Career Development Guide
9 mins to read

Accounts Receivable Job Description: Comprehensive

Accounts receivable job description guide with responsibilities, KPIs, skills, and templates to improve cash flow, reduce DSO, and strengthen customer relationships fast.

What does an Accounts Receivable professional do? (Quick definition)

An Accounts Receivable (AR) professional ensures customers are billed correctly and that cash is collected, applied, and reconciled on time. They reduce Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), resolve billing issues, and protect revenue through accurate invoicing, disciplined collections, and tight controls.

In many companies, AR serves as the front line for cash flow health. It also shapes the customer payment experience, influencing both speed and satisfaction.

Typical accounts receivable responsibilities include:

  • Prepare and send accurate invoices and credits
  • Apply cash (ACH, wire, card, lockbox) and reconcile remittances
  • Monitor aging and drive collections with clear cadence
  • Resolve disputes and short-pays with root-cause follow-up
  • Maintain customer master data and credit limits
  • Produce aging/DSO/CEI reports for month-end close
  • Enforce compliance and internal controls on billing and write-offs
  • Partner with Sales, Customer Success, AP, FP&A, and Treasury

Why this role matters: Cash flow, DSO, and customer experience

Cash is the lifeblood of every business, and AR directly influences the speed and predictability of cash inflows. A 5–10 day improvement in DSO can unlock millions in working capital for mid-market firms. That improves liquidity without external financing.

AR also shapes the payment experience. Clean invoices and proactive communication reduce disputes, lower bad debt, and strengthen customer relationships. When AR is clear and on time, customers pay faster and with fewer questions. This improves cash conversion while protecting brand trust.

Beyond collections, AR data improves forecasting and risk management. Patterns in aging, deductions, and disputes surface pricing or process issues upstream that can be fixed to prevent future leakage.

High-performing AR teams close the books faster, reduce write-offs, and provide executives with actionable cash insights. By linking operational activity to financial statements, AR becomes a strategic lever for growth and resiliency. The result is better planning, fewer surprises, and more predictable working capital.

Core responsibilities and duties

AR duties span billing accuracy, timely cash application, disciplined collections, and rigorous reporting. Use these to anchor your accounts receivable job description and set clear expectations.

Clear ownership of these tasks supports compliance, accelerates cash, and improves cross-functional coordination. Align daily work with KPIs to keep teams focused on measurable outcomes.

  • Create and issue invoices/credit memos per contract or PO terms
  • Validate pricing, taxes, and revenue recognition details with ERP/billing
  • Post and apply payments from bank files, portals, and remittances
  • Research and resolve unapplied cash, short-pays, and deductions
  • Manage aging and collections cadence by risk segment
  • Handle customer inquiries, disputes, and claims to resolution
  • Prepare aging, DSO, CEI, and bad-debt reports for month/quarter close
  • Reconcile AR subledger to GL; support audits and SOX controls
  • Maintain credit limits and customer master data quality
  • Drive continuous improvement and automation with Finance/IT

Billing and invoicing

Accurate billing is the foundation of healthy AR and clean audits. AR ensures invoices reflect delivered goods or services, correct tax, and contractual terms. Supporting documentation speeds approval.

Well-prepared invoices reduce back-and-forth, cut dispute volume, and speed payment processing through portals and AP systems. Consistent billing calendars and cutoffs support timely closes and reliable revenue recognition. When in doubt, escalate revenue recognition questions early to Accounting.

Key tasks:

  • Generate invoices and credits from ERP/billing (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, QuickBooks)
  • Validate item pricing, discounts, taxes, ship-to/bill-to, and PO numbers
  • Attach proof of delivery, time sheets, or EDI references
  • Schedule recurring invoices and proration for subscriptions
  • Escalate revenue recognition issues to Accounting under GAAP/IFRS
  • Maintain billing calendars and cutoffs for close

Cash application and reconciliation

Fast, accurate cash application shortens DSO and clarifies collection priorities. Modern AR leverages bank lockbox files, OCR, and remittance automation to hit >98% auto-match accuracy.

Clear rules for matching, exception handling, and SLAs keep unapplied balances low and portfolios current. Tight subledger-to-GL reconciliations ensure financial statements reflect reality and support audit readiness. Partnership with Treasury improves cash forecasting and bank portal efficiency.

Key tasks:

  • Import and apply ACH/wire/check/card payments with remittance (BAI2/EDI 820)
  • Match by invoice, amount, PO, or customer rules; research exceptions
  • Manage short-pays, chargebacks, deductions, and fee reconciliations
  • Clear unapplied/unidentified cash within defined SLAs
  • Reconcile AR subledger to GL and bank statements by period-end
  • Partner with Treasury on cash forecasting and bank portals

Collections and dispute resolution

Effective collections balance persistence with professionalism to protect both cash and relationships. Segment customers, set cadences, and use consistent dunning to keep outreach organized and efficient.

Documenting promises-to-pay and root causes prevents repeat issues and sharpens follow-up. Cross-functional coordination closes gaps in pricing, quantity, quality, or tax that drive disputes. Policy-aligned recommendations (plans, holds, write-offs) keep decisions timely and consistent.

Key tasks:

  • Prioritize aging by risk/amount; run weekly dunning workflows
  • Call/email per cadence; document promises-to-pay and outcomes
  • Investigate and close disputes (pricing, quantity, quality, tax)
  • Coordinate with Sales/CS, Logistics, and Billing to fix causes
  • Recommend payment plans, holds, or write-offs per policy
  • Track dispute cycle times and recovery rates

Reporting and month-end close

AR owns accurate, timely reporting that informs cash decisions. A tight close connects operational activity to financial statements and executive KPIs. That enables leadership to act quickly on trends.

Standard reports (aging, DSO/Best Possible DSO, CEI, % current) give a clear view of portfolio health. Strong documentation and approvals support SOX and external audits without last-minute scrambles. Regular readouts with Finance keep actions aligned to targets.

Key tasks:

  • Produce aging, DSO/Best Possible DSO, CEI, and % current AR reports
  • Reconcile AR subledger to GL; prepare journal entries and accruals
  • Review credit memos, write-offs, and adjustments with approvals
  • Support external audits and SOX documentation requests
  • Provide cash forecast inputs and collections outlook
  • Present trends and action plans to Finance leadership

Required skills and competencies

Successful AR pros blend systems fluency with sharp communication and discipline. Hiring for both hard and soft skills improves results and compliance while reducing rework.

Look for candidates who can navigate ERPs, interpret data, and communicate with customers confidently. Consistency, accuracy, and a control mindset are essential in a role that touches revenue and cash.

Technical skills (ERP, spreadsheets, AR automation)

Modern AR is systems-driven. Candidates should navigate ERPs, bank files, and automation tools to reduce manual work and errors. Comfort with remittance formats, card portals, and reporting is key to accuracy and speed.

Excel/Sheets skills enable analysis and reconciliation without relying solely on IT. Exposure to OCR/RPA and basic SQL helps scale processes as volume grows.

Core tools and skills:

  • ERP/billing: QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics 365
  • AR automation: cash application, dunning, and portals (e.g., HighRadius, Billtrust, BlackLine)
  • Bank/lockbox remittances (BAI2, EDI 820), card portals, and gateways
  • Excel/Google Sheets: VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, pivot tables, Power Query, basic macros
  • Data hygiene: customer master, credit limits, tax and PO compliance
  • OCR/RPA familiarity; file imports/exports; basic SQL is a plus

Core behaviors (accuracy, confidentiality, communication)

AR is a trust role handling sensitive financial data. Look for precision, follow-through, and customer empathy to maintain both control and relationship quality.

Professionals should communicate clearly under pressure and keep commitments documented. A root-cause mindset prevents repeat issues and drives continuous improvement. Collaboration across Sales, CS, AP, FP&A, and Treasury sustains momentum and results.

Core competencies:

  • Detail orientation and error prevention under deadlines
  • Clear, courteous communication in writing and on calls
  • Persistence with professionalism in collections
  • Confidentiality and control mindset (segregation of duties)
  • Root-cause thinking and process improvement
  • Cross-functional collaboration with Sales, CS, AP, FP&A, and Treasury

KPIs and performance metrics

Define success upfront and align incentives to cash flow and customer experience. Use these AR metrics with formulas and targets to set expectations and drive consistent coaching.

Publishing benchmarks and reviewing them monthly builds accountability. Quarterly trend reviews with Finance keep targets realistic and tied to business seasonality.

