Understanding Accounting Job Titles
To an outsider, the worlds of accounting and finance can seem like a mystery. Sure, ...
Do you have a keen eye for detail? Do you excel at accounting and clerical tasks related to what a company owes to its suppliers? If so, a position as an Accounts Payable Clerk might be an ideal one for you.
Accounts Payable Clerks play a vital role in assuring their organization’s bottom line, and in helping manage and process the payments for the goods and services that companies use every day.
This critical role is vital in balancing all the financials for a company, tracking budgets, monitoring vendor agreements and contracts, and confirming that all payments are correctly processed. If you are detail-oriented, have time management expertise, and effective communication skills, this may be a position where you can thrive.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintain petty cash
- Log all outgoing disbursements
- Monitor all vendor payment agreements
- Be responsible for paying all sales taxes on relevant invoices
- Verify discrepancies and resolve clients’ billing issues
- Reconcile payable reports each month to confirm that all amounts paid were accurate
- Keep track of all credits owed to the company and ensure they are appropriately applied to vendor payments
Education and Background
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related discipline.
Skills and Proficiencies
- Excellent attention to detail
- Strong organizational ability
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Effective corporate communication skills
- Ability to consistently meet deadlines
- Excellent data entry skills
Compensation
According to Payscale the median annual salary of an Accounts Payable Clerk with
1 Year of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $34,000
- Tampa, Florida: $36,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $31,000
- Miami, Florida: $36,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $39,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $39,000
- Houston, Texas: $39,000
- Los Angeles, California: $37,000
- New York City, New York: $40,000
- Seattle, Washington: $42,000
- Overall: $37,000
5 Years of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $35,000
- Tampa, Florida: $39,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $36,000
- Miami, Florida: $37,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $40,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $41,000
- Houston, Texas: $41,000
- Los Angeles, California: $43,000
- New York City, New York: $50,000
- Seattle, Washington: $51,000
- Overall: $46,000
Similar Job Titles
- Accounts Receivable Clerk
- Collections Specialist
- Staff Accountant
Career Path
The first step in becoming an Accounts Payable Clerk is earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related discipline. Beyond that, candidates can gain skills and accreditation by earning accounting certifications like Certified Accounts Payable Associate (CAPA).
Position Trends
The Accounts Payable field is continually evolving. Rather than thought of as a back-office function, accounts payable departments are beginning to be thought of in a more strategically important way than in the past. As well as depending on this department for its traditional function, companies will be looking to accounts payable departments to supply essential data.
Job Outlook
Like with many industries, automation is becoming more prevalent than in the past. This trend is projected to be a factor in a slight decline for Accounts Payable Clerks of four percent through 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That said, Accounts Payable Clerks are used in a wide variety of accounting environments, and industries across the board require them.
Typical Hours
The typical work hours for an Accounts Payable Clerk are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in an office setting. However, longer or different hours can be necessary, depending on the needs and hours of an individual company.
Where You Can Find Jobs
Are You Interested in Becoming an Accounts Payable Clerk?
Here at 4 Corner Resources, we will connect you to one of our headhunters or recruiters to see if you are a perfect fit for one of our job openings. If a job opening does not suit you, we will always keep you in mind as new positions open up. We have vast experience connecting professionals with some of the most well-known organizations in the country. Your next job or career path can be right around the corner. Check out our latest open positions and our blog for career advice. Feel free to contact us at any time.