Accounts Receivable Clerk

An accounts receivable clerk keeps and updates accounting records for a business or organization, focusing on incoming funds and debts owed. Accounts receivable clerks may also calculate loan payments and interest, handle billing vouchers, and otherwise make sure financial records are up to date and accurate.

Accounts receivable clerks may work in either entry-level positions or in management. An aptitude for working with numbers, strong communication skills, and a familiarity with computers and accounting principles are recommended for those interested in this career path.

Employers prefer candidates who have training in accounting or finance, so an associate degree or at least some related work experience can be helpful.

Degrees for Accounts Receivable Clerks

A high school diploma or its equivalent is usually required to pursue this career path, but employers are increasingly seeking individuals with higher education.

An associate degree in accounting, bookkeeping, or business is a good option for those considering this line of work. A thorough, working knowledge of bookkeeping or accounting software can also help give job candidates an edge.

On-the-job training is common for accounts receivable clerks, especially so they become familiar with specialized record-keeping systems and databases of employers. Certification in accounting is also a possibility.

Accounts Receivable Clerk Salary*

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wages of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in 2008 were $32,510; the middle 50% earned between $26,350 and $40,130.

The highest paid 10% earned more than $49,260 while the lowest paid 10% made less than $20,950.

Job growth for accounting, bookkeeping, and auditing clerks should be “about as fast as average” according to the U.S. Department of Labor, largely because of the retirement of many currently in this profession.

While specialized knowledge is a positive, those workers who can perform an assortment of bookkeeping and accounting tasks should see the best job prospects.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics