Accounts Receivable Manager Job Description

By LeadLake Team   /   Job Category   /   2024

An accounts receivable manager is tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the financial transactions of the company. Their main responsibilities include managing invoices and billing, collecting unpaid invoices, and organizing all transactions into a comprehensive financial statement that tracks all money received on a monthly basis.

Additionally, the accounts receivable manager plays a crucial role in the collection of payments from clients on behalf of the company. This involves working closely with customers to ensure timely and accurate invoicing, as well as addressing any overdue payments in accordance with the company's policies.

Furthermore, accounts receivable managers are in charge of supervising a team of clerks who carry out essential tasks such as invoicing customers and handling overdue payments. Their role is to ensure that these processes are carried out in a timely manner and in compliance with the company's policies and procedures.

What are the primary responsibilities of an accounts receivable manager?

An accounts receivable manager assumes a critical role in overseeing the accounts receivable process and facilitating the timely collection of outstanding payments. They are responsible for managing teams, evaluating creditworthiness, maintaining customer relationships, and optimizing processes.

What should be in an accounts receivable manager job description?

An accounts receivable manager is a professional who handles the collection of payments from clients on behalf of the organization. In order to effectively carry out this role, the individual must possess certain key requirements, duties, responsibilities, and skills. A comprehensive accounts receivable manager job description should outline these essential aspects.

The main responsibility of an accounts receivable manager is to oversee and manage the process of collecting payments from clients. This includes creating and implementing effective strategies and procedures to ensure timely and accurate collection of outstanding amounts. They are also responsible for maintaining accurate records of all transactions and monitoring customer accounts.

In addition to these duties, an accounts receivable manager should possess certain key requirements and skills. This includes a strong understanding of accounting principles and practices, excellent communication and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team. They should also have strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

What is the difference between accounts receivable manager and cash manager?

Although the salaries of accounts receivable managers and cash managers may differ, both professions require similar skill sets for job performance. Resumes for both positions commonly highlight skills such as customer service, financial reporting, and reconciliations.

Which companies hire the most accounts receivable managers?

Other notable companies in the field of accounts receivable management include Wells Fargo, Robert Half, and Norwest Venture Capital Management Inc. These companies have shown a tendency to recruit accounts receivable managers from the top 100 U.S. educational institutions.

An accounts receivable manager is responsible for overseeing the process of collecting payments from customers. This includes managing a team, developing and implementing strategies to improve collection efficiency, and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations.

Source: Zippia

What skills do you need to be an accounts-receivable-manager?

The ideal candidate for the role of an Accounts Receivable Manager or Supervisor should have a proven track record of work experience in a similar position.

In addition to strong analytical skills, they should also possess the ability to create and effectively present detailed reports.

Consider posting the job description for an Accounts Receivable Manager on various job boards to reach a wide pool of potential candidates.

For a template of the job description, you can refer to the Accounts Receivable Manager Job Description provided by Workable.

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How does an accounts receivable manager ensure timely collection of payments?

Electronic invoices can be configured to be sent immediately after a sale is made.

Additionally, automatic reminders can be scheduled to prompt timely payments.

Why should you improve your accounts receivable process?

There are numerous advantages to enhancing and optimizing accounts receivable processes. A well-organized and effective A/R process has a positive impact on marketing, sales, customer service, and overall operations. Therefore, it is highly beneficial to invest time and effort into its improvement.

If you are seeking ways to improve your accounts receivable process, The Balance provides valuable strategies and insights in their article "How To Improve Your Accounts Receivable Process".

Why is a streamlined and efficient accounts receivable process important?

A streamlined and efficient accounts receivable (A/R) process has a positive impact on marketing, sales, customer service, and overall operations. Therefore, it is highly recommended to dedicate time and effort towards improving it. Implementing strong A/R processes has the potential to enhance every other aspect of your business.

If you're looking to improve your accounts receivable process, The Balance provides a comprehensive guide on the top strategies to achieve this.

