Accounts Payable Clerk

Accounts payable clerks generally work for accounting firms or organizations' accounting departments, coordinating various accounts payable functions on behalf of their organization. Their duties include, among others, performing data entry, handling customer inquiries, preparing financial statements and performing vendor maintenance. In all tasks, these clerks must maintain a high degree of accuracy.

Employers often encourage accounting clerks to make process improvements to make their job more efficient, and these clerks must follow their company's procedures and guidelines, as well as generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). They also need to follow internal audit controls and work closely with internal auditors. Accounts payable clerks must keep up to date with best practices in their field, and they may be required to train new accounts payable clerks.

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required for this position, and relevant experience is generally required or preferred as well. An associate's degree in accounting or another relevant field may be preferred. Accounts payable clerks should be proficient with basic computer programs such as the Microsoft Office suite and any necessary accounting software. These clerks should have good interpersonal and communication skills, and they should be able to meet deadlines and pay close attention to detail.

As an Accounts Payable Clerk with 0-3 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

• Process and verify invoices, ensuring accuracy and completeness of information. Match invoices to purchase orders and packing slips, resolve discrepancies, and ensure timely payment.
• Maintain vendor records and communicate with vendors regarding payment inquiries or issues. Update vendor information, address payment inquiries, and resolve any payment discrepancies.
• Reconcile accounts payable transactions and prepare reports for management review. Verify and reconcile accounts payable statements, generate reports, and provide analysis for management.
• Assist in month-end closing activities and participate in audits, ensuring compliance with accounting standards.

For an Accounts Payable Clerk, the following qualifications are required:

• Proficiency in financial software and systems to process and maintain accurate accounts payable records, including invoice coding, payment scheduling, and reconciliation.
• Attention to detail to review and validate invoices, ensuring their accuracy and compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Strong numerical and mathematical skills to perform calculations and verify payment amounts, detecting any discrepancies or errors.
• Time management abilities to prioritize tasks effectively, meet payment deadlines, and handle multiple invoices simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.

The role of an Accounts Payable Clerk is crucial for maintaining efficient financial operations and cash flow management. For individuals with 0-3 years of experience in Canada's finance industry, here are four alternative roles to consider:

• Junior Accountant: A position that involves assisting with financial record-keeping, preparing basic financial statements, and supporting the finance team.
• Billing Coordinator: A role focused on managing invoicing processes, ensuring accuracy and timely billing, and resolving any billing discrepancies.
• Payroll Administrator: A position that involves processing employee payroll, maintaining accurate payroll records, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
• Accounts Receivable Clerk: A role that focuses on managing incoming payments, tracking customer balances, and resolving payment issues.

According to the available data from Google, the projected growth of the Accounts Payable Clerk position in Canada is expected to be stable in the job market. The 10-year analysis suggests a consistent demand for these professionals. While specific figures regarding the job growth are not provided, there will likely be a significant number of employment opportunities available in the near future due to the consistent need for individuals skilled in managing accounts payable functions. The role of an Accounts Payable Clerk in Canada is expected to continue to be relevant and in demand, providing potential job security and opportunities for professionals in this field.