FollowAn accounts receivable clerk has an important role in any company. They’re the person who prepares invoices, collects money from customers and clients and records the transactions properly. The type of company where the clerk works will dictate much of what the duties will entail. In some companies, the clerk will handle sending bill reminders. In other companies, that is handled automatically by the billing department who will print out a batch of overdue notices. Some clerks will handle ledger entries, and others do not.
Job Description
An accounting clerk will need to be able to utilize computer programs to enter payments, generate statements and reports and post receipts. That person might also have to make bank deposits, create automated spreadsheets in Excel and organize financial statements and reports. The clerk will have to maintain good interaction with customers, clients, outside accountants and managers. Payment reversals and write offs might be part of the process too.
Duties for an Accounts Receivable Clerk
Invoice Preparation
One of the biggest duties of the receivables clerk is preparing accurate invoices for clients after services have been rendered. For example, if the company provides siding for houses, the receivables clerk would have to prepare an invoice that details the work provided, the costs of work plus labor as well as any other charges. The clerk will have to follow up with these invoices to ensure that they are paid in a timely manner.
Transaction Recording
When payments are made by clients or customers, the clerk must enter the correct amount into the system. The specific software to be used for this purpose will vary by company. The balance due must be figured out based on the amount of payments. This requires detailed and accurate payment recordings. If an account is past due, this information is passed on to the collections department. In a small company, that might be handled by the receivables clerk too.
Making Deposits
With many people making electronic payments, this might not be a consideration at all for a receivables clerk. If there are checks or cash coming through the doors of the company, the clerk might have to make daily runs to the bank to make deposits. Deposits will include adding up all the checks and cash, filling out the deposit slip and heading to the bank.
Education Requirements
An accounting clerk will need to have a degree, certificate or relevant experience on the job. While in years past, clerks didn’t need to have an associate’s degree, that’s changed in recent years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most employers are looking for some college for people in their accounting department.
Skills and Experience for a Position as an Accounts Receivable Clerk
The receivables clerk could need experience depending on the company’s requirements. At the very least, they’ll want someone that knows how to work the accounting software, reconcile the accounts and record payments. This experience can be gained through an internship or part-time position in an office using the software required.
Related Resource: How Do You Become a Billing Clerk?
An accounts receivable clerk is a person in the company who receives all the payments that come through the door. The person will create invoices and record payments to the customer’s or client’s account.