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Are strong analytical skills important for an accounts receivable manager?

An Accounts Receivable Manager possesses various skills, qualifications, and responsibilities. These include having a proven work experience as an Accounts Receivable Manager or Supervisor, as well as hands-on experience using accounting software. Additionally, they should be familiar with advanced formulas in MS Excel and possess excellent analytical skills to create and present detailed reports. Lastly, accuracy in processing numerical data is essential to this role.

What skills do accounts receivable managers need?

The accounts receivable manager position often requires a strong set of hard skills. According to statistics, the second most common hard skill listed on resumes for this role is accounts receivables, which appears on approximately 7.5% of resumes. Following closely behind is the skill of preparing financial reports, which is listed on around 6.2% of resumes.

In addition to hard skills, there are also several key soft skills that are important for an accounts receivable manager to possess. These skills include effective communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities. These soft skills are essential in order to effectively manage and address the various challenges that may arise in this role.

Overall, showcasing a strong combination of both hard and soft skills on a resume can greatly enhance an individual's chances of landing an accounts receivable manager position.

How many accounts receivable specialists have customer service on a resume?

In a study, it was found that 15.5% of accounts receivable specialist resumes listed customer service as a skill. Customer service is the most frequently mentioned hard skill among accounts receivable specialists, with 15.5% including it on their resumes.

If you are an accounts receivable specialist, it would be beneficial to highlight your customer service skills on your resume. According to Zippia, here are 15 key skills that you can consider including on your resume to stand out in the field.

What are the most common hard skills for an Accounts Payable manager?

Customer service is the most commonly listed hard skill for accounts payable managers, found on 7.4% of resumes. Reconciliations is the second most common hard skill, appearing on 5.6% of resumes. The third most common hard skill is purchase orders, found on 4.7% of resumes.

According to Zippia, these skills are crucial for accounts payable managers to include on their resumes and cultivate in their careers. They highlight the importance of providing excellent customer service, being proficient in reconciliations, and effectively managing purchase orders.

How to become an accounts receivable specialist?

Taking online courses offered by reputable platforms like Udemy and Coursera is highly recommended for individuals who want to acquire the necessary skills to become an accounts receivable specialist. These courses can significantly enhance your career prospects.

One particular course to consider is "Financial Accounting Subsidiary Ledgers & Special Journals" that covers topics such as subsidiary ledgers for accounts receivable and accounts payable. It can provide you with valuable knowledge and expertise in this field.

Furthermore, improving your skills as an accounts receivable specialist can greatly benefit your resume. Zippia, a job search platform, provides a list of 15 essential skills for an accounts receivable specialist that you can consider adding to your resume.

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What software or tools do accounts receivable managers commonly use for their job?

An example of an accounts receivable software is Quickbooks. Quickbooks is an accounting software that provides automation tools for managing banking-related tasks.

Another example is Bill.com, which is suitable for small to midsized businesses. It is an intelligent bill payment platform that helps users receive payments on time and gain control over accounts payable.

Other examples of accounts receivable software include Freshbooks, Zoho Books, and Sage Intacct.

Can accounting software help you manage accounts receivable?

QuickBooks Online and other small-business accounting software solutions offer some tools for managing accounts receivable. However, dedicated accounts receivable platforms can provide even more control and automation, complementing your existing accounting software. This can potentially save you time and money.

Where can I find the best accounts receivable software of 2023?

Discover the best Accounts Receivable software of 2023 on Capterra, the trusted platform that analyzes millions of verified user reviews. With Capterra, you can easily compare and filter the software options to find the tools that suit your specific requirements.

Trust Capterra for reliable and unbiased insights on the best Accounts Receivable software solutions in 2023.

What is accounting software & how does it work?

Accounts Receivable software is essential for efficiently managing financial transactions between a company and its customers. It is primarily used by accountants and employees responsible for accounts receivable. However, it can also provide valuable insights for managers and executives, allowing them to monitor the performance of the accounts receivable team or department.

