What is an Account Payable Clerk Job?
An account payable clerk job is an entry-level position in the accounting department of a company. As the name suggests, this job revolves around ensuring that all the company's bills and invoices are paid in a timely and accurate manner. It is an important job that requires attention to detail and a good understanding of financial processes.
What do People Usually do in this Position?
People in this position are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including processing invoices, reconciling accounts, and preparing payments for approval. They are also responsible for maintaining accurate records and ensuring that all transactions are properly recorded. In addition, they may be responsible for communicating with vendors and other departments within the company to resolve payment issues or discrepancies.
Top 5 Skills for the Position
- Attention to detail: An account payable clerk must be able to spot errors and discrepancies in financial documents.
- Organizational skills: This job requires the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines at once.
- Communication skills: An account payable clerk must be able to communicate effectively with vendors, other departments, and management.
- Mathematical skills: A strong understanding of basic accounting principles is essential in this job.
- Computer skills: This job requires proficiency in accounting software and other computer programs.
How to Become an Account Payable Clerk
To become an account payable clerk, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may require an associate's degree in accounting or a related field. On-the-job training is typically provided, and many account payable clerks advance to higher positions within the accounting department with experience and additional education.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for account payable clerks in the United States is around $40,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry.
Roles and Types
Account payable clerks can work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. Some of the different job titles in this field include accounts payable specialist, accounts payable coordinator, and accounts payable analyst. Depending on the company and industry, the responsibilities of an account payable clerk may vary.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in the USA
According to Indeed, some of the cities with the most job postings for account payable clerks in the United States include New York, NY, Chicago, IL, Houston, TX, Los Angeles, CA, and Atlanta, GA. However, there are job opportunities for account payable clerks in many other cities and regions as well.
What are the Typical Tools?
Account payable clerks typically use a variety of tools and software to perform their job duties, including accounting software such as QuickBooks or Sage, spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel, and email and other communication tools. They may also use specialized software or databases to manage vendor information and invoices.
In Conclusion
An account payable clerk job is a great entry-level position for those interested in accounting and finance. It requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in accounting software and other computer programs. With experience and additional education, account payable clerks can advance to higher positions within the accounting department and build a successful career in this field.