Accounts Payable Clerk

What is an Accounts Payable Clerk?

An accounts payable clerk is a financial professional responsible for managing invoices. This clerk will reconcile all products and labor received by the company, with invoices submitted from vendors and contractors. As the clerk processes each invoice, he or she will charge expenses to the appropriate accounts and maintain a careful record of all financial transactions.

The accounts payable clerk is also responsible for issuing payments to employees. This includes preparing checks, processing requests for advances, and verifying expense reports for purchases that are reimbursed. It’s important for an accounts payable clerk to maintain organized records, so the company can retrieve financial information quickly and efficiently. You must have a keen eye for detail, strong math skills, and the ability to work quickly and efficiently, to succeed as an accounts payable clerk.

While this is a routine job much of time, it can also involve some detective work when resolving discrepancies in company records. It will also involve a broad range of financial transactions and activities that will vary from time to time, to keep things interesting.

Job Responsibilities

• Issuing payments to vendors
• Verifying information on invoices
• Amending information on purchase orders as needed
• Issuing stop payments
• Preparing monthly vendor reports
• Maintaining accounting ledgers
• Calculating sales tax and preparing the appropriate tax reports
• Dispersing petty cash
• Maintaining confidentiality with all sensitive financial information
• Preparing vouchers, completing all important information
• Assembling invoices
• Keeping copies of vouchers and invoices

What is the Job Outlook for Accounts Payable Clerks?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t maintain information specific to accounts payable clerks. However, the BLS states about 154,100 openings for information clerks are projected each year, on average, over the decade. The increased use of online ordering and reservation systems and self-service ticketing kiosks will limit demand for these workers.

Where Do Accounts Payable Clerks Work?

Accounts payable clerks typically work in an office environment. They’re part of the financial department and may work alongside other types of finance clerks. In most companies, this will mean standard business hours, working Monday through Friday. Most financial clerks are employed full-time, rather than part-time.

Larger companies are more likely to employ accounts payable clerks, while smaller organizations may use one individual to handle all their financial activities and reports. Businesses can also choose to outsource this type of financial job. Accounts payable clerks may find employment with such organizations, managing accounts for several different clients from one central location.

What Training and Education Do I Need to Become an Accounts Payable Clerk?

Accounts payable clerks must have a minimum of a high school diploma, though most employers will prefer continuing education as well. The AAS Accounting Degree from Bryant & Stratton College is an outstanding choice that will give you a well-rounded education covering many key financial topics. This program includes courses in accounting principles, income tax accounting, payroll procedures, cost accounting, and financial analysis. It will also prepare you to work with computerized accounting systems, so you’re familiar with the most common programs for managing business finances.

In addition to a well-rounded financial background, you should also have good problem-solving skills, an aptitude for math, and the ability to prioritize tasks and complete work on a strict schedule. Any previous employment or activities demonstrating these skills, will be a valuable addition to your resume when you’re applying for a position as an accounts payable clerk.