Accounts Receivable Clerk

Career Guide

An Accounts Receivable Clerk helps a business get paid on time by preparing invoices, tracking incoming payments, and following up on overdue balances. The role supports healthy cash flow and accurate financial records.

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Key Responsibilities

Create and send invoices to customers
Record customer payments and match them to invoices
Apply cash receipts and update account balances
Follow up on overdue invoices with reminders
Resolve payment differences and short payments
Investigate and correct account errors
Maintain customer account records and contact details
Prepare aging reports for overdue balances
Support month end closing tasks
Coordinate with Sales and Customer Service on billing issues
Handle customer questions about invoices and payment terms
File and organize billing documents for audits and reviews

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Written Communication

Customer Service

Problem Solving

Basic Accounting Knowledge

Invoice Processing

Payment Posting

Collections Follow Up

Account Reconciliation

Spreadsheet Skills

Accounting Software Proficiency

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Accounts Receivable Specialist

Billing Specialist

Collections Specialist

Accounting Assistant

Bookkeeper

Transition Opportunities

Staff Accountant

Revenue Accountant

Credit Analyst

Finance Analyst

Accounts Receivable Supervisor

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Account ReconciliationDispute ResolutionAging Report AnalysisCredit and Collections Process KnowledgeAccounting Software ProficiencySpreadsheet Skills

Development SuggestionsPractice reconciling customer accounts using sample data, build confidence in spreadsheet basics, and learn one common accounting system through guided tutorials. Ask to shadow month end tasks and take on a small portfolio of accounts to strengthen collections and dispute handling.

Market Intelligence Report

Accounts Receivable Clerk is part of the Accounting category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 35,000 to 45,000

Mid LevelUSD 45,000 to 60,000

Senior LevelUSD 60,000 to 75,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Hiring remains consistent across most industries, with increased emphasis on accuracy, customer communication, and accounting software skills.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Large retail chainsHospitals and healthcare networksManufacturing companiesLogistics providersProperty management firmsBusiness services companies

Industry Sectors

HealthcareManufacturingRetailLogistics and transportationReal estateProfessional servicesTechnologyConstruction

Recommended Next Steps

Learn a common accounting system used in your area and add it to your resume

Improve spreadsheet skills with a focus on sorting, filters, and pivot tables

Create a simple weekly workflow for invoicing, posting, and follow up

Track key metrics such as days past due and share a short status update with your manager

Practice a consistent collections message that is firm, polite, and clear

Ask for opportunities to support month end close and account reconciliation

Update your resume with measurable results such as reduced overdue balances or faster invoice turnaround