong attention to contract terms and legal detail
- Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders
- Effective prioritization in deadline-driven environments
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate degree in accounting, construction management, or related field preferred
Certifications
- None required
Accounts Receivable Clerk Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of construction or job-cost accounting experience
- Knowledge of state-specific lien regulations
- Prior experience working with subcontractor documentation
Legal Accounts Receivable Clerk
Position Overview
A legal accounts receivable clerk manages client billing, trust accounting, and collections for law firms. This position ensures compliance with legal billing practices and often supports attorneys and firm administrators with financial tracking and reporting.
Accounts Receivable Clerk Responsibilities
- Prepare and distribute client invoices in accordance with retainer and hourly agreements
- Manage trust account deposits and withdrawals in line with IOLTA rules
- Track billing hours and expenses using legal billing software
- Reconcile client accounts and follow up on outstanding balances
- Support firm accountants with monthly and quarterly reporting
- Maintain documentation for audits and bar association compliance
- Communicate billing issues with clients and attorneys
Accounts Receivable Clerk Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with legal billing software (e.g., Clio, Timeslips, Zola Suite)
- Understanding of trust accounting and IOLTA regulations
- Familiarity with legal terminology and fee structures
Soft skills
- Discretion and confidentiality
- Strong written communication for client-facing documents
- High level of accuracy and consistency
Education
- Associate degree in accounting, legal studies, or business preferred
Certifications
- Not required, but legal billing certification may be a plus
Accounts Receivable Clerk Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in a law firm or legal services billing role
- Familiarity with multi-jurisdictional trust compliance
- Experience managing multiple attorney accounts simultaneously