Ready to find the perfect Accounts Payable Clerk? Use the templates and strategies in this guide to craft a compelling job description. If you need further assistance or insights into hiring, don’t hesitate to reach out. Start building your exceptional accounting team today!
Hiring an Accounts Payable Clerk is a vital step for ensuring your company’s financial processes run smoothly. A well-structured Accounts Payable Clerk job description not only helps attract skilled candidates but also sets clear expectations for the role. By outlining responsibilities, qualifications, and work environment details, you’ll find the right person to support your organization’s financial operations.
Accounts Payable Clerks handle the critical task of managing company expenditures, ensuring vendors are paid accurately and on time. They maintain precise records, reconcile accounts, and play a key role in the accounting team’s success.
Below, you’ll find detailed job description templates for various Accounts Payable Clerk roles, along with tips on crafting each section to align with your company’s needs.
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Who is an Accounts Payable Clerk?
An Accounts Payable Clerk is responsible for processing invoices, reconciling accounts, and ensuring timely payments to vendors. These professionals manage payment schedules, maintain accurate financial records, and collaborate with internal teams to resolve discrepancies. Accounts Payable Clerks are essential to the financial health of an organization by ensuring operational expenses are well-managed and recorded correctly.
Key Responsibilities of an Accounts Payable Clerk
- Reviewing and verifying invoices for accuracy and compliance with company policies.
- Processing payments to vendors and suppliers promptly and accurately.
- Reconciling vendor accounts and resolving payment discrepancies.
- Maintaining organized records of financial transactions and documentation.
- Collaborating with the accounting team to prepare month-end and year-end financial reports.
- Ensuring compliance with tax laws and financial regulations related to accounts payable.
Example Accounts Payable Clerk Job Descriptions
Template 1: Entry-Level Accounts Payable Clerk
Location: On-site in Phoenix, AZ
Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Salary Range: $40,000 – $50,000 per year
About [Your Company Name]
[Your Company Name] is a dynamic retail business known for exceptional service and innovative solutions. We value teamwork and are committed to fostering professional growth.
Job Responsibilities
- Process incoming invoices, verifying accuracy against purchase orders.
- Reconcile accounts payable transactions and resolve discrepancies.
- Generate reports for outstanding payables and assist in preparing financial statements.
- Support the accounting team with ad hoc projects and tasks.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Associate degree in accounting or a related field.
- Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
Template 2: Senior Accounts Payable Clerk – Financial Operations
Location: Hybrid, based in Seattle, WA
Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Salary Range: $55,000 – $65,000 per year
About [Your Company Name]
We’re a leading logistics firm dedicated to operational excellence and financial transparency. Our team thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Oversee the accounts payable process, including reviewing, coding, and approving invoices.
- Manage vendor relationships and negotiate payment terms.
- Perform monthly account reconciliations and assist with audits.
- Provide mentorship to junior team members and ensure adherence to accounting policies.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
- Minimum of 4 years of accounts payable experience.
- Expertise in ERP systems like SAP or Oracle.
Template 3: Remote Accounts Payable Clerk – Contract Role
Location: Remote, with occasional in-person meetings in Atlanta, GA
Hours: Part-time, flexible schedule, approximately 20 hours per week
Salary Range: $25 – $30 per hour
About [Your Company Name]
As a boutique marketing agency, we pride ourselves on innovation and financial precision. Join our team and be part of our mission to deliver outstanding results for our clients.
Job Responsibilities
- Process vendor invoices and manage payment schedules.
- Prepare detailed expense reports and ensure compliance with company policies.
- Collaborate with team members to streamline the accounts payable process.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Prior experience in accounts payable or bookkeeping.
- Strong communication and time-management skills.
Also Read- How To Choose A Career Path
Crafting Each Section of Your Accounts Payable Clerk Job Description
To write an effective Accounts Payable Clerk job description, it’s important to break it down into key sections that are comprehensive, clear, and engaging.
Job Title
The job title is the first thing candidates will see, so make sure it is concise and descriptive. Avoid vague or overly generic titles like “Clerk” and instead use specific phrases like “Accounts Payable Clerk – Invoice Specialist” or “Accounts Payable Clerk – Reconciliation Expert.”
This not only conveys the role’s primary focus but also helps your posting appear in relevant job searches. Including a focus area in the title can also attract candidates with the most applicable expertise.
Responsibilities
Clearly outlining the responsibilities of the role is crucial. Use bullet points for readability but ensure each point provides enough detail to clarify the scope of the duties. For example, instead of saying “Process invoices,” specify, “Process and verify all incoming invoices by matching them with purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timely payment.”
This level of detail allows potential candidates to understand exactly what will be expected of them and helps ensure only those who are fully capable of performing the tasks apply.
Skills and Qualifications
In this section, list the skills, educational background, and experience required for the position. Be sure to distinguish between “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.”
For instance, you might list “Proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel” as a mandatory requirement but note “Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems” as a preferred qualification. The goal is to give candidates a clear understanding of what is absolutely necessary versus what could give them an edge, helping them evaluate their fit for the role.
Work Environment
The work environment section should describe where and how the job will be performed. Clearly specify if the role is on-site, remote, or hybrid, and include any flexibility in hours, such as early or late shifts.
For instance, you could write, “This is a hybrid position based out of our Chicago office, with two in-office days required per week. Working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, with some flexibility during peak financial periods.” Transparency in this section reduces ambiguity and ensures candidates understand the expectations upfront.
Salary and Benefits
Including a salary range and highlighting benefits can make your job posting more attractive to top candidates. Be specific about the salary range (e.g., $45,000–$55,000 per year) and mention perks such as health insurance, paid time off, or professional development opportunities.
For example, you might write, “We offer a competitive salary along with benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with employer match, and reimbursement for continuing education in accounting.” Highlighting these details can help set your job description apart from others and draw attention to your company’s commitment to employee well-being.
Take The Step!
Writing an Accounts Payable Clerk job description requires clarity, detail, and precision. By following the templates and tips provided, you can attract the right candidates and set them up for success in your organization.