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Accounts Payable Clerk Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

An Accounts Payable Clerk is someone who maintains the regular accounting duties for payables within an organization. The main responsibilities of an Accounts Payable Clerk include acquiring and processing invoices, assisting in the reconciliation of accounts, and paying or receiving payment from vendors and customers.

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Accounts Payable Clerk duties and responsibilities

When writing a job description for an Accounts Payable Clerk, it is important to specify the main functions of the role. Some important duties and responsibilities may include: 

  • Completing payments and controlling expenses by receiving, processing, verifying, and reconciling invoices
  • Reconciling processed work by verifying entries and comparing system reports to balances
  • Ensuring outstanding balances are updated with credit memos that are due
  • Paying employees by receiving and verifying expense reports using company-specific accounting software
  • Verifying vendor accounts by reconciling monthly statements and related transactions
  • Maintaining historical records of all invoices, reports, receipts, and cheques by saving documents properly on the network
  • Assisting other departments with equipment or product purchases, tracking assets and accounts for acquisition
  • Confirming subcontractor billed working hours, bonuses, and projects
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Accounts Payable Clerk Job Description Examples:

What does an Accounts Payable Clerk do?

An Accounts Payable Clerk works in the accounting department of a business to ensure all of the money coming in and out is properly allocated. Accounts Payable Clerks may also be responsible for paying taxes, allocating funds for GST payments, and receiving cheques from customers. An Account Payable Clerk will also be responsible for general ledger charges, working with vendors on payment matters, and inputting information into the accounts payable software system.

Accounts Payable Clerk skills and qualifications

A successful Accounts Payable Clerk candidate possesses various prerequisite skills and qualifications for the job, including: 

  • Ability to use enterprise-level financial record-keeping software systems, spreadsheets, and email applications
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to complete a high volume of work within deadlines
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Excellent knowledge of basic accounting concepts
  • Strong attention to detail

Accounts Payable Clerk experience requirements

When reviewing resumes for an Accounts Payable Clerk role, previous experience is not always required if the candidate has the proper educational and training requirements. However, two to three years of experience is generally preferred. Look for an Accounts Payable Clerk applicant who has experience working in the same or a similar industry.

Accounts Payable Clerk education and training requirements

When reviewing resumes for an Accounts Payable Clerk, look for someone who has obtained at least a bachelor’s degree or a four-year college diploma. Both of these should be in accounting, business administration, finance, or a related field. Preferred candidates will also have taken courses that have been certified by the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada. Some Accounts Payable Clerk candidates may also be members of the Canadian Securities Institute or the Canadian Bookkeepers Association.

Accounts Payable Clerk salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Accounts Payable Clerk in Canada is $38,034 per year. The salary can vary depending on many factor including experience, location, or the company that is hiring.

Job description samples for similar positions

If an Accounts Payable Clerk role is not quite what you are looking for, other related job descriptions include: 

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Accounts Payable Clerk job description FAQs

What qualities make a good Accounts Payable Clerk?

When looking for an Accounts Payable Clerk, it is best to look for someone who is meticulous and always double-checks their work. It is also important to look for someone good with finances and basic math. A good Accounts Payable Clerk should be comfortable performing similar tasks multiple times a day or a week. Accounts Payable Clerks should also be comfortable with confrontation or following up with clients and vendors with outstanding balances.

What makes a good Accounts Payable Clerk job description?

A good Accounts Payable Clerk will go into detail about the kind of invoices, cheques, and accounts the successful applicant will be overseeing daily. The job description should include if the applicant will be working independently or as part of a larger accounting team. Additionally, if the role has any added benefits such as an RRSP or TFSA-matching program, be sure to include that as well.

What is the difference between an Accounts Payable Clerk and an Accountant?

Both an Accounts Payable Clerk and an Accountant work to ensure the proper balance of a business’ books. Both positions also do basic accounting for an organization. An Accountant however is often responsible for collecting financial information and creating reports for upper management. It is a more senior finance role.

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.

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