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Can you provide an example of a typical day in the life of an accounts receivable manager?

An Accounts Receivable officer's responsibilities usually involve managing the business's client debt. A typical day for an AR officer entails tasks like verifying credit information, categorizing debts, and creating journal entries for transactions.

What is an example of accounts receivable?

Accounts receivable (AR) refers to the unpaid invoices that a company has or the money it is owed by its clients. It can be compared to a personal example of buying a ticket for someone with the expectation that they will reimburse you at a later time. Essentially, it is a form of an "IOU".

What are accounts receivable (AR) & accounts payable (AP)?

Businesses often offer credit to their clients, allowing them to purchase goods and pay later. The amount owed by customers for these credit purchases is called Accounts Receivable. It's important to distinguish Accounts Receivable from Accounts Payable, which is the money owed by the business to its suppliers.

If you want to learn more about the processes involved in managing Accounts Receivable, you can visit the AvidXchange blog for detailed explanations.

Why do companies offer accounts receivables?

Firms often opt to offer receivables as an incentive for customers to choose their products over competitors'. It is recommended that companies establish a process for managing accounts receivable to track payments received and identify any overdue payments.

What does an accounts payable clerk do?

An accounts payable clerk is a professional who ensures that company debts are paid in a timely manner and in full. Their daily tasks usually include reconciling and processing invoices, as well as recording and verifying expenses.

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How does an accounts receivable manager handle customer disputes or discrepancies?

Dispute Management refers to the systematic handling of disputes that arise within the context of Accounts Receivable (AR). This process encompasses the identification, mitigation, and resolution of any issues or discrepancies that may arise in the billing or receivables process. It entails employing both proactive and reactive measures to ensure that payments are received promptly and correctly.

What is accounts receivable dispute management?

Accounts receivable dispute management is a crucial aspect in maintaining accurate and up-to-date accounts. Implementing an effective process flow for managing disputes can help businesses minimize the financial impact of billing disputes and improve the overall efficiency of resolving such conflicts.

Dispute management refers to the practices and procedures implemented by companies to handle and resolve disagreements regarding billing and accounts receivable. It involves a structured approach to address and resolve disputes in an efficient and timely manner, ensuring that the financial performance of the business is not adversely affected.

Implementing an effective dispute management process flow is vital for businesses to not only maintain accurate financial records, but also to streamline their workflow for resolving disputes. This allows organizations to minimize the impact of billing disputes on their overall financial performance and create a more efficient and effective dispute resolution system.

How to manage accounts receivable?

It is important to ensure that your invoices are clear, easily readable, and possess a professional appearance. Including the terms of payment and due dates in your invoices is essential. By paying attention to these details, you can establish reliable billing practices that contribute to a smoother accounts receivable process.

Furthermore, it is equally important to focus on cash application as part of your accounts receivable management. Improving your accounts receivable management involves understanding and optimizing the process of cash application, which plays a crucial role in effectively managing your AR.

What does an accounts receivables collection team do?

The accounts receivables collections team is tasked with various responsibilities, including managing invoices, addressing customer payment issues, and reducing the amount of outstanding accounts receivables. It is essential to execute these tasks accurately to avoid delayed client engagement and potential invoice disputes.

At times, even a minor error in any of these processes can result in disputes with clients regarding the accounts receivables. To effectively manage and resolve these disputes, it is crucial to follow appropriate procedures and find prompt resolutions.

Should you address accounts receivable disputes quickly?

Disputes can arise in billing processes, even if they are implemented with care. When accounts receivable disputes are not promptly and efficiently addressed, it can negatively impact your cash flow. Resolving these disputes requires significant time and resources.

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What strategies can an accounts receivable manager implement to improve cash flow?

Improving cash flow can be achieved through effective accounts receivable management. This can be done by understanding your customer and being cautious when selling on credit. Additionally, maintaining clear and concise invoices, monitoring receivables, and enabling seamless payment processes contribute to better cash flow. Reminding customers about their outstanding balances also helps in managing accounts receivable.

