What does an Accounts Payable Clerk do?

An Accounts Payable Clerk processes supplier invoices so their company meets their financial obligations. They also maintain good relationships with suppliers, contractors and other business partners. This work enhances the business’ reputation and may also encourage other companies to work with the business. Accounts Payable Clerks also make sure their business avoids late fees and other financial penalties. The work they do processing invoices helps their business operate within their budgets and manage their cash flow. An Accounts Payable Clerk is an integral part of a business’ accounting team.

Accounts Payable Clerk skills and qualifications

Accounts Payable Clerks rely on technical and soft skills to process payments and build business relationships. A successful Accounts Payable Clerk candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:

• Good organisation skills, including the ability to multi-task and prioritise, to manage multiple accounts
• Strong verbal communication skills, including active listening and telephone manner
• Interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution, for building strong relationships with suppliers, contractors and business partners
• Mathematics for reconciling invoices and identifying areas of concern
• Data entry for accurately processing invoices and payment runs
• Basic bookkeeping and accounting knowledge
• Computer literacy, including confidence using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and accounting and accounts payable software

Accounts Payable Clerk experience requirements

Businesses usually prefer candidates with previous accounts experience, including experience in statement reconciliation. Experience in a customer service role is also transferrable to an Accounts Payable Clerk position. Businesses who have time for training new employees may hire well-educated Accounts Payable Clerk without experience.

Accounts Payable Clerk education and training requirements

There are no education requirements for Accounts Payable Clerks. However, most businesses expect candidates to have some GSCEs, including good marks in maths and English. Businesses prefer candidates with A level in these subjects, but they are not essential. Candidates with a relevant bachelor’s degree usually have an advantage over their competition. Degrees in finance, accounting or business administration teach finance and administration concepts relevant to accounts payable roles. Accounts payable certification from the AP Network can also help candidates improve their job-specific knowledge and employment prospects.

Accounts Payable Clerk salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Accounts Payable Clerk in the UK is £21,114 per year. Salaries can vary depending on experience, education, location and employer.

Job description samples for similar positions

If you do not require an Accounts Payable Clerk, the job description sample for a similar role may help you. Click through for job description samples of the following positions.

• Accounts Payable Specialist
• Accounts Assistant
• Accounts Receivable Specialist