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If you’ve searched “Accounts Payable Clerk job description,” chances are you’ve already seen the same thing—bullet points, vague responsibilities, and copy-paste templates that say absolutely nothing about what the role actually involves.
Here’s the problem: Generic job posts might help you fill a seat, but they won’t help you attract a great hire.
They don’t inspire. They don’t connect. And they definitely don’t help you spot someone who’ll actually keep your financial operations running smoothly.
So in this guide, we’re going to do things differently.
You’ll get two sample job description templates (for experienced and entry-level hires), a breakdown of why they work, and expert tips on how to write job posts that attract trustworthy, detail-driven candidates.
If you haven’t already, we highly recommend reading our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ — because most hiring teams don’t need more applicants.
They need the right ones.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What the Accounts Payable Clerk Role Actually Is
An Accounts Payable Clerk is the person who makes sure your bills get paid—accurately, on time, and with zero drama.
They’re responsible for processing invoices, tracking outgoing payments, and maintaining financial records. But their role goes beyond just data entry.
They help prevent costly errors, flag suspicious charges, and keep your vendor relationships healthy. In other words, they protect your cash flow.
This role requires more than just math skills. It takes trustworthiness, organization, and the ability to spot small problems before they become big ones.
If you’re hiring for this role, you’re not just looking for someone who can crunch numbers—you want someone who’s dependable, detail-obsessed, and understands that every dollar matters.
Two Great Accounts Payable Clerk Job Description Templates
✅ Version 1: For Experienced Accounts Payable Clerks
📌 Job Title: Accounts Payable Clerk at LedgerBright Solutions – Help Us Keep Our Finances Flowing Smoothly
💼 Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid)
🕒 Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary Range: $48,000 – $55,000 per year
📅 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9AM–5PM
🎥 Watch This First: Meet Sarah, our Finance Director, and hear what it’s like working at LedgerBright → [Insert Loom Video Link]
Who We Are
LedgerBright Solutions is a fast-growing SaaS company providing cloud-based billing and payment tools for mid-sized businesses. Our software helps operations teams manage complex vendor payments with speed and clarity. Based in Austin, we’ve grown to a team of 70+ people, all driven by a shared belief: clean data leads to better decisions. We’re now looking for an experienced Accounts Payable Clerk to help our finance department stay organized, audit-ready, and ahead of schedule.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Process, code, and enter vendor invoices into our accounting system (NetSuite)
- Perform 3-way matching for all purchase orders
- Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies
- Schedule and execute payments (ACH, wire transfers, and checks)
- Maintain vendor records, W-9s, and payment preferences
- Support month-end close, accruals, and audit prep
- Communicate with vendors to resolve payment issues
What We’re Looking For
- 2+ years of experience in accounts payable or accounting support
- Working knowledge of accounting systems (bonus if you’ve used NetSuite)
- Excellent organization and follow-up skills
- Strong attention to detail and accountability
- Comfortable communicating with vendors and internal teams
- Bonus: Familiarity with SaaS or tech-based environments
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This isn’t just another AP job—it’s a key role on a lean team where your accuracy and follow-through will make a visible difference. You’ll be trusted to run things your way and supported with tools and teammates that make your life easier. We promote from within and reward consistency and initiative.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision coverage (starting Day 1)
- 18 PTO days + 2 flex days per year
- 401(k) with 4% employer match
- Quarterly team offsites in Austin
- Annual education stipend ($750/year)
- Work-from-home Fridays and flexible schedules
📥 How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not buzzwords.
Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We review every application and keep you updated throughout the process.
✅ Version 2: Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Accounts Payable Clerk
📌 Job Title: Entry-Level Accounts Payable Assistant – Start Your Finance Career at LedgerBright Solutions
💼 Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid)
🕒 Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary Range: $42,000 – $46,000 per year
📅 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9AM–5PM
🎥 Start Here: Hear from James, our AP Team Lead, on how we support new team members → [Insert Loom Video Link]
Who We Are
LedgerBright Solutions is a cloud-based billing and finance platform helping mid-sized companies simplify complex payment processes. Based in Austin, TX, we serve over 3,000 businesses nationwide. We’re known for our detail-driven team, fast response times, and commitment to doing things right the first time. As we grow, we’re looking for an entry-level AP Assistant who’s eager to learn and excited to launch their career in finance.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Enter invoices into our accounting platform
- Track payment due dates and help prep vendor payments
- Learn how to perform invoice-matching and basic reconciliations
- Organize digital records and assist with file management
- Join weekly team check-ins and training sessions
- Communicate with vendors to resolve invoice questions
- Assist with ad hoc tasks like expense tracking or document collection
What We’re Looking For
- No prior AP experience required—we’ll train you
- Strong attention to detail and time management
- Comfortable with basic spreadsheets and email communication
- Willingness to learn accounting concepts
- Professional, reliable, and excited about finance
- Bonus: Experience managing receipts or logs in retail, admin, or student work
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll join a team that truly invests in early-career hires. We don’t expect you to know everything—we’ll teach you what you need to know. You’ll gain hands-on exposure to a fast-paced finance operation and build skills you can use for the rest of your career. If you’re organized, coachable, and ready to work hard, you’ll thrive here.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Paid training & mentorship program
- Pathway to Accounts Payable or Junior Accountant role in 12–18 months
- Health, dental, and vision benefits after 60 days
- 15 PTO days + 2 flex days per year
- Remote work flexibility on Fridays
- $500/year education credit toward courses or certifications
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates based on real-world skills—not just résumés.