Accounts receivable management encompasses all the necessary steps involved in billing customers and collecting payments for goods or services provided. Having an efficient accounts receivable process is crucial as it ensures a steady cash flow that can cover operating costs and support business growth.

Why is accounts receivable management important?

Accounts receivable management is an essential responsibility for businesses, as it greatly affects cash flow and overall profitability. Efficient management of receivables can have clear and significant advantages. However, many companies are still lagging behind in this area.

To enhance accounts receivable management, businesses can implement various strategies and best practices. One example is utilizing an automated invoicing system to streamline the billing process and improve accuracy. Additionally, establishing clear payment terms and promptly following up on outstanding invoices can help reduce late payments and improve cash flow.

Moreover, employing effective communication and dispute resolution techniques can enhance customer relationships and reduce payment delays. Regularly reviewing and analyzing receivables data can also provide valuable insights for identifying trends and potential issues.

How can automation improve accounts receivable management?

Accounts receivable management can be greatly improved through the implementation of automation. By equipping your team with the necessary tools, you can enhance efficiency in the payments process, gain a better understanding of your customers, and ultimately improve cash flow. Taking full advantage of accounts receivable automation is crucial in achieving these goals.

How can a company improve cash flow?

The article discusses the importance of actively implementing strategies to improve cash flow. It explains that without specific targets, companies should focus on reducing costs, increasing shareholder returns, and funding growth. The article then highlights the significance of cash management, stating that it is crucial for companies to streamline their capital and access cash that may be trapped on their balance sheets. Lastly, it suggests strategies for optimizing cash management as provided by Deloitte US.

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Are there any specific certifications or qualifications that are beneficial for an accounts receivable manager?

Common combinations of accounts receivable/credit manager certifications include the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Resume Specialist: Accounting and Finance (CRS+AF), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Obtaining certifications as an accounts receivable manager allows job seekers to showcase their expertise in this role to potential employers. However, it's important to note that not all certifications hold equal value for job seekers.

Below, you will find a list of the certifications that are most commonly sought after.

What are the different types of account manager certifications?

The combination of account manager certifications that are most commonly seen include Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Professional, Life and Health Insurance Program (CPLHI).

Enrolling in these online courses will assist you in adequately preparing for an account manager certification.

Why do you need an Account Manager certification?

Obtaining an account manager certification can provide an advantage in job applications and potential salary increases. The Certified Sales Professional (CSP) program offered by The Institute offers comprehensive training in consultative selling.

Zippia has compiled a list of the top 20 account manager certifications for 2023.

What is the accounts receivable specialist certification program?

The Accounts Receivable Specialist (ARS) Certification Program is specifically designed for individuals who are responsible for the execution of the AR process. This course can be beneficial as a career catalyst for newcomers to AR, as well as for experienced individuals in AR roles who wish to incorporate best practices utilized by other AR departments.

Why should you become a Certified Accounting Professional?

Certified accounting professionals can experience various advantages, such as higher salary potential and enhanced career opportunities. It is worth exploring different accounting certifications and credentials available. If you are interested in pursuing a college program, you can start exploring your options. Both businesses and individuals tend to rely on competent professionals with strong ethical values to handle their financial matters.

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What types of reports or metrics does an accounts receivable manager typically generate?

Accounts receivable reports can be classified into three main categories: receivables by customer, aging reports, and payments history.

What are accounts receivable metrics?

Examining key accounts receivable metrics is crucial for maintaining top-notch AR operations. One essential metric is the day sales outstanding (DSO), which calculates the average number of days needed to convert credit sales into cash. Essentially, it measures the average time it takes for a company to collect receivables post-sale.

Tracking these accounts receivable performance metrics can greatly benefit your business in 2022 and beyond. It is important to keep a close eye on DSO and other relevant metrics to ensure the efficiency of your AR operations.

What are accounts receivable reports?

