Accounts Payable Clerk Job Description and Duties

An Accounts Payable Clerk is responsible for processing supplier invoices, managing payment schedules and maintaining accurate financial records. Applicants should have attention to detail, good numeracy and experience with accounts payable procedures.

Accounts Payable Clerk Job Profile

The Accounts Payable Clerk ensures the timely and accurate capture, coding and payment of supplier invoices in line with internal controls and contractual terms. The role supports the finance team by maintaining supplier accounts, reconciling statements and responding to supplier queries.

This position plays a key administrative and transactional role in day to day finance operations and contributes to month end close activities and audit readiness.

Accounts Payable Clerk Job Description

The Accounts Payable Clerk will receive, verify and record supplier invoices, ensuring appropriate approvals and accurate accounting treatment. The role includes preparing payment runs, reconciling supplier statements and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner. The post holder is expected to work within established policies and to escalate unusual or high value queries to managers.

Working as part of a finance team, the Accounts Payable Clerk will liaise with purchasing, receiving and other internal stakeholders to validate charges and support purchase order matching. The role requires maintaining orderly records, supporting periodic reconciliations and contributing to continuous improvement of accounts payable processes.

Accounts Payable Clerk: Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive and log incoming supplier invoices and credit notes promptly and accurately
• Verify invoices against purchase orders and goods receipts and perform three way matching where required
• Code invoices to the correct general ledger accounts and cost centres
• Prepare and schedule payment runs for approval and release in accordance with payment terms
• Process electronic and manual payments and ensure appropriate authorisations are obtained
• Reconcile supplier statements, investigate discrepancies and clear aged liabilities
• Respond to supplier enquiries courteously and resolve payment issues within agreed timescales
• Maintain and update supplier master data and documentation with accuracy and confidentiality
• Prepare month end accruals, journals and supporting schedules for accounts payable balances
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing requested invoices and reconciliation evidence
• Process credit notes, refunds and adjustments in line with company procedures
• Support process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce errors in the accounts payable function
• Maintain paper and electronic filing systems to support record keeping and retrieval
• Communicate with purchasing and receiving teams to resolve invoice and delivery discrepancies

Accounts Payable Clerk: Requirements and Qualifications

• Relevant accounting or bookkeeping qualification or equivalent practical experience
• Proven experience in accounts payable or a transactional finance role
• Strong numerical ability and meticulous attention to detail
• Familiarity with standard accounting principles and basic reconciliation techniques
• Proficient use of spreadsheets and financial systems for data entry and reporting
• Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for internal and supplier interactions
• Trustworthy and able to handle confidential financial information with discretion
• Problem solving skills and a proactive approach to resolving discrepancies
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and follow established procedures
• Accuracy in data entry and attention to maintaining complete supporting documentation
• Willingness to assist with month end and audit activities as required