Resources
Post a Job
 Special offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a $100 CAD credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored jobs are 4.5X more likely to result in a hire.**
  • Invite matched candidates to apply
  • Increase your visibility in job search results
  • Appear to more candidates longer
*The $100 CAD Sponsored Job credit offer is only available for new accounts in Canada that post a job and expires one year after account creation. Upon expiration of the credit, users are charged based on Sponsored Job budget. Terms, conditions, and quality standards apply **Indeed data (worldwide)

Account Officer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

An Account Officer, or Accounting Clerk, provides a variety of different skills to the finance or accounting team. An Account Officer keeps up-to-date account records, ensures smooth transactions with clients, and updates financial inaccuracies. They are a part of an accounting or finance team and provide an important role in any business.

Build a Job Description
Are you a Job Seeker? Find Jobs

What does an Account Officer do?

An Account Officer keeps up-to-date account records and oversees transactions with clients. Account Officers usually oversee the accounts receivable and accounts payable departments and handle general account inquiries. They collaborate with many different members of the team as well as directly with clients. In some cases, an Account Officer supervises an organization’s general bookkeeping staff.

Build a Job Description
Are you a Job Seeker? Find Jobs

Account Officer Job Description Examples:

Example 1

Reporting to the Bookstore Manager, and in consultation with the Financial Analyst in the Finance department, this position is responsible for processing and maintaining, with confidentiality and discretion, the financial records (accounts receivable, accounts payable) to support the Bookstore�s financial activities. Responsibilities include monitoring and reconciling revenue and expense accounts and pursuing arrears (in conjunction with external agencies when necessary) in compliance with Bookstore and college procedures. Also, using a computerized, integrated inventory management and general ledger (GL) system (known hereafter as �the system�). This position acts as a liaison and support between the Bookstore and other areas of the college community with respect to the invoicing, recording and collection of Bookstore revenues and expenses. This position maintains current customer and vendor information with collection and payment schedules. For additional details about the College and a full job description for this position, please visit [website] In order to be considered for this position, applicants must apply online at [website] Reference ID: ES433P Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Salary: $26.73-$28.57 per hour Benefits: * Company pension * Dental care * Disability insurance * Extended health care * Life insurance * Vision care Schedule: * 8 hour shift * Monday to Friday COVID-19 considerations: COVID-19 considerations: The college will follow guidelines from the Provincial Health Officer, WorkSafe BC and the [website] Government to ensure the health and wellbeing of students and employees.

Account Officer duties and responsibilities

To be a successful Account Officer, there are several duties and responsibilities that the candidate should be able to handle. They will collaborate with their team members and work directly with clients. They will also have a variety of daily tasks to complete, which include:

  • Handle accounts payable and receivable teams.
  • Maintain records of business costs, such as for labor and materials.
  • Check invoices for inaccuracies in reporting.
  • Reconcile accounts with the general ledger.
  • Handle general account queries.
  • Contact clients about invoices that are past due.
  • Practice basic accounting functions for the company.
  • Process refunds for clients.

Account Officer skills and qualifications

A successful candidate will need to have several skills and qualifications in order to succeed in an Account Officer role. These skills can include:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Proficiency in programs like Excel and QuickBooks
  • Great analytical skills
  • Attention to detail to find inaccuracies in reports
  • Understanding of basic accounting functions
  • Ability to be a team player and lead a team
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to multi-task to handle multiple accounts effectively

Account Officer experience requirements

Candidates must have at least two years of relevant experience. This experience may be from a prior job, or they may have volunteered in a similar capacity. Different organizations use different bookkeeping software. Therefore, looking for someone with experience in specific software programs could be beneficial. Organizations may consider candidates with prior experience as an Accountant, a Loan Officer, or Financial Analyst to be an asset.

Account Officer education and training requirements

When it comes to education and training, having some basic understanding of accounting principles is important for an Account Officer. The applicants should at least have a high school diploma or equivalent. S ome candidates may have higher education, such as a degree in accounting, business, or finance. It would be considered an asset if an applicant has a bookkeeping certification. This can be obtained through an accredited organization such as Certified Bookkeepers of Canada.

Job description samples for similar positions

If an Account Officer is not the role needed for the organization, there are several other job descriptions that may be right for the company. Here are some similar roles:

Ready to Hire?Build a Job Description

Account Officer job description FAQs

What is the difference between an Accounting Officer and an Account Officer?

An Account Officer works directly with a customer and manages their account of a customer, while an Accounting Officer focuses more on bookkeeping or all accounting functions of a business. Account Officers may work closely with an Accounting Officer or an Accountant to manage clients and their accounts. There may be some overlap in their duties depending on the organization.

What are the different types of Account Officers?

Occasionally, an organization may hire two Account Officers, one for Payable and one for Receivable. In this case, an Account Payable Officer would handle the money the company owes its vendors. An Account Receivable Officer would handle the money others owe the company. It is also possible that an organization would hire one Account Officer to do both accounts payable and receivable. This can depend on the size of the company or budget available for hiring.

Who does an Account Officer report to?

Who an Account Officer reports to depends on the size of the organization. In a smaller organization, the Account Officer may report directly to the owner of the company. It is also possible that they will report to the Chief Financial Officer of a smaller organization. In a larger company, an Account Officer may report to an Operations Manager or a Senior Accountant.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

No search results found

    *Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.