Common AR KPIs (DSO, CEI, bad-debt %, cash app accuracy)

  • Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) = (Average AR / Credit Sales) × Days. Benchmark: 30–45 days mid-market; lower for subscription/credit-card-heavy businesses.
  • Best Possible DSO = (Current AR / Credit Sales) × Days. Benchmark: within 10–20% of DSO.
  • Collection Effectiveness Index (CEI) = [Beg AR + Credit Sales − End AR − Write-offs] ÷ [Beg AR + Credit Sales − End AR] × 100%. Benchmark: 85–95% monthly; >90% is strong.
  • % Current AR (0–30 days) = Current AR ÷ Total AR. Benchmark: 60–80% depending on terms/industry.
  • Bad-debt % (write-off rate) = Write-offs ÷ Credit Sales. Benchmark: <1–2% in B2B; higher in high-dispute sectors.
  • Cash application accuracy = Correctly applied payments ÷ Total payments. Benchmark: 97–99% with automation; 90–95% manual.
  • Dispute resolution cycle time (days). Benchmark: 5–10 days; <5 for operational disputes.
  • Unapplied cash > 7 days (amount and count). Target: minimal; clear weekly.

Benchmarks vary by industry, customer mix, and payment rails. Track monthly and review quarterly trends with Finance leadership to adjust levers, portfolios, and cadences.

Sample goals and OKRs for AR roles

Set goals that tie directly to DSO, CEI, cash application accuracy, and dispute cycle time. Align each owner to a measurable outcome and a timeframe so progress is visible.

  • Reduce DSO from 44 to 38 days by Q4 through segmentation and cadence.
  • Maintain cash application accuracy ≥98% and clear unapplied items within 5 business days.
  • Achieve monthly CEI ≥92% and keep % current AR ≥70%.
  • Close 90% of disputes within 7 days; cut repeat disputes by 25% via root-cause fixes.
  • Limit bad-debt write-offs to ≤1% of credit sales with credit policy adherence.
  • Automate 60%+ dunning and cash app workflows without increasing dispute rates.

Qualifications, certifications, and levels

Right-size your AR job requirements to your volume, complexity, and systems. Calibrate titles and scope for clarity and career growth so candidates see a path forward.

Tie education and certification expectations to the level of judgment and control required. Prioritize demonstrated skills over proxies when possible.

Titles and scope: Clerk vs. Specialist vs. Coordinator vs. Analyst vs. Lead

Choose titles that reflect ownership, complexity, and decision-making authority. Use the following guide to align expectations and avoid overlap across roles.

  • Accounts Receivable Clerk (Entry): Transactional billing, payment posting, basic follow-ups, data entry; supervised workload.
  • Accounts Receivable Specialist (Mid): Owns a portfolio, complex reconciliations, dispute resolution, and customer communications; suggests process improvements.
  • Accounts Receivable Coordinator: Schedules workflows, triages inbox/queues, aligns cross-team tasks (Sales/CS/Logistics); often a team operations hub.
  • Accounts Receivable Analyst: Deep dives into aging trends, CEI/DSO modeling, forecasting, deductions analytics, and dashboarding; partners with FP&A.
  • Senior/Lead AR: Sets KPIs, coaches team, approves credits/write-offs, owns month-end controls, and leads automation/ERP enhancements.

Decision guide: choose higher levels if you have high invoice volume, complex contracts (milestones, subscriptions, EDI), multiple ERPs/entities, or significant deductions/disputes.

Education, certifications (e.g., NACM), and experience bands

Match education and experience to the sophistication of your workflows and controls. Certifications signal commitment to the craft and can accelerate ramp time.

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent (Clerk); associate’s or bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance preferred for Specialist/Analyst/Lead.
  • Experience: 0–1 years (Clerk); 2–4 years (Specialist/Coordinator); 3–5+ years with analytics (Analyst); 5–7+ years with leadership or multi-entity (Senior/Lead).
  • Certifications (optional but valued): NACM (CBA/CBF/CCE for credit/collections), IOFM Accounts Receivable Specialist, Microsoft Office Specialist (Excel), QuickBooks ProAdvisor/NetSuite User, Lean/Six Sigma Yellow Belt for process improvement.

Compliance and internal controls

AR touches revenue, cash, and customer data—areas scrutinized by auditors and regulators. Build controls into your accounts receivable job description to reduce risk and speed audits.

Clear segregation of duties, documented reconciliations, and access controls are non-negotiable. Practical, well-communicated policies help teams execute consistently while protecting sensitive information.

