Accounts Payable ClerkJob Description
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Job Description Sample
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Job Title: Accounts Payable Clerk
Location: [City, State/Remote/Hybrid]
Type: Full-time
About the Role:
We're seeking a detail-oriented Accounts Payable Clerk to manage invoice processing and vendor payments. You'll ensure accurate financial records while maintaining strong vendor relationships and supporting our finance team's operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Process and verify vendor invoices for accuracy
- Prepare and execute check runs and ACH payments
- Reconcile vendor statements and resolve billing discrepancies
- Maintain organized vendor records and payment terms
- Generate monthly accounts payable reports
- Code invoices to appropriate general ledger accounts
- Match purchase orders with delivery receipts
- Respond to vendor payment inquiries promptly
Perks:
- Comprehensive health and dental insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements
Accounts Payable Clerk Responsibilities
Hiring a accounts payable clerk? Here's what you can expect them to handle:
- Verify and process vendor invoices into accounting system
- Match invoices to purchase orders and receipts
- Prepare check runs, ACH payments, and wire transfers
- Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies
- Maintain accurate vendor records and payment schedules
- Generate periodic accounts payable reports
- Research and resolve invoice issues promptly
- Ensure compliance with internal controls and policies
Qualifications to Be a Accounts Payable Clerk
Here's what a solid candidate typically brings to the table:
High school diploma or equivalent required1-2 years accounts payable or bookkeeping experienceStrong understanding of accounting principlesProficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting softwareExcellent attention to detail and accuracyAccounts Payable Clerk Prerequisites
Before you even think of hiring, make sure your candidates have:
Ability to work independently and prioritize tasksStrong data entry skills with high accuracyExperience with purchase order processesKnowledge of invoice verification proceduresEffective communication skills with vendors and teamsAccounts Payable Clerk Hard Skills
The “must-haves” on every recruiter's checklist:
Accounting Software: QuickBooks, SAP, OracleMicrosoft Office: Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables), OutlookERP Systems: NetSuite, Microsoft DynamicsPayment Processing: ACH, wire transfers, check processingData Entry: 10-key calculator, typing 50+ WPMDocument Management: Adobe Acrobat, electronic filing systemsGeneral Ledger: Account coding, journal entriesReporting Tools: Crystal Reports, Excel dashboardsAccounts Payable Clerk Soft Skills
Tech skills get them in the door—soft skills help them stick around.
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracyStrong organizational and time management abilitiesEffective problem-solving and analytical thinkingClear written and verbal communicationAbility to multitask and meet deadlinesProfessional vendor relationship managementTeam collaboration and cooperationAdaptability to changing priorities and processesAccounts Payable Clerk Salary by Experience Level
Entry Level (0-2 Years)
$35k – $43k
Common Titles
Junior Accounts Payable Clerk, Associate Accounts Payable Clerk
Mid Level (2-5 Years)
$43k – $55k
Common Titles
Accounts Payable Clerk, Accounts Payable Clerk II
Senior Level (5+ Years)
$55k – $68k
Common Titles
Senior Accounts Payable Clerk, Lead Accounts Payable Clerk
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Accounts Payable Clerk Hiring
An Accounts Payable Clerk handles routine invoice processing and data entry tasks, while a Specialist manages more complex reconciliations, vendor negotiations, and process improvements. Specialists typically require 3+ years of experience and handle higher-value transactions with greater autonomy.
Yes, candidates with strong bookkeeping, data entry, or general accounting experience can transition successfully into AP roles. Focus on evaluating their attention to detail, Excel proficiency, and understanding of basic accounting principles during the interview process.
Prioritize Excel skills, as most accounting software can be learned on the job within weeks. Strong Excel abilities (formulas, pivot tables, data analysis) indicate analytical thinking and adaptability that translate across any AP system you use.
Provide a practical exercise with sample invoices, purchase orders, and receipts to match and identify discrepancies. This reveals their attention to detail, problem-solving approach, and ability to work accurately under time constraints.
Watch for candidates who lack basic Excel knowledge, show poor attention to detail in their resume, or cannot explain invoice three-way matching. Resistance to learning new technology or automation tools is also concerning given the industry's digital transformation.
Tools and Programs Accounts Payable Clerk Use
Here's what their digital toolbox might look like:
Accounting Platforms
QuickBooks•Xero
ERP Systems
SAP•Oracle Financials
Payment Systems
Bill.com•AvidXchange
Spreadsheets
Microsoft Excel•Google Sheets
Document Management
DocuSign•SharePoint
Communication
Microsoft Outlook•Slack
Database Software
Access•SQL basics
AP Automation
Tipalti•Coupa
Job Description Examples
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.NET Architect.NET DeveloperAccountantAccounting ManagerAccounts Payable ClerkAccounts Payable SpecialistAI/ML EngineerAI/ML InternAndroid ArchitectAndroid DeveloperAndroid Developer Intern
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