How to Become an Accounts Payable Clerk in Australia: careers in Accounting and Bookkeeping

The role of an Accounts Payable Clerk is essential in maintaining the financial health of an organisation. These professionals are responsible for managing outgoing payments, ensuring that invoices are processed accurately and on time. Their meticulous attention to detail and organisational skills contribute significantly to the smooth operation of financial transactions, making them a vital part of any accounting team.

• Preparing and processing documentation related to accounts payable and receivable – This involves ensuring that all invoices and payment requests are accurately documented and processed in a timely manner.
• Reconciling invoices and dispatching payments – Accounts Payable Clerks verify that invoices match purchase orders and ensure that payments are made to suppliers promptly.
• Calculating, analysing and investigating the costs of proposed expenditure, wages and standard costs – They assess financial data to ensure that expenditures align with budgetary constraints.
• Preparing bank reconciliations – This task involves comparing the company’s financial records with bank statements to identify discrepancies.
• Allocating expenditure to specified budget accounts – Accounts Payable Clerks ensure that all expenses are correctly categorised within the organisation’s budget.
• Summarising expenditure and receipts – They compile reports that summarise financial transactions for management review.
• Maintaining accurate records of standard costs and values for items such as raw materials and packaging supplies – This ensures that the organisation has a clear understanding of its cost structure.
• Recording cost variations and contract price movements – They track changes in costs and contracts to provide accurate financial reporting.
• Compiling cost data for preparation of operating budgets and profit and loss calculations – This involves gathering and analysing data to assist in financial planning.
• Investigating the costs of proposed expenditures, quotations and estimates – Accounts Payable Clerks assess the financial implications of potential purchases.
• Preparing reports of total costs, inventory adjustments, selling prices and profits – They generate reports that provide insights into the organisation’s financial performance.
• May work in a call centre – Some Accounts Payable Clerks may also handle customer inquiries related to payments and invoices.