What does an Account Receivable/Payable clerk do?
Asked by mayerj72
What do they generally do? Do they actually ever have any physical possession of the money coming in or how do they know what is coming in and going out? Also, what software do they generally use? Is it the same as bookkeeping or what other issues does bookkeeping involve in addition?

Best Answer:
Usually, the job of AR/AP is done on Excel or some other spreadsheet program. AR/AP are not in touch with the money, but are rather responsible for the closure of customer accounts - being sure that everything is paid (properly postponed) to suppliers or collected (properly postponed) from clients. The job involves contacting clients or/and suppliers and settling down payment issues. Bookkeeping in its essence is data entry into the proper fields of some bookkeeping software. In small companies, the job tasks for AR/AP and bookkeeping, cashier, accounting, and tax paying could be a responsibility of a one person.