Description

Specialists in accounts receivable have a variety of different responsibilities that revolve around gathering information about both the company and customer accounts. They also make sure that company policies regarding spending money are followed and decide which accounts should be sent to an agency for collection.

High school graduation is the essential requirement for this job and college credits in business and math are extremely beneficial. Two years of accounting experience in a office environment could also require employers. Specialists in accounts receivable must possess excellent communication skills to be able to communicate effectively with employees and customers as well as be capable of multi-tasking and managing their time effectively to achieve success. Microsoft Office proficiency is also necessary to be able to use Excel and Word as well. This is usually a full-time position at a workplace that does not require a lot of travel. It's sometimes referred to as an intermediate management position since they have staff working between them and the lower levels within the hierarchy of the company.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an Accounts Receivable Specialist with 6-9 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Managing the accounts receivable process, including invoicing, payment collection, and reconciliations, to ensure timely and accurate payments.
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders to resolve disputes or payment issues.
  • Monitoring and analyzing accounts receivable aging reports, identifying delinquent accounts, and implementing appropriate collection strategies.
  • Assisting with the preparation of financial reports, providing insights on accounts receivable performance, and supporting month-end and year-end closing activities.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Accounts Receivable Specialist job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proficient knowledge of accounting principles and procedures to accurately process and reconcile customer accounts, ensuring timely collection and accurate recording of payments.
  • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills to identify discrepancies, resolve billing issues, and follow up on outstanding balances effectively.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with customers, internal teams, and external stakeholders, providing exceptional customer service and facilitating effective resolution of payment-related inquiries or disputes.
  • Familiarity with accounting software systems and proficiency in using spreadsheets to maintain accurate and up-to-date accounts receivable records.

Essential Skills For Accounts Receivable Specialist

1

Finance Analytics

2

Financial Management

3

Accounting

Career Prospects

The role of an Accounts Receivable Specialist is crucial for maintaining efficient financial operations and cash flow management. For professionals with 6-9 years of experience in the United Kingdom, here are following alternative roles to consider:

  • Senior Accountant: This role carries more extensive responsibilities, such as financial reporting and ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Treasury Manager: Focuses on managing the organization's cash and liquidity requirements, including forecasting, risk management, and investment activities.
  • Procurement Manager: Involves overseeing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and managing the purchasing processes.
  • Financial Analyst: Concentrates on monitoring financial performance, developing forecasts, and providing insights to support strategic decision-making.

How to Learn

The accounts receivable specialist role in the United Kingdom is expected to experience steady growth in the market. Over the past decade, there has been a consistent demand for professionals in this field. According to recent data from Google, the job role has seen an average annual growth rate of around 3% in the UK. This positive trend is projected to continue in the coming years, indicating a promising outlook for individuals pursuing a career in accounts receivable. As the economy expands, more businesses will require the expertise of these specialists, leading to an increase in employment opportunities in the future.