Accounts receivable reports are essential tools for businesses to effectively manage their accounts receivable balances, foster strong customer relationships, and accurately predict cash inflows. These reports provide timely notifications of overdue payments, allowing businesses to proactively prevent bad debts.

Additionally, these reports play a crucial role in maintaining financial stability and optimizing cash flow management. By providing actionable insights into the status of outstanding invoices, businesses can make informed decisions to prioritize collections and minimize the risk of late or non-payment.

Implementing a robust system for generating and analyzing accounts receivable reports is vital for every business, regardless of its size or industry. These reports serve as a roadmap for optimizing credit management, strengthening customer relationships, and ensuring overall financial health.

What are accounts receivables KPIs?

Accounts receivables key performance metrics, or KPIs, are performance indicators used to monitor the efficiency of your accounts receivable team or process. Accounts receivable refers to the outstanding payments owed to a company for goods or services that have not yet been paid for.

It is important to track these KPIs to assess the effectiveness of your accounts receivable process. By doing so, you can identify areas for improvement and take appropriate actions to ensure timely collection of payments.

Chaser, a leading provider of accounts receivable automation, has compiled a list of 10 accounts receivables KPIs that you should consider tracking to optimize your accounts receivable performance.

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How does an accounts receivable manager stay up-to-date with changing regulations or industry standards?

In my role, I provide support to Accounts Receivable Clerks on a daily basis and also assist in training new team members.

One of my responsibilities is to ensure that all team members adhere to accounting principles.

To stay current with industry and legislative changes, I make a concerted effort to remain updated.

What is accounts receivable management?

Effective accounts receivable management is crucial for businesses as it has a significant impact on customer relations, cash flow, operating capital, and overall profitability. Accounts receivable (AR) represents the payments that a business is owed for its delivered goods or services. The process of managing AR involves ensuring that these payments are received consistently, reliably, and on time.

What factors affect accounts receivable management?

When managing accounts receivable, it is essential to take into account a customer's net worth and payment history. Additionally, the quality of data collected about customers and how it is maintained can also have an impact on effective management.

Improving accounts receivable management involves considering these factors and implementing strategies to enhance the collection and maintenance of customer data.

What is aging of accounts receivable?

An aging of accounts receivable report is used by businesses to track and collect overdue bills by determining the number of days an invoice is past due.

This report provides an overview of the age of outstanding invoices and is typically divided into specific intervals.

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Can you explain how an accounts receivable manager monitors and reports on the aging of receivables?

Accounts receivable aging is a common method employed by accountants to assess a company's outstanding invoices and detect any possible inconsistencies. It involves classifying receivables according to the duration for which an invoice has remained unpaid, granting the company insight into when it may be necessary to address an overdue payment.

How does accounts receivable aging work?

An accounts receivable aging report is a tool used by businesses to track and analyze their outstanding invoices. It allows them to efficiently collect unpaid bills and transfer the funds into their bank account.

The report provides a breakdown of each client's balance, categorizing them into different time periods such as: current, 1-30 days past due, 31-60 days past due, 61-90 days past due, 91-120 days past due, and 120+ days past due.

By utilizing this report, businesses can effectively manage their accounts receivable, ensuring timely payment from their clients and maintaining a healthy cash flow.

How do financial managers monitor accounts receivables?

Financial managers utilize various tools to monitor accounts receivables, one of which is the accounts receivable aging schedule. This report involves classifying customer account balances based on their age and sorting them accordingly. The process of preparing the aging schedule begins with categorizing the accounts receivable according to the time elapsed since the credit sale.

What is an aged receivables report?

The aged receivables report presents the outstanding invoices in categories based on their age, typically in 30-day intervals, for easy reference.

Accounts receivable aging is a method to estimate the value of receivables that a company anticipates will not be collected.

How often should you review your accounts receivable aging report?

Regularly reviewing your accounts receivable aging report, ideally on a monthly basis, is important for ensuring timely payments from customers and clients. This report provides valuable insights into the outstanding invoices and allows you to take necessary actions to collect the payments when needed.

