Accounts Receivable

Job Description

An Accounts Receivable Officer is responsible for maintaining a record of amounts received by customers, processing and matching payments to their accounts.  Outstanding receivables are considered liabilities.  The Accounts Receivable Officer is responsible for recording and maintaining business financial records.  They ensure a company’s incomings are monitored, recorded and follow up aged accounts.  Payments are recorded in the company’s books and in relevant financial and record keeping software. 

An Accounts Receivable Officer responds to customer enquiries, processes payments via credit card, direct deposit and EFT,  process of credit notes, allocating customer payments, reconciles statements and general ledger accounts, supports month end processes, reports on aged receivables, undertakes cash flow management, matches invoices and resolves invoice issues, works closely with other departments and updates relevant databases.  Their role at a company and the extent of their duties, varies by the size and nature of the business. 

 

Qualifications

In some small businesses the role of an Accounts Receivable Officer may be incorporated alongside other accounts and administrative duties.  However, for larger and more structured organisations it may assist you to gain the following certifications and qualifications:

  • BAS Agent Registration
  • Certificate IV in Bookkeeping
  • Certificate IV in Accounting

Most roles will require you to have at least 2-5 years experience and relevant experience with the finance software used by that organisation.  You may be undertaking tertiary qualifications with a longer term goal to pursue a career in Accounting. 

Bookkeeper Man

Attributes

  • Accountability
  • Accuracy
  • Analytical
  • Attention to Detail 
  • Autonomy
  • Communication
  • Ethical 
  • Finance Knowledge 
  • Industry Expertise
  • Integrity
  • Interpersonal
  • Organisational
  • Reliable
  • Self-Motivation
  • Team Player
  • Trustworthy

Key Skills

  • Account Reconciliation
  • Accounting Practices
  • Accounting Software
  • Accounts Payable
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Administration 
  • Bank Reconcilations
  • Budgeting 
  • Compliance Software 
  • Credit Card Processing
  • Database Reporting Software
  • Data Analysis 
  • Finance
  • Financial Reporting 
  • Financial Statements
  • Information Technology 
  • Legislation
  • Management
  • Payment Processing
  • Policies and Procedures 
  • Professional Development 
  • Spreadsheet Knowledge
  • Systems Analysis
  • Team Work

Future Prospects

You may like to think about moving on from this career, some transferable skills can be utilised in roles such as;

Bookkeeper