Description

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.

Roles & Responsibilities

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

  • Process invoices and expense reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies and procedures.
  • Reconcile vendor statements and resolve any discrepancies or issues in a timely manner.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all accounts payable transactions, including proper coding and documentation.
  • Assist with month-end closing activities, such as preparing accruals and reconciling accounts payable sub-ledger to the general ledger.

Qualifications & Work Experience

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.

Essential Skills For Accounts Payable Clerk

1

Communicating

2

Data Entry

3

Managing Accounts

4

Accounting

Skills That Affect Accounts Payable Clerk Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Account Reconciliation

7%

Bookkeeping

8%

Payroll Administration

9%

Career Prospects

The role of an Accounts Payable Clerk is crucial for maintaining smooth financial operations and cash flow management. For professionals in Canada with 3-6 years of experience, there are several alternative roles to explore. Here are four options to consider:

  • Accounts Payable Specialist: A role that specializes in managing the accounts payable process, including invoice processing, vendor management, and payment reconciliation.
  • Payroll Administrator: A position focused on processing employee payroll, handling tax deductions, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations.
  • Financial Controller: A role that involves overseeing the financial operations of an organization, including financial planning, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  • Cost Accountant: A position focused on analyzing and controlling costs within an organization, including cost allocation, variance analysis, and inventory management.

How to Learn

According to the available data from Google, the projected growth of the Accounts Payable Clerk position in Canada is expected to be stable in the job market. The 10-year analysis suggests a consistent demand for these professionals. While specific figures regarding the job growth are not provided, there will likely be a significant number of employment opportunities available in the near future due to the consistent need for individuals skilled in managing accounts payable functions. The role of an Accounts Payable Clerk in Canada is expected to continue to be relevant and in demand, providing potential job security and opportunities for professionals in this field.