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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Accounts Receivable Clerk

💰 $40,000 - $55,000

AccountingFinanceBillingCollectionsAccounts Receivable

🎯 Role Definition

An Accounts Receivable Clerk is responsible for processing and maintaining financial transactions related to incoming payments, ensuring that customer invoices are accurate, payments are applied correctly, and records are maintained in accordance with company and accounting standards. This role supports the finance team by facilitating cash flow, monitoring outstanding balances, and assisting with reconciliations and reporting. The AR Clerk serves as a critical link between customers, sales, and accounting to ensure the timely collection of receivables.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Accounting Assistant
  • Administrative Clerk
  • Billing Clerk

Advancement To:

  • Accounts Receivable Specialist
  • Accounts Receivable Coordinator
  • Senior Accounting Clerk

Lateral Moves:

  • Accounts Payable Clerk
  • Billing Administrator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  1. Process and post customer payments by recording cash, checks, and credit card transactions accurately in the accounting system.
  2. Generate, review, and send invoices to customers in a timely manner.
  3. Reconcile customer accounts and ensure payments are applied to the correct invoices.
  4. Monitor accounts for overdue payments and follow up with customers regarding outstanding balances.
  5. Maintain and update accounts receivable records, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
  6. Assist with preparing monthly aging reports and tracking collection status.
  7. Research and resolve payment discrepancies, short payments, and unapplied cash issues.
  8. Communicate with customers to resolve billing and payment inquiries professionally.
  9. Support the month-end close process by reconciling AR sub-ledgers and generating required reports.
  10. Verify accuracy of invoices, credit memos, and adjustments before posting.
  11. Prepare daily deposits and ensure that all receipts are recorded and balanced.
  12. Work with the sales and operations teams to validate billing details and contract terms.
  13. Process refunds, write-offs, and adjustments in accordance with company policies.
  14. Maintain organized documentation and support internal and external audits with required AR information.
  15. Assist with credit applications and maintaining customer account information.
  16. Identify and report potential issues in accounts or irregularities to supervisors.
  17. Collaborate with the accounting team to improve processes and maintain financial accuracy.
  18. Ensure compliance with GAAP principles and company internal controls.
  19. Support customer onboarding by setting up billing details and verifying contact information.
  20. Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance AR efficiency.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc financial data requests and reconciliations.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of AR systems and workflows.
  • Collaborate with finance leadership on AR reporting and process optimization.
  • Assist in departmental projects and cross-functional accounting initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite
  • Knowledge of basic accounting principles and GAAP standards
  • Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, reconciliations)
  • Experience with billing and cash application processes
  • Strong data entry accuracy and numerical aptitude
  • Familiarity with AR aging reports and reconciliation procedures
  • Ability to process and record customer payments via multiple methods (ACH, wire, check)
  • Understanding of internal control and audit requirements
  • Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and reports
  • Knowledge of ERP systems and financial reporting tools

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
  • Customer service-oriented mindset with professionalism in communication
  • Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize workload
  • Dependability and accuracy in handling financial data
  • Team collaboration and willingness to support cross-functional tasks
  • Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Adaptability to new financial systems and procedures
  • Strong sense of accountability and integrity
  • Ability to work efficiently in a deadline-driven environment

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Education:
Associate’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
1–2 years of experience in accounts receivable, billing, or general accounting

Preferred:
2+ years of experience in a corporate or shared-service accounting environment using ERP systems, with demonstrated accuracy in payment processing, reconciliation, and invoice management.

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