Accounts Receivable Clerk: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does an Accounts Receivable Clerk do?

Accounts receivable clerks track and process incoming payments, manage customer invoices, and follow up on overdue accounts. They ensure that the company receives payments on time and maintain accurate records.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Accounts Receivable Clerks in the Accounting field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

Invoice Generation & Management

• Generates and sends invoices to clients
• Tracks outstanding invoices and payment schedules

Collections & Follow-Up

• Follows up on overdue accounts for timely payments
• Communicates with clients to resolve payment issues

Record Keeping

• Maintains accurate records of accounts receivable
• Reconciles client accounts for accuracy

How to Become an Accounts Receivable Clerk

Launching a career as an Accounts Receivable Clerk requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience in finance or billing
• Proficiency in accounts receivable software

Requirements & Skills

• Demonstrated work experience as an Accounts Receivable Clerk, Accounts Receivable Manager, or Accountant
• Solid comprehension of fundamental accounting principles, fair credit practices, and collection regulations
• Proven ability to calculate, post, and manage accounting figures and financial records
• Data entry skills combined with a proficiency in numerical operations
• Hands-on expertise in utilizing spreadsheets and Billing Programs (e.g., Quickbooks, Open Invoice, Coupa, Taulia, Ariba)
• Proficiency in English and MS Office
• Customer service orientation and adept negotiation skills
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail

Accounts Receivable Clerk Salary Guide

Wondering what Accounts Receivable Clerks earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for an Accounts Receivable Clerk in the U.S. is approximately $41,100 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Accounts Receivable Clerks may receive a wide range of benefits.

Accounts Receivable Clerk Salary Career Steps

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$51,375
Senior	11+ years	$45,210
Experienced	6-10 years	$41,100
Mid Level	3-5 years	$36,990
Entry Level	0-2 years	$30,825

How to Advance Your Career

Accounts Receivable Clerks start in entry-level positions within the financial department, focusing primarily on tasks related to the invoicing and receipt of payments from clients. With experience, they may advance to roles such as Senior Accounts Receivable Clerk, where they handle more complex client accounts and resolve payment discrepancies.

Progressing further, they can become Accounts Receivable Managers or Supervisors, overseeing a team of clerks and being responsible for broader financial management tasks. For those who pursue additional qualifications and demonstrate strong leadership and analytical skills, moving up to higher positions such as Finance Manager or even Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is possible.

Continuing education, such as certifications in accounting or finance, and developing a strong understanding of business and credit management processes are crucial for advancement in this career.

Typical Work Environment

Accounts Receivable Clerks typically work in an office setting, usually as part of the accounting or finance team in businesses across various industries. Their work involves managing incoming payments, recording financial transactions, and maintaining accurate financial records.

The role often requires extensive use of computers and financial software to track invoices, process payments, and prepare reports. As such, the environment is generally quiet to moderate in noise level, suitable for tasks that require focus and attention to detail.

Most Accounts Receivable Clerks work full-time during regular business hours, though some overtime may be required at fiscal year-end, during financial audits, or when closing monthly or quarterly books. Advances in technology also allow for some flexibility, with remote work options increasingly available depending on the company's policy and the nature of the tasks involved.