Click the link below to start your application and take our quick evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We’ll review every application and keep you informed every step of the way.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Breakdown of Why These Accounts Payable Clerk Job Posts Work
These job descriptions don’t just check boxes—they speak to the right kind of candidates and build trust. Let’s break down why they’re effective.
✅ 1. The Job Title Is Clear, Descriptive, and Human
Instead of something generic like “Accounts Payable,” both titles include:
- The company name
- The level of experience expected
- A short, motivating phrase that adds purpose (e.g., “Help Us Keep Our Finances Flowing Smoothly”)
This kind of detail helps the post stand out in search results and immediately tells applicants who it’s for and why it matters.
✅ 2. Each Job Starts With a Video
Including a Loom video from the hiring manager or team lead builds instant trust. It humanizes your brand, gives applicants a feel for the team culture, and shows that you’ve invested effort in the hiring process—something most companies don’t do.
✅ 3. The ‘About Us’ Section Reflects a Real Company
Rather than vague mission statements, the company descriptions are specific, believable, and role-relevant. Readers get a sense of:
- What the company does
- Who it serves
- The culture and values the finance team upholds
This helps applicants quickly assess fit, which saves you time filtering mismatched candidates.
✅ 4. The Responsibilities Show Purpose—Not Just Tasks
We avoided flat phrases like “Manage invoices” and instead wrote:
“Process, code, and enter vendor invoices into our accounting system (NetSuite)”
“Support month-end close, accruals, and audit prep”
These give candidates a clearer picture of day-to-day work, the tools involved, and how the role contributes to broader business operations.
✅ 5. The Qualifications Feel Practical and Inclusive
We included:
- Required experience or familiarity with tools
- Bonus skills to widen the applicant pool
- A separate version for entry-level candidates, with an emphasis on coachability over credentials
This encourages strong but nontraditional candidates to apply—expanding your reach.
✅ 6. ‘Why This Role Is a Great Fit’ Gives Candidates a Reason to Care
This section sells the opportunity. It tells them why this isn’t just another job and what they’ll gain if they join:
- A trusted role on a lean team
- Clear growth paths
- A culture that values consistency and ownership
This is your “emotional pitch”—and it’s what gets top candidates to hit apply.
✅ 7. Perks & Benefits Are Listed Separately for Clarity
By splitting this from the emotional pitch, we give readers space to scan what they get in concrete terms. The benefits aren’t flashy, but they’re relevant—PTO, learning stipends, remote flexibility, etc.—and that’s what real candidates care about.
✅ 8. The Application Process Respects the Candidate
Instead of saying “only shortlisted applicants will be contacted,” we explain:
- That every application is reviewed
- What tool (WorkScreen) is used
- How long the process takes
This sets expectations, reduces anxiety, and makes you look professional and respectful—two things candidates remember.
Example of a Bad Accounts Payable Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Let’s take a look at a real-world style example of how not to write a job post—and why it fails to attract strong candidates.
❌ Bad Job Post Example:
Job Title: Accounts Payable Clerk
Location: Austin, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: Not Disclosed
Deadline: Rolling
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Clerk to manage company invoices and payments. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently. This position reports to the Finance Manager.
Responsibilities
- Process vendor invoices
- Prepare payments
- Maintain records
- Reconcile statements
- Support audits
Requirements
- 2–3 years of AP experience
- Strong communication skills
- Familiarity with Excel
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a résumé and cover letter to finance@companyemail.com. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
1. The Title Is Generic and Forgettable
“Accounts Payable Clerk” is technically correct—but it’s also bland and uninspired. It doesn’t tell the applicant anything about your company or why this role matters. There’s no hook to make someone stop scrolling.
