What Does an Accounting Clerk Do?

An accounting clerk in a large company may specialize in a specific area, such as accounts payable (A/P), accounts receivable (A/R), or payroll. An A/P clerk will update and maintain records concerning all expenditures, including companycredit cards and employee reimbursement reports. He will process vendor invoices, review and monitor early payment discounts according to company policies, and assure that payments are sent within the appropriate time frame. He will also be responsible for reconciling vendor statements and using good communication skills to resolve any discrepancies An accounting clerk who works in the accounts receivable department will prepare and submit customer invoices, and post and deposit receipts as those invoices are paid. If the business has cash receipts, he will maintain proper accountability of cash funds and deposits. Accurate data entry of receipts is vital, so the A/R clerk can monitor payment history of clients and prepare reports showing delinquent receipts. If the company offers a discount for early payments, he is charged with monitoring the payment activity and making certain discounts are credited properly.An accounting clerk is a financial record keeper who uses specialized ledgers and software to record and process expenditures, receipts, payroll and all other financial transactions for a business or organization. This position requires an aptitude for math, attention to detail, familiarity with basic accounting procedures, and computer and ten-key proficiency. Jobs in this field range from entry level accounting data entry clerks, to full-charge bookkeepers. An entry level accounting clerk is generally required to provide clerical and accounting support for the accountingdepartment. He must maintain accurate records and files, process and mail invoices and payments, type reports, and key data into a general ledger computer system. Flexibility and a willingness to perform a variety of support tasks are essential to success in this position.