An accounts payable clerk ensures that a company’s invoices are paid on time and billed the correct amounts. Accounts payable clerks often receive, open, and log invoices and obtain department head clearance to pay bills as necessary. They usually have a basic understanding of accounting and budgeting.
While an associate’s degree in accounting is not necessary, most accounts payable clerks have a good foundation in fundamental accounting techniques. The finest accounts payable clerks are extremely detail-oriented, have excellent time management abilities, and communicate well. Use VIVAHR software for templates and make the most out of your job search.
Skill | Why it’s important |
Computer Skills | Computer spreadsheets and bookkeeping software are required skills for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks. |
Detail-oriented | Accurate financial records are the responsibility of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks. They must pay close attention to detail in order to avoid making mistakes and to spot mistakes committed by others. |
Integrity | The financial documentation of a company is in the hands of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks, who must utilize it appropriately and keep it secret. It is critical that they preserve accurate records and avoid abusing an organization's finances. |
Math Skills | A person should have good math skills, as this job requires daily work with numbers. Some arithmetic skills are also desirable. |
Computer Literacy | These computer abilities involve a combination of typing and understanding operating systems and applications. Accounts payable experts require excellent computer skills because part of their job is typing and utilizing applications like Microsoft Office and QuickBooks to execute tasks. |
We’re searching for an accounts payable clerk to take care of our company’s bills and keep track of our accounts payable ledger. Receiving, opening, and logging invoices on the ledger, as well as bank reconciliation, accounts payable invoice and data input, and expense report processing, will be your responsibilities.
You will need to be skilled with Microsoft Office software, notably Word and Excel, to succeed in this job. Payments, the accounting process, and budgeting must all be well-understood by the perfect applicant. When necessary, you must also be able to perform supervisory duties.
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Once you gather all the received applications, you can use these sample interview questions for the Accounts Payable Clerk. These can help you narrow down your choices and pick the most suitable candidate for the job.
Personal
Human Resources
Management
Technical Skills and Knowledge
Accounts payable experts must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate at the very least. Some businesses favor individuals with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a similar profession. Economics, accounting concepts, spreadsheets, computerized accounting, and taxes are all relevant courses.
The average yearly compensation for an accounts payable clerk is $44,154. On average, the top percentile of workers earns $53,636 a year. On average, entry-level workers make $35,976 per year. The average hourly wage is $21.03.
Percentile | 10% | 25% | 50% (Median) | 75% | 90% |
Hourly Wage | $17.61 | $19.18 | $21.03 | $24.41 | $26.28 |
Annual Wage | $35,976 | $39,873 | $44,154 | $49,117 | $53,636 |
Check out some steps you may need to take before starting your career as an accounts payable clerk.
Considering the mentioned steps, it may take you a while to become an accounts payable clerk. But, don’t be discouraged because hard work is always rewarding.
Obtaining your Accounts Payable Specialist certification verifies that you possess the necessary expertise to complete your task regardless of the circumstances. If you aren’t sure you’ll be able to pass the Institute of Finance & Management’s (IOFM) Accounts Payable Specialist (APS) program after completing your degree, certificate courses can help you prepare.
No, you don’t need to be a CPA to work as an accounts payable clerk. You can, however, enhance your qualifications by joining the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) or the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) (AIPB).
Payments to vendors, workers, tax authorities, and anybody else the firm owes money to are the responsibility of an accounts payable clerk. An account receivable clerk keeps track of and collects payments for goods and services acquired from the firm then applies the funds to clients’ accounts.