2. No Company Identity
There’s no “About Us” section—nothing about what the company does, what industry it’s in, or what the team culture is like. It feels cold, anonymous, and outdated.
3. No Transparency on Salary or Benefits
Not listing compensation or benefits leaves applicants guessing—and often leads to unqualified people applying “just in case.” It also signals that the company might not be competitive or upfront.
4. Responsibilities Are Too Vague
Generic phrases like “Process vendor invoices” or “Maintain records” don’t help the applicant visualize what they’ll be doing or how success is measured. It looks like every other job post online.
5. The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
Telling candidates “Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted” with no further detail sends the message: “Don’t expect much from us.” That discourages serious applicants who are evaluating you just as much as you’re evaluating them.
6. Zero Personality in the CTA
The “How to Apply” section is cold and transactional. There’s no warmth, no encouragement, and no reason to believe the applicant experience will be positive. It treats the process like a chore instead of an opportunity.
This example highlights what happens when a job post is written like a formality rather than a conversation. In today’s hiring landscape, that’s a fast way to lose the best candidates.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out
If you want your Accounts Payable Clerk job post to rise above the noise and attract serious, qualified candidates—add a few details that most companies overlook.
These small touches show professionalism, build trust, and give your post a competitive edge.
💬 Tip 1: Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Applicants
Reassure applicants that your hiring process is safe and transparent. A short note can go a long way in establishing trust.
📌 Example:
“We take the privacy and security of every applicant seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information at any stage of the hiring process.”
🌴 Tip 2: Mention Time Off and Flexibility
It’s not just about compensation—today’s applicants also care about work-life balance. If you offer any form of leave, wellness days, or flexible hours, say it clearly in your job post.
📌 Example:
“Enjoy up to 20 paid days off per year—including flex days to recharge when you need them most.”
🎓 Tip 3: Highlight Training and Growth Opportunities
Whether you’re hiring an entry-level AP Assistant or a senior finance clerk, growth matters. Candidates want to know: Will this role help me level up?
📌 Example:
“We invest in our team. You’ll get access to accounting courses, certifications, and mentorship to grow your finance career.”
🎥 Tip 4: Add a Loom or YouTube Video From the Hiring Manager
We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth reinforcing—video is one of the most powerful hiring tools today. A 60-second video builds instant connection, shows team personality, and creates an emotional hook that no bulleted list can match.
📌 Example intro text:
“🎥 Watch this quick message from our Finance Director to hear what it’s like working at LedgerBright.”
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
These days, it’s tempting to use AI to instantly generate your job descriptions—especially when you’re in a rush. Some ATS platforms even offer “1-click” templates to speed things up.
But here’s the catch: when you use AI without context, you end up with the same lifeless post everyone else is publishing.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
Using AI without giving it specific inputs leads to posts that are:
- Generic — filled with phrases like “fast-paced environment” or “self-starter needed”
- Vague — with no sense of who the company is or why the job matters
- Forgettable — they look polished on the surface, but say nothing meaningful
- Off-brand — often missing your tone, values, and hiring philosophy
And worst of all? These posts attract the wrong applicants—the ones skimming job boards and applying to everything.
If you want high-quality, role-aligned candidates, you need a job post that actually sounds like your company.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI in Job Posts
AI can still be a powerful tool—if you use it to enhance your thinking, not replace it.
Before prompting AI, write down:
- What your company does
- Why this role matters right now
- The kind of person who would thrive in the position
- Your tone of voice (e.g., friendly, direct, mission-driven)
- Any benefits, salary, perks, or quirks that make your team unique
- How your hiring process works
Then prompt like this:
📌 Smart AI Prompt Example:
“Help me write a job post for our company, LedgerBright Solutions. We’re hiring an Accounts Payable Clerk to support our growing finance team and ensure accurate, on-time vendor payments. Our culture is detail-oriented and supportive, and we value reliability, consistency, and trust. We offer health and dental benefits, flexible hours, and a hybrid work setup in Austin. Here’s how our hiring process works [explain]. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]. Start with an engaging intro, and keep the tone human and clear.”
Even better: Feed the AI one of the strong job post examples you’ve already written and ask it to match that structure.
Bottom line?