Key controls and standards:

  • SOX: Segregation of duties (billing vs. cash posting vs. write-off approvals), documented reconciliations, access controls, and evidence retention.
  • GAAP/IFRS: Accurate cutoffs, proper revenue tie-out, and approval workflows for credits/adjustments.
  • PCI DSS: Never store raw card data in tickets or spreadsheets; use approved gateways and redaction.
  • Data privacy: Protect PII under GDPR/CCPA; limit access to customer banking details.
  • Policy frameworks: Credit limit approvals, dispute/chargeback handling, write-off thresholds and approval matrix.

Audit readiness: keep a clean trail—POs, delivery proofs, remittances, approvals, and reconciliations organized and retrievable.

Work environment and collaboration

AR is deadline-driven with peaks around billing cycles, month-end, and quarter-end. Remote/hybrid teams typically work standard business hours with flexible overlap for customer time zones.

Clear SLAs, shared dashboards, and well-defined handoffs keep distributed teams aligned. Regular standups around close and collections cadences help focus efforts where cash impact is highest.

Collaboration map:

  • Sales/Customer Success: Resolve PO/contract gaps, pricing, and renewals; manage holds/releases.
  • AP/Procurement (customers’ teams): Match invoices to POs, portals, and payment terms.
  • FP&A/Treasury: Cash forecasting, collections targets, and working-capital planning.
  • Accounting/Controllership: Close, reconciliations, revenue recognition, and audits.
  • Operations/Logistics: Delivery documentation and proof of service for dispute prevention.

Salary and benefits benchmarks

Compensation varies by level, region, industry, and systems complexity. Calibrate pay with local data and total rewards that support retention so you can keep institutional knowledge and momentum.

Tie bonus components to measurable AR outcomes such as DSO, CEI, and cash app accuracy. Adjust for cost of labor and complexity (e.g., EDI, multi-entity, global).

Salary ranges by level (with geography notes and percentiles)

U.S. national ranges; adjust +15–30% for high-cost metros (SF Bay Area, NYC, Boston, Seattle) and −10–15% for lower-cost regions. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Bookkeeping/AR roles, May 2023), Robert Half Salary Guide 2024–2025, Payscale/Glassdoor aggregated reports.

  • Accounts Receivable Clerk: 25th $40–45k; 50th $47–52k; 75th $55–60k.
  • Accounts Receivable Specialist: 25th $50–56k; 50th $58–66k; 75th $70–78k.
  • Accounts Receivable Coordinator: 25th $50–58k; 50th $60–68k; 75th $72–82k.
  • Accounts Receivable Analyst: 25th $65–72k; 50th $75–85k; 75th $90–100k.
  • Senior/Lead AR: 25th $70–80k; 50th $82–95k; 75th $100–115k.
  • Bonus potential: 5–10% for Specialists/Analysts; 10–15% for Senior/Lead tied to KPIs (DSO, CEI, cash accuracy).

Note: Healthcare systems, manufacturing with EDI/deductions, and multi-entity global firms often pay at the higher end due to complexity.

Common benefits and schedule expectations

Offer a benefits package that supports performance and well-being, with flexibility around close peaks and customer time zones.

  • Health, dental, vision; HSA/FSA; 401(k)/match; disability and life insurance
  • PTO with floating holidays; paid sick time; parental leave
  • Annual bonus; spot bonuses for cash collection targets
  • Tuition/professional development; certification reimbursement
  • Remote/hybrid setup, home-office stipend, and ergonomic equipment
  • Schedule: standard business hours; added coverage near billing runs, month/quarter/year-end close

Accounts Receivable job description templates (copy & customize)

Copy, paste, and tailor these accounts receivable job description samples to your company, tools, and industry. Customize KPIs, systems, and collaboration notes so candidates can picture the day-to-day work and success criteria.

Template: Accounts Receivable Clerk (Entry-level)

Summary:

We’re hiring an Accounts Receivable Clerk to support billing, cash posting, and customer inquiries. You’ll ensure invoices go out on time, payments are applied accurately, and issues are escalated quickly.

Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and send invoices/credits from our ERP with accurate tax and PO info
  • Post daily payments (ACH/wire/check/card) and apply to correct invoices
  • Research and clear unapplied cash within 5 business days
  • Monitor aging and send friendly reminders per cadence
  • Answer customer billing questions and route disputes to the right owner
  • Maintain customer master data (addresses, contacts, terms)
  • File and organize remittances, POs, and approvals for audits
  • Support month-end close with reconciliations and reports

Requirements:

  • 0–1 years AR or accounting experience (internships welcome)
  • Comfort with QuickBooks/NetSuite/SAP (or similar) and Excel (VLOOKUP, pivots)
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and dependable with confidential data
  • Clear written/verbal communication; customer-first mindset

KPIs:

  • Cash application accuracy ≥97%
  • Unapplied cash cleared within 5 days
  • On-time invoicing rate ≥99%
  • Email/case response within 1 business day

Template: Accounts Receivable Specialist (Mid-level)

Summary:

As an Accounts Receivable Specialist, you’ll own a portfolio of customers, drive collections, resolve disputes, and improve cash flow. You’ll collaborate with Sales, CS, and Accounting to prevent repeat issues.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage end-to-end billing, collections cadence, and dispute resolution
  • Apply payments and reconcile short-pays, deductions, and chargebacks
  • Prepare weekly aging, DSO, and CEI reports with action plans
  • Investigate root causes (pricing, delivery, tax) and drive fixes
  • Maintain credit limits and recommend holds/releases per policy
  • Partner with Treasury on cash forecast inputs
  • Suggest automation and process improvements; test ERP/AR tool changes

Requirements:

  • 2–4 years AR/credit/collections experience in a modern ERP
  • Strong Excel (XLOOKUP, pivots, Power Query) and AR automation exposure
  • Confident communicator; negotiates payment plans professionally
  • Understanding of GAAP billing concepts and internal controls

KPIs:

  • CEI ≥90%; DSO improvement ≥5 days in 12 months
  • Dispute resolution cycle time ≤7 days for 90% of cases
  • Cash app accuracy ≥98%; % current AR ≥70%
  • Repeat dispute rate reduced by 20% YoY

Template: Senior/Lead Accounts Receivable

Summary:

We’re seeking a Senior/Lead Accounts Receivable professional to set AR strategy, coach the team, and own cash collection performance. You’ll ensure strong controls, timely close, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

  • Set AR KPIs, segment portfolios, and manage team workloads/cadence
  • Approve credits/write-offs; ensure SOX-compliant processes and documentation
  • Oversee month-end close: reconciliations, journals, and audit support
  • Lead automation (cash app, dunning, portals) and ERP enhancements
  • Partner with Sales/CS, FP&A, and Treasury on forecasting and policies
  • Analyze trends (DSO, deductions, dispute causes) and present to leadership
  • Develop talent through training, one-on-ones, and clear career paths

Requirements:

  • 5–7+ years AR/OTC experience; 1–3+ years in a lead or supervisory role
  • Multi-entity/EDI/subscription experience preferred
  • Expert Excel; comfortable with ERP/AR automation tools
  • Strong control mindset; cross-functional leadership

KPIs:

  • Maintain CEI ≥92% and bad-debt ≤1% of credit sales
  • Close AR subledger within 2 business days; zero material reconciling items
  • Automation rate ≥60% for dunning/cash app; dispute cycle time ≤5 days
  • Team engagement and SLA attainment ≥95%

How to customize: reporting line, tools, industry nuances, EEO language

Clarify scope and systems so candidates can self-assess fit and ramp quickly. Use the prompts below to localize each template without over-inflating requirements.

  • Reporting line: Specify Controller vs. Accounting Manager vs. OTC/Shared Services.
  • Tools: Name your ERP (e.g., NetSuite), billing (e.g., Chargebee/Zuora), AR automation, and bank portals.
  • Industry: Call out EDI (manufacturing/retail), subscription proration (SaaS), or EOB/denials (healthcare).
  • Scope: Note invoice volume, ticketing system (e.g., Zendesk), and customers served (domestic/global).
  • EEO and inclusivity: Use gender-neutral language, outline reasonable accommodations, and include a clear EEO statement; avoid unnecessary degree/experience inflation.

Interview and evaluation toolkit

Structured, skills-based evaluation reduces bias and improves hiring quality. Combine targeted questions with a practical exercise to validate systems fluency, reconciliation skills, and customer communication under deadline.

