Understanding Accounting Job Titles
To an outsider, the worlds of accounting and finance can seem like a mystery. Sure, ...
Accounts Receivable Clerks play a vital role in assuring their organization’s bottom line, and in helping manage and process incoming payments to their company from customers and clients.
This critical role is essential in balancing everything out for the company, tracking budgets, monitoring incoming credit accounts, and securing payments from debtors.
If you are detail- and number-oriented and have strong time management and communication skills, Accounts Receivable Clerk may be a great position in which you can grow.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Process incoming payments in compliance with financial policies and procedures
- Reconcile the accounts receivable ledger to ensure that all payments are accounted for and correctly posted
- Generate financial statements and reports detailing the accounts receivable status
- Audit ledgers to ensure they contain the correct information, such as billing addresses and invoice numbers
- Initiate collections on past-due accounts
- Communicate with clients about billing discrepancies and questions
Education and Background
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related discipline.
Skills and Proficiencies
- Solid understanding of accounting, fair credit practices, and collection regulation
- Proven ability to calculate, post and manage accounting figures and financial records
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and accounting software
- Data entry skills along with a knack for numbers
- A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
Compensation
According to Payscale the average annual salary of an Accounts Receivable Clerk with
1 Year of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $34,000
- Tampa, Florida: $37,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $30,000
- Miami, Florida: $36,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $38,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $39,000
- Houston, Texas: $35,000
- Los Angeles, California: $38,000
- New York City, New York: $37,000
- Seattle, Washington: $42,000
- Overall: $37,000
5 Years of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $36,000
- Tampa, Florida: $38,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $36,000
- Miami, Florida: $37,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $39,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $43,000
- Houston, Texas: $41,000
- Los Angeles, California: $41,000
- New York City, New York: $50,000
- Seattle, Washington: $49,000
- Overall: $40,000
Similar Job Titles
- Accounts Payable Clerk
- Collections Specialist
- Staff Accountant
Career Path
The first step in becoming an Accounts Receivable Clerk is to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related discipline. Beyond that, candidates can gain skills and accreditation by earning accounting certifications like IOFM Accounts Receivable Certification.
Position Trends
The accounts receivable field is continually evolving. Rather than regarded as a back-office function, accounts receivable 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 receivable departments to supply essential data.
Job Outlook
Over the next several years, the accounting services sector is expected to grow in the neighborhood of six percent. Though accounting, in general, isn’t a huge slice of the professional services pie, it’s thought to be a strong one.
Typical Hours
The typical work hours for an Accounts Receivable Clerk can be 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 a Accounts Receivable 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.