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Accounts Payable Clerk: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

Career Overview
Interview Questions

What is a Accounts Payable Clerk?

An Accounts Payable Clerk is responsible for managing and processing the money owed by a company to its suppliers or vendors within financial institutions or other organisations in the UK. This job role involves tasks like handling invoices, making payments, and keeping track of company expenses.

How do I become a Accounts Payable Clerk?

An Accounts Payable Clerk is responsible for managing and processing the money owed by a company to its suppliers or vendors within financial institutions or other organisations in the UK. This job role involves tasks like handling invoices, making payments, and keeping track of company expenses.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an Accounts Payable Clerk?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an Accounts Payable Clerk

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record keeping
  • Knowledge of accounting principles and practices
  • Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively
  • Proficiency in relevant software and technology, such as accounting software and Microsoft Excel
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with vendors and internal stakeholders
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills for identifying and resolving discrepancies in accounts payable records
  • Understanding of financial regulations and compliance requirements
  • Time management skills for meeting deadlines and managing multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information
  • Strong organizational skills for maintaining accurate and up-to-date accounts payable records

Qualifications & Education

  • No formal academic requirements for Financial Managers in the UK
  • Some employers may require professional qualifications in accountancy
  • Professional qualifications can be linked to NVQs/SVQs in Accounting at Levels 2, 3 and 4
  • Apprenticeships may be available in some areas for Financial Managers

Career Path

Accounts Payable Clerk
Accounts Payable Supervisor
Accounts Payable Manager
Finance Manager
Chief Financial Officer
Payroll Administrator
Payroll Manager
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Bookkeeper
Assistant Accountant
Management Accountant
Financial Analyst
Senior Financial Analyst
Finance Director
Tax Assistant
Tax Advisor
Tax Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an account payable clerk do?

An accounts payable clerk is responsible for receiving and verifying expense reports, reconciling financial reports with account balances, and facilitating payment of vendors by verifying federal ID numbers, reviewing purchase orders, and resolving discrepancies.

What is the career path for accounting clerk?

The career path for an accounting clerk typically involves gaining on-the-job experience and potentially pursuing further education or certifications in accounting. Advancement opportunities may include becoming a senior accounting clerk, an accounting supervisor, or transitioning into other accounting roles such as an accountant or auditor.

What is the life of an accounts payable clerk?

The life of an accounts payable clerk in the UK involves processing accounts and payments while following financial policies and procedures. They also perform daily financial transactions, verify and classify accounts payable data, and prepare bills, invoices, and bank deposits.

What is the next step after accounts payable clerk?

The next step after being an Accounts Payable Clerk can vary, but some common options include becoming an Accounts Receivable Clerk, Accountant, Accounting Associate, Office Manager, Accounting Coordinator, Payroll Clerk, Accounting Specialist, or Bookkeeper.

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