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What is an accounts receivable assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted expert
Jodi Olson

An accounts receivable assistant works in the finance department of a company and is responsible for managing the company's outstanding customer invoices. This tracking payments, following up with customers on overdue accounts, and resolving any billing discrepancies. These assistants may also help prepare financial reports, process payments, and maintain accurate records. An accounts receivable assistant must have excellent communication skills, be detail-oriented, and possess knowledge of accounting principles.

What's a day at work look like for an accounts receivable assistant?

Jodi OlsonJodi Olson LinkedIn profile

Assistant Accounting Professor, Winona State University

Graduates could see a range of possibilities from working entirely remotely to fully on-site with precautions in place, based on recent graduate and internship experiences we have seen during the pandemic. Except for a very few internships cut short or cancelled immediately at the onset of the pandemic as the profession adapted to unknowns and putting safety measures in place, we have not seen a significant change in the demand for interns or graduates. Some new graduates expect their first day on the jobs to be remote and feel ready to meet that challenge being familiar with the technology required to be productive and communicate virtually. It has become an assumption that precautions are in place, regardless of the remote or in-person setting. It seems that both graduates and employers are working hard together to achieve success, both with caution and the usual high professional standards.
ScoreAccounts Receivable AssistantUS Average
Salary
2.9

Avg. Salary $36,730

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.0

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.63%

Asian 6.56%

Black or African American 6.80%

Hispanic or Latino 14.45%

Unknown 3.97%

White 67.60%

Gender

female 79.65%

male 20.35%

Age - 53
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 53
Stress level
6.0

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.4

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.3

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an accounts receivable assistant?

Pros

  • Potential for career growth within the accounting department

  • Good salary and benefits package

  • Potential for bonuses or commission based on performance

  • Opportunity to work independently and manage own workload

  • Valuable experience in a critical function of any business

Cons

  • Dealing with difficult or unhappy customers can be stressful

  • Can be time-consuming to track down payments or resolve discrepancies

  • May require longer hours or working overtime during busy periods

  • Limited opportunities for creativity or innovation in the role

  • May require sitting at a desk for long periods of time

Accounts receivable assistant career paths

Key steps to become an accounts receivable assistant

  1. Explore accounts receivable assistant education requirements

    Most common accounts receivable assistant degrees

    Bachelor's

    44.0 %

    Associate

    26.1 %

    High School Diploma

    16.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific accounts receivable assistant skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service24.81%
    Data Entry10.45%
    Cash Handling6.85%
    Financial Reports4.10%
    Purchase Orders3.73%
  3. Complete relevant accounts receivable assistant training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New accounts receivable assistants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an accounts receivable assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real accounts receivable assistant resumes.
  4. Gain additional accounts receivable assistant certifications

    Accounts receivable assistant certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific accounts receivable assistant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for accounts receivable assistants include Medical Assistant and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research accounts receivable assistant duties and responsibilities

    • Reconcile bank deposit information with QuickBooks and manage all deposit files.
    • Manage profitable accounts receivable ledgers for existing and new clientele maintaining accuracy of monies enter to appropriate relate account.
    • Post customer payments by recording ACH, checks, and credit card transactions.
    • Inventory control using IBM AS400 system.
  6. Prepare your accounts receivable assistant resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your accounts receivable assistant resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an accounts receivable assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable accounts receivable assistant resume templates

    Build a professional accounts receivable assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your accounts receivable assistant resume.
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
    Accounts Receivable Assistant Resume
  7. Apply for accounts receivable assistant jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an accounts receivable assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first accounts receivable assistant job

Zippi

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Average accounts receivable assistant salary

The average accounts receivable assistant salary in the United States is $36,730 per year or $18 per hour. Accounts receivable assistant salaries range between $29,000 and $46,000 per year.

Average accounts receivable assistant salary
$36,730 Yearly
$17.66 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do accounts receivable assistants rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Accounts receivable assistant reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

Investigating claims of denials and getting claims pain in a timely manner

Cons

Nothing


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Pros

Resolving problems and the everyday challenge

Cons

Highly stressful, under-appreciated and other departments not recognizing the value of the AR department.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Cons

Not a respectable title, do not need a bachelors degree to obtain a job, low pay, dead end job career


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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