Structured interview questions and scenarios

  • Collections strategy: “Walk me through your 30–60–90 day cadence for a new 60+ day past-due account.”
  • Dispute resolution: “Describe a complex short-pay or deduction you resolved. What data did you need?”
  • Cash application: “How do you handle large remittance files with missing invoice numbers?”
  • Excel: “How would you reconcile a subledger to GL using pivots and XLOOKUP?”
  • Metrics: “Which AR KPIs did you own? What targets and results did you achieve?”
  • Controls: “How do you ensure segregation of duties and prevent improper write-offs?”
  • Systems: “Which ERP/AR automation tools have you configured or improved?”
  • Stakeholder management: “How do you de-escalate a customer dispute while protecting cash?”
  • Prioritization: “With limited time, which 10 accounts do you call first and why?”
  • Scenario: “A key customer is 45 days late and disputes tax and quantity. Outline your plan for the next 48 hours.”

Take-home task: cash application + aging follow-up plan

Use a hands-on task to assess accuracy, speed, and judgment. Keep the dataset realistic and score consistently against clear criteria.

  • Provide: 2 bank remittance files (mixed ACH/check), an open AR aging, and 20 invoices (some short-pays, duplicates).
  • Tasks: Apply cash; identify unapplied items; propose GL entries for adjustments; draft a one-page follow-up plan for top 5 delinquent accounts with email templates and call notes.
  • Deliverables: Reconciled aging, exception list with root causes, and prioritized outreach plan tied to expected cash in 14 days.

Industry and company-size variations

AR scope changes with contract complexity, billing volume, and channel mix. Tailor your accounts receivable job description to the realities of your sector and size so responsibilities, tools, and KPIs match the work.

Call out industry-specific documents, portals, and compliance requirements. This improves candidate fit and reduces ramp time.

SaaS and subscriptions (credits, proration, renewals)

In subscription businesses, recurring cycles, payment methods, and revenue deferrals drive the workload. Clarity on proration, upgrades/downgrades, and tax is key to clean billing and quick collections.

  • Manage recurring invoices, proration, upgrades/downgrades, and credits
  • Reconcile deferred revenue and usage-based charges with Accounting
  • Coordinate renewals and failed payment retries with CS/RevOps
  • Maintain dunning logic by segment; manage payment methods and tax (VAT/GST)
  • Tools often include Zuora/Chargebee/Recurly plus ERP

Manufacturing/CPG (deductions, chargebacks, EDI)

Product businesses contend with retailer portals, strict PO compliance, and deductions. Documentation and root-cause analysis are essential to recover valid disputes and prevent recurrences.

  • Handle EDI (850/810/820) and retailer portals; strict PO compliance
  • Research deductions (shortages, damage, trade promos) and recover where valid
  • Match delivery/POD documents to invoices; manage chargebacks
  • Coordinate with Logistics and Sales on root-cause corrective actions
  • Higher emphasis on dispute analytics and documentation

Healthcare (EOB, denials, compliance)

Healthcare AR is shaped by payer rules, EOBs/ERAs, and strict privacy requirements. Precision and audit-ready records ensure compliant, timely reimbursement.

  • Post EOBs/ERAs, reconcile patient vs. payer balances, and manage denials
  • Comply with HIPAA/PHI requirements and payer-specific rules
  • Track underpayments and appeal timelines; maintain audit-ready records
  • Coordinate with Revenue Cycle, Coding, and Patient Finance

FAQs: Accounts Receivable job description

Use these quick answers to align stakeholders and improve your job description’s clarity.

  • What does an Accounts Receivable do? AR bills customers, collects and applies cash, resolves disputes, and reports on aging/DSO to improve cash flow and reduce bad debt.
  • Is accounts receivable an accounting job? Yes. AR sits within accounting/finance as part of the order-to-cash cycle, partnering closely with Sales/CS and Treasury.
  • What skills are needed for AR? ERP/Excel proficiency, accuracy, communication, collections negotiation, and control/compliance awareness; AR automation experience is a plus.
  • What is the salary for AR roles? U.S. medians range roughly from $47–52k (Clerk) to $82–95k (Senior/Lead), with adjustments by region and complexity (BLS; Robert Half 2024–2025).
  • How do AR, AP, and Credit/Collections differ? AR bills and collects; AP pays vendors; Credit sets credit limits and policy while Collections executes outreach (often within AR).
  • How do I write an inclusive AR job description? Use neutral language, list only essential qualifications, note reasonable accommodations, and include a clear EEO statement.
  • Can AR be remote? Yes. With ERP/AR automation and secure bank/portal access, remote/hybrid AR is common; ensure strong controls and clear SLAs.
  • Which KPIs should AR own? DSO, CEI, % current AR, bad-debt %, cash app accuracy, and dispute cycle time—set targets by industry and customer mix.

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