How to Become an Accounts Payable Clerk: Australian Careers in Accounting and Bookkeeping

Accounts Payable Clerks play a vital role in the financial operations of an organisation, ensuring that all payments to suppliers and vendors are processed accurately and on time. They are responsible for managing creditor accounts, reconciling invoices, and maintaining financial records. This position requires attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work with various financial software systems. As the backbone of the accounts payable process, these clerks contribute significantly to the overall financial health of their organisation.

• Preparing and processing documentation related to accounts payable and receivable – This involves creating and managing invoices, purchase orders, and payment requests.
• Reconciling invoices and dispatching payments – Ensuring that invoices match purchase orders and processing payments to vendors in a timely manner.
• Calculating, analysing, and investigating the costs of proposed expenditure, wages, and standard costs – Assessing financial data to ensure accuracy and compliance with budgetary constraints.
• Preparing bank reconciliations – Regularly checking and reconciling bank statements to ensure all transactions are accounted for.
• Allocating expenditure to specified budget accounts – Assigning costs to the appropriate budget categories to maintain accurate financial records.
• Summarising expenditure and receipts – Compiling financial data to provide a clear overview of spending and income.
• Preparing records of standard costs and values for items such as raw materials and packaging supplies – Maintaining accurate records of costs associated with goods and services.
• Recording cost variations and contract price movements – Keeping track of any changes in costs or contract terms that may affect financial planning.
• Compiling cost data for preparation of operating budgets and profit and loss calculations – Assisting in the development of budgets and financial forecasts.
• Investigating the costs of proposed expenditures, quotations, and estimates – Conducting research to ensure that proposed costs are reasonable and justified.
• Preparing reports of total costs, inventory adjustments, selling prices, and profits – Generating financial reports to inform management decisions.
• May work in a call centre – Handling inquiries related to accounts payable and providing customer service support as needed.