Accounts Payable Clerk

Accounts payable clerks generally work for accounting firms or organizations' accounting departments, coordinating various accounts payable functions on behalf of their organization. Their duties include, among others, performing data entry, handling customer inquiries, preparing financial statements and performing vendor maintenance. In all tasks, these clerks must maintain a high degree of accuracy.

Employers often encourage accounting clerks to make process improvements to make their job more efficient, and these clerks must follow their company's procedures and guidelines, as well as generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). They also need to follow internal audit controls and work closely with internal auditors. Accounts payable clerks must keep up to date with best practices in their field, and they may be required to train new accounts payable clerks.

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required for this position, and relevant experience is generally required or preferred as well. An associate's degree in accounting or another relevant field may be preferred. Accounts payable clerks should be proficient with basic computer programs such as the Microsoft Office suite and any necessary accounting software. These clerks should have good interpersonal and communication skills, and they should be able to meet deadlines and pay close attention to detail.

As an Accounts Payable Clerk with 3-6 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

• Process invoices, ensuring accuracy and adherence to company policies and procedures. Verify and code invoices, resolve discrepancies, and obtain necessary approvals.
• Maintain vendor records and communicate with suppliers. Update vendor information, handle inquiries, and address payment-related issues.
• Perform regular reconciliations and resolve discrepancies. Match invoices to purchase orders and receipts, investigate discrepancies, and take corrective action.
• Assist in month-end and year-end closing processes.

For an Accounts Payable Clerk, the following qualifications are required:

• Proficiency in financial software and systems to process and maintain accurate accounts payable records, including invoice coding, payment scheduling, and reconciliation.
• Attention to detail to review and validate invoices, ensuring their accuracy and compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Strong numerical and mathematical skills to perform calculations and verify payment amounts, detecting any discrepancies or errors.
• Time management abilities to prioritize tasks effectively, meet payment deadlines, and handle multiple invoices simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.

The role of an Accounts Payable Clerk in Australia requires 3-6 years of experience and plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient financial operations. For professionals seeking alternative roles within the finance industry, here are four options to consider:

• Senior Accountant: This role entails broader responsibilities such as financial reporting and regulatory compliance. It offers an opportunity to take on a more senior position within the accounting function.
• Treasury Manager: A position focused on managing an organization's cash and liquidity requirements. This role involves forecasting, risk management, and overseeing investment activities.
• Procurement Manager: This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and overseeing purchasing processes. It offers the opportunity to work closely with vendors and optimize procurement strategies.
• Financial Analyst: This position involves monitoring financial performance, developing forecasts, and providing insights to support strategic decision-making.

The role of Accounts Payable Clerk in Australia is expected to witness significant growth in the market in the coming years. According to a 10-year analysis of the job role, there is a positive trend in terms of employment opportunities. With the increasing complexity of financial transactions and the growing emphasis on compliance and accurate bookkeeping, there is expected to be a continued demand for skilled Accounts Payable Clerks. Google's latest data points suggest that the number of employment opportunities in this field is likely to increase in the future, providing ample options for individuals seeking a career in this role.