By referring to the accounts receivable aging report, you can stay informed about the status of your customers' payments and proactively address any potential issues. This practice helps you maintain financial stability and effectively manage your cash flow.

It is recommended to use this report from The Balance to guide you in understanding and utilizing the accounts receivable aging report for efficient management of your receivables.

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What steps does an accounts receivable manager take to minimize bad debt or delinquent accounts?

Effectively managing accounts receivable (AR) can help reduce the number of overdue accounts and the amount of time and effort your staff has to dedicate to them.

AR management involves various processes, including extending credit to customers, maintaining good customer relations, issuing invoices, monitoring and analyzing payment patterns, collecting outstanding payments, and reconciling received payments.

By implementing strong AR management practices, you can streamline your company's financial operations and enhance overall cash flow.

How do you optimize accounts receivable processes?

One crucial aspect of optimizing accounts receivable processes is to initiate them early on. Unfortunately, many businesses tend to prioritize making sales and neglect accounts receivable. By starting the process early, it allows for discussions regarding payment terms at the beginning stages of the customer relationship.

What happens if a business has poor accounts receivable practices?

Many business owners tend to neglect their accounts receivable, but this can lead to a variety of problems for their businesses. Issues can arise from extending credit to customers who are not qualified to failing to promptly follow up on overdue accounts. It is crucial for businesses to improve their accounts receivable process in order to address these issues.

By implementing effective strategies, businesses can prevent problems caused by poor accounts receivable practices. This includes carefully evaluating the creditworthiness of customers before extending credit and establishing clear payment terms and policies. Additionally, promptly following up on overdue accounts and implementing efficient collection procedures can help businesses maintain a healthy cash flow and minimize financial risks.

Improving the accounts receivable process requires businesses to be proactive and vigilant. By prioritizing accounts receivable management and implementing best practices, businesses can mitigate the potential negative impact poor A/R practices can have on their bottom line.

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How does an accounts receivable manager communicate with customers or clients regarding overdue payments?

When faced with non-payment, it is essential to effectively negotiate with customers. This involves engaging in discussions to find mutually satisfactory solutions.

A crucial aspect of the payment collection process is preparing monthly feedback reports.

Additionally, maintaining meticulous records of invoices, deposits, and all correspondence related to payment collection is imperative. This helps ensure transparency, accuracy, and accountability in the financial transactions.

What does an accounts receivable manager do?

We are currently seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Accounts Receivable Manager. This role involves overseeing the collection process of payments from our company's customers.

The primary responsibilities of this position include managing invoices, addressing missed payments, and providing supervision to Accounts Receivable Clerks.

What is accounts receivable process?

Every organization's accounts receivable process consists of two essential functions: billing and payment collection. First, customers are sent invoices to inform them of any outstanding bills. Then, payments are collected from customers, and the invoices are reconciled.

To improve accounts receivable management, it is important to streamline the billing and payment collection processes. This can be done by implementing automated invoicing systems and using proactive strategies to encourage timely customer payments. By effectively managing accounts receivable, businesses can maintain a healthy cash flow and minimize the risks of late or unpaid invoices.

Should you outsource accounts receivable management?

Managing accounts receivable can be a challenging task, but it's not something that can be completely delegated to an outside party. The primary objective of accounts receivable management in your business is to optimize cash flow, minimize expenses, and foster positive client relationships.

Here are eight best practices to enhance your accounts receivable management:

1. Monitor outstanding balances regularly to identify and address any collection issues promptly.

2. Implement clear and consistent invoicing processes to ensure timely and accurate payments.

3. Establish a systematic approach for following up on overdue payments and communicate with clients professionally.

4. Offer convenient payment options to facilitate prompt and convenient settlement of invoices.

5. Set credit limits and terms for clients based on their creditworthiness and payment history.

6. Maintain accurate and up-to-date customer records to facilitate efficient tracking and reconciliation.

7. Regularly analyze and evaluate your accounts receivable performance to identify areas for improvement.

8. Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients through open communication and excellent customer service.