What does a billing clerk do?

Billing clerks typically handle a company’s invoicing. They use customer service skills to communicate with clients or other team members, such as accountants or accounts payable (AP) clerks. They may also answer billing questions about billing discrepancies or technical difficulties with online payments. 

For example, a billing clerk might troubleshoot account errors if a client is unable to access their account information or invoice. They may also email a client a detailed list of service charges or correct a billing mistake in the system.

Billing clerk skills and qualifications

Strong candidates often demonstrate thoroughness, attention to detail and communication skills, which may be important for success in this role. Math skills and work ethic are also valuable skills that set top candidates apart.

You might include these skills in your job description:

• Experience with accounting software, spreadsheets and basic computer tasks
• Knowledge of billing standards and the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Analytical skills to complete data entry and monitor billing trends
• Familiarity with financial key performance indicators (KPIs), such as the claim denial rate or net collection rate
• Ability to handle confidential information for banking accounts or Social Security numbers (SSNs)
• Organization skills to help with recordkeeping

Billing clerk experience requirements

Taking a skills-first approach to hiring, you might search for candidates with basic math, problem-solving or verbal communication abilities. Candidates may improve these skills in a retail sales associate or assistant administrator position.

Your job descriptions can focus on these transferable skills. For example, candidates who were former office assistants or data entry clerks may have prior office or customer service experience.

Billing clerk education and training requirements

Billing clerks don’t usually need formal education, which makes the role suitable for skills-first hiring. Instead of college degrees, consider candidates’ data entry skills. You can also consider their proficiency in or willingness to learn accounting software.

Candidates can typically learn software like Microsoft Excel or accounting programs on the job or through free online classes. For jobs with complex billing cycles, employers may search for a bookkeeping or AP certificate.

Billing clerk salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a billing clerk is $27,506. Salary may vary according to location, candidate experience or employer size.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this billing clerk job description doesn’t fit your needs, consider these other job description samples for similar roles:

• Accounts receivable (AR) specialist
• Accounting clerk
• Bookkeeper