Use AI to polish and organize—not to write your post from scratch. The best job descriptions still start with your knowledge of the role, your company, and your team.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Copy-Paste Job Description Templates for Quick Use
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Accounts Payable Clerk – Help Us Keep Our Finances Running Smoothly
💼 Location: [Location or “Remote”]
🕒 Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary Range: [$X – $Y]
📅 Schedule: [Insert working hours]
🎥 Watch This First: Meet the hiring manager → [Insert Loom Video Link]
Who We Are
[Company Name] is a growing [industry] company helping [type of clients] manage their operations more effectively. We’re known for accuracy, transparency, and building great internal systems. Now we’re hiring an Accounts Payable Clerk to help us keep our financial processes tight and our vendor relationships strong.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Process and enter vendor invoices
- Match purchase orders, receipts, and invoices
- Schedule and prepare payments (ACH, wires, checks)
- Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies
- Maintain vendor files, W-9s, and payment documentation
- Assist with reporting and month-end closing
What We’re Looking For
- 1–2 years of experience in Accounts Payable or admin support
- Comfortable using accounting software
- Detail-oriented and deadline-driven
- Strong communication and follow-up skills
- Bonus: Familiarity with 3-way matching or expense tools
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll join a small, supportive finance team where your accuracy and input will be valued from day one. If you love bringing order to chaos and feel proud when your reconciliations actually reconcile, you’ll feel right at home here.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off (up to 20 days annually)
- Annual learning stipend
- Flexible scheduling or work-from-home days
- Quarterly team check-ins and support
📥 How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not buzzwords.
Click the link below to complete your quick evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Option 2: Structured Format (Traditional + Transparent)
Job Title: Accounts Payable Clerk
Location: [Insert Location]
Type: Full-Time | In-Office or Hybrid
Salary Range: [$X – $Y per year]
Schedule: Monday–Friday, [Insert Hours]
🎥 Watch This First: Meet the hiring manager → [Insert Loom Video Link]
Job Brief:
We’re looking for an Accounts Payable Clerk to join our finance team and handle vendor payments, invoice tracking, and reconciliation. You’ll be responsible for maintaining accurate records, supporting audits, and working closely with our purchasing and operations teams.
Responsibilities:
- Enter and process invoices
- Perform 3-way matching with purchase orders
- Reconcile vendor statements
- Schedule payments and manage approvals
- Maintain accurate records in our accounting software
- Assist with monthly reporting and audit prep
Requirements:
- 1–3 years of Accounts Payable experience
- Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets
- Experience with accounting tools (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite)
- High attention to detail
- Strong organizational skills
- Bonus: Associate degree or certification in finance or accounting
Perks & Benefits:
- PTO + sick leave
- Medical/dental/vision insurance
- Flexible work schedule
- Annual bonus eligibility
- Team learning budget
How to Apply:
We use WorkScreen to fairly evaluate every candidate. Apply here:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step—So You Can Hire Smarter
Writing a strong job post is just the beginning.
The real challenge? Figuring out which candidates are actually qualified.
That’s where WorkScreen comes in.
✅ WorkScreen helps you:
1. Quickly Identify Your Most Promising Candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
2. Easily Administer One-Click Skill Tests
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
3. Eliminate Low-Effort Applications
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
If you’re ready to make better hiring decisions, faster, start with WorkScreen.
FAQ
Look for these five key traits:
- Attention to Detail – A single wrong digit can delay payments or cause audit issues. Precision matters more than speed.
- Time Management – AP Clerks often deal with recurring deadlines (weekly, monthly, quarterly). The ability to prioritize is essential.
- Familiarity with Accounting Software – Tools like NetSuite, QuickBooks, SAP, or even Excel-based systems are commonly used.
- Problem Solving – Invoices often come in with missing data or mismatches. You want someone who can troubleshoot calmly and effectively.
- Discretion & Trustworthiness – They handle sensitive financial data, vendor relationships, and payment approvals—this role requires integrity.
Soft skills like communication and follow-up are also valuable, especially when coordinating across departments or with vendors.
As of 2025, the average salary for an Accounts Payable Clerk in the United States is around $45,000–$52,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and company size.
- Entry-level roles typically start at $38,000–$42,000/year
- Mid-level AP Clerks with 2–4 years of experience average $48,000–$55,000/year
- Senior-level or AP Leads can earn $60,000+ especially in finance-heavy industries or major metros like New York, Austin, or San Francisco.
Hourly rates usually range from $20 to $26 per hour.
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are subtle differences:
- Accounts Payable Clerk often refers to an entry- to mid-level role focused on processing invoices, payments, and maintaining records.
- Accounts Payable Specialist may imply a more advanced role with added responsibilities like vendor management, month-end reporting, or cross-functional coordination.
If your team is small, one person might do both. Larger organizations may use the “Specialist” title to reflect more autonomy or complexity.
Here are two simple ideas:
- Give them a real (or sample) invoice with minor inconsistencies and ask them to spot the issues
- Ask them to complete a short data-entry task with mock payment information, then check for formatting, accuracy, and speed
WorkScreen.io can also help you automate this process with customizable AP-specific skill assessments.
