What does an Accounts Receivable Specialist do?
Accounts Receivable Specialists work in accounting departments of businesses and organizations to provide administrative and bookkeeping support and streamline their financial recordkeeping. They are in charge of managing all communications relating to invoices and incoming bills, and may work with Accounts Payable Specialists to balance company financial records. They maintain knowledge of company bookkeeping policies, audit business ledgers, organize invoices and begin the collections process for client accounts with past-due balances. Accounts Receivable Specialists also process and record any unique billing situations that fall outside of regular operations such as custom payment plans.
Accounts Receivable Specialist Skills and Qualifications
An Accounts Receivable Specialist will often have certain skills and qualifications, which include:
- Communication: Developed written and verbal communication skills are necessary when working as an Accounts Receivable Specialist. Account receivable specialists will often communicate with clients, requesting payment or setting up payment plans.
- Project management: Strong project management skills are useful as an Accounts Receivable Specialist as they are often managing multiple projects at one time.
- Organization: Organizational skills are crucial as an Accounts Receivable Specialist. The ability to closely pay attention to detail will ensure that records and reports are accurate.
- Computer: Advanced computer skills are useful as an Accounts Receivable Specialist. Specialists will often work with accounting and bookkeeping computer programs to identify past due accounts and to report payments.
Accounts Receivable Specialist Salary Expectations
The average yearly salary for an Accounts Receivable Specialist is $32,064. Some Accounts Receivable Specialist salaries will range between $13,920 – $59,328, depending on geographical location, level of experience, and industry in which the specialist works. An Accounts Receivable Specialist with previous experience who works in a large company can usually expect a higher salary than an entry-level Accounts Receivable Specialist who works for a smaller company.
Accounts Receivable Specialist Education and Training Requirements
A minimum of an associate’s degree or training in accounting and billing is often recommended to become an Accounts Receivable Specialist. Hiring managers often prefer related coursework in accounting, finance, business or bookkeeping. Many entry-level Accounts Receivable Specialists will receive on-the-job training, working with other bookkeeping specialists. As an Accounts Receivable Specialist earns more experience, they may choose to become certified. Certification requires at least two years of experience and the successful completion of the certification exam. Depending on the bookkeeping practices of the company, some hiring managers may also require program-specific training from new Accounts Receivable Specialists.
Accounts Receivable Specialist Experience Requirements
Previous experience is not usually required to become an Accounts Receivable Specialist, but some hiring managers prefer it. Otherwise, Accounts Receivable Specialists will learn important job skills while working with experienced Accounts Receivable Specialists. Some employers may also require Accounts Receivable Specialists to become certified during employment.
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