Accounts Payable Clerk job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is an Accounts Payable Clerk?
An Accounts Payable Clerk is a professional responsible for managing a company's financial obligations to vendors and suppliers. They ensure accurate processing of invoices, verify payment terms, and maintain records of all transactions. Their duties include reconciling accounts, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring payments are made on time to maintain good relationships with vendors.
They play a crucial role in maintaining the organization's cash flow and financial accuracy by adhering to policies and procedures related to expenditures. The finest accounts payable clerks are extremely detail-oriented, have excellent time management abilities, and communicate well.
The top Accounts Payable Clerk skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
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.
Duties and responsibilities
- Process, verify, and reconcile invoices accurately and efficiently.
- Ensure timely payment to vendors and maintain a schedule of payment deadlines.
- Resolve invoice discrepancies and communicate with vendors to address payment-related issues.
- Monitor accounts to ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.
- Maintain organized records of all accounts payable transactions.
- Assist in preparing financial reports related to accounts payable.
- Support month-end and year-end closing processes by providing required data.
- Respond promptly to internal and external inquiries regarding payments and invoices.
- Collaborate with other departments to streamline procurement and payment workflows.
- Stay updated on industry practices and software to improve processes.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent; an associate's degree in accounting or finance is preferred.
- Proven experience in accounts payable or a similar role.
- Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Solid understanding of basic accounting principles and financial regulations.
- Effective time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle is a plus.
- Knowledge of invoice processing, payment cycles, and reconciliation procedures.
Take the template with you
Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
What education this role needs.
Sample interview questions for an Accounts Payable Clerk.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- What motivates you to work in accounts payable?
- How do you handle stress or tight deadlines in your work?
- Can you share an accomplishment you’re particularly proud of in your career?
- How do you ensure clear communication with team members and vendors?
- What steps do you take to maintain confidentiality in handling financial data?
- How would you describe your approach to teamwork and collaboration?
- How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple invoices and deadlines?
- Can you describe a time you resolved a conflict with a vendor or supplier?
- How do you ensure compliance with company policies and procedures in accounts payable?
- What accounting software are you proficient in, and how have you used it in your previous roles?
- Can you explain the process of reconciling accounts payable records?
- How do you handle discrepancies between purchase orders and invoices?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $14 at the 10th percentile to $25 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Accounts Payable
Staff Accountant
Accounting Clerk
Accounting Clerks work in accounting departments in companies where they provide assistance with accounting and clerical duties.
$38,217 medianFrequently asked questions.
What qualifications are necessary to become an Accounts Payable Clerk?
Typically, candidates need a high school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in basic accounting principles, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills.
Some employers may prefer candidates with relevant coursework or experience in accounting.
What are the primary responsibilities of an Accounts Payable Clerk?
Accounts Payable Clerks are responsible for processing invoices, verifying accuracy, reconciling statements, preparing payments, and maintaining vendor records.
They ensure timely and accurate payment of bills while adhering to company policies and procedures.
How does an Accounts Payable Clerk contribute to financial operations?
Accounts Payable Clerks play a crucial role in maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring the smooth flow of payments to vendors and suppliers.
By managing accounts payable processes efficiently, they contribute to the overall financial health and operational efficiency of the organization.
What skills and qualities are essential for success as an Accounts Payable Clerk?
Key skills for Accounts Payable Clerks include attention to detail, proficiency in accounting software and spreadsheets, strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to multitask and prioritize tasks, and a commitment to accuracy and compliance with regulations.
Other job description templates.
Same format, same free, same median pay data. Browse the full library if the role you are hiring for is not here.
Accounting Manager
Accounting managers are responsible for tracking, overseeing, and evaluating daily accounting tasks and activities.
$95,659 medianFull Charge Bookkeeper
A full-charge bookkeeper is a person who does accounting and bookkeeping for a company, usually a small or medium-sized corporation.
$59,429 medianBilling Coordinator
A Billing Coordinator is responsible for billing and invoicing customers for services provided.
$40,900 medianClerk
Clerks work in many different office settings and industries, where they perform various administrative and clerical tasks to support the business.
$30,499 median