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Job outlook for accounts receivable specialists in the United States
Accounts receivable specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected accounts receivable specialist job growth rate is -8% from 2018-2028.
About -17,500 new jobs for accounts receivable specialists are projected over the next decade.
Accounts receivable specialist salaries have increased 8% for accounts receivable specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 515,368 accounts receivable specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 61,988 active accounts receivable specialist job openings in the US.
The average accounts receivable specialist salary is $39,873.
Are accounts receivable specialist jobs in demand?
Accounts Receivable Specialist job and salary trends over time
Accounts Receivable Specialist jobs over time
Accounts Receivable Specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 515,368 | 0.15% |
| 2020 | 498,669 | 0.15% |
| 2019 | 523,086 | 0.16% |
| 2018 | 531,951 | 0.16% |
| 2017 | 537,581 | 0.16% |
Average accounts receivable specialist salary over time
Accounts Receivable Specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,873 | $19.17 | +3.0% |
| 2024 | $38,722 | $18.62 | +2.7% |
| 2023 | $37,696 | $18.12 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $36,974 | $17.78 | --0.1% |
| 2021 | $36,995 | $17.79 | +2.6% |
Accounts Receivable Specialist jobs by state
Most common states for accounts receivable specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 221 | 32% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 150 | 16% |
| 3 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 400 | 13% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 175 | 13% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 78 | 13% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 845 | 12% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 649 | 12% |
| 8 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 646 | 12% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 508 | 12% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 232 | 12% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 89 | 12% |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 789 | 11% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 642 | 11% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 333 | 11% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 113 | 11% |
| 16 | Alaska | 739,795 | 83 | 11% |
| 17 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 2,081 | 10% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,223 | 10% |
| 19 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 889 | 10% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 106 | 10% |
Most common cities for accounts receivable specialists
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 7 | 18% | $43,308 |
| 2 | Lansing | 6 | 5% | $40,296 |
| 3 | Tampa | 11 | 3% | $36,249 |
| 4 | Birmingham | 6 | 3% | $31,068 |
| 5 | Little Rock | 6 | 3% | $30,317 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 11 | 2% | $38,315 |
| 7 | Des Moines | 5 | 2% | $32,845 |
| 8 | Saint Paul | 5 | 2% | $40,387 |
| 9 | Phoenix | 12 | 1% | $38,686 |
| 10 | Boston | 9 | 1% | $48,911 |
| 11 | San Diego | 9 | 1% | $46,217 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 7 | 1% | $34,007 |
| 13 | Jacksonville | 6 | 1% | $35,927 |
| 14 | Washington | 6 | 1% | $52,395 |
| 15 | Sacramento | 5 | 1% | $46,228 |
| 16 | Chicago | 11 | 0% | $38,732 |
| 17 | Houston | 6 | 0% | $38,476 |
Accounts Receivable Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of accounts receivable specialist experts
University of the Virgin Islands
Eastern Illinois University
Centenary University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Rochester Institute of Technology
University of Kansas
University of Texas at El Paso
Florida International University
Francisco Depusoir
Associate Professor of AccountingUniversity of the Virgin Islands
School of Business
What skills stand out on Accounts Receivable Specialist resumes?
Francisco Depusoir: The following skills could open the door to various opportunities for an accounting graduate on their resume.
-Excellent analytical skills
-Knowledge of Microsoft Excel
-Knowledge of Quickbooks
What soft skills should all Accounts Receivable Specialists possess?
Francisco Depusoir: -Analytical and problem-solving skills
-Strong written and oral communication
-Critical thinking
-Time Management
-Active learning
-Organization and attention to detail
What hard/technical skills are most important for Accounts Receivable Specialists?
Francisco Depusoir: -Basic knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
-Experience with business intelligence software.
-Independent research skills.
-Data management abilities.
-Preparation and understanding of financial statements.
What skills will help Accounts Receivable Specialists earn the most?
Francisco Depusoir: -Accountants should be able to communicate with departments and clients.
-Written and oral communication as accountants usually have to give presentations.
-Accountants should be able to pay attention to details.
-Technological skills. Technology is constantly changing and evolving. Accountants must acquire the necessary technical skills since most of the work is done through a computer using applications.
-Data analysis: Accountants are surrounded by data, bookkeeping, tax returns, payroll reports, and tax planning which all rely on strong data analysis skills.
Dr. Nicholas Robinson
Director of AccountancyEastern Illinois University
EIU School of Business
What skills stand out on Accounts Receivable Specialist resumes?
Dr. Nicholas Robinson: In a general sense, the skills that are most impactful on a resume are demonstrating success when faced with a problem. This can be difficult to convey on a resume, but if you can show problems or challenges that you face, how you overcame them, and the resolution of the problem, recruiters love that more than almost anything.
Showing the ability to overcome and solve problems illustrates your skills in a practical way that will be beneficial to the company you are applying to. Every business has challenges. If you can help solve them, you are invaluable. Demonstrating a history of problem-solving will certainly make you stand out amongst the applicant pool.
Frank Longo
Assistant Professor of BusinessCentenary University
Business Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Accounts Receivable Specialists?
Frank Longo: Proficiency with emerging technology is an attention-getter. We should note that the Certified Public Accountants Exam will contain three sections by 2024, including Data Analytics, Tax Compliance and Planning, and Information System and Controls. A basic knowledge will be required in each of these, and the CPA candidate will identify one area of the above for more detailed testing. This change in knowledge requirements reflects the skills employers see as most important to hire. Using technology in any of these areas can move a candidate to the top of the hiring list. We should emphasize that the job candidate does not need to be an expert in each area, but the ability to effectively use technology in one area is important. Employers are looking for the ability to use technology in information security, business processes, information systems, IT audits, data analytics, and tax planning but not all of them.
Keep in mind that successful firms performed audits, prepared tax returns, advised clients on data security, and much more during the pandemic, and they often did so remotely. This can be expected to continue into the future.
What soft skills should all Accounts Receivable Specialists possess?
Frank Longo: The skills listed above in question number one are soft skills. They are the skills that truly differentiate the candidate. All candidates are expected to possess hard skills such as excel proficiency. It is the soft skills that get the job done. The ability to solve problems and to lead a team are the top requirements. Recent studies conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers consistently arrived at this conclusion, as did a recent Centenary University survey that included New Jersey and New York employers. These skills can be demonstrated through work experience, internships, and extra-curricular activities, including clubs and sports, which can serve as examples.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Accounts Receivable Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Zev Fried Ph.D.: The good news is that there is still a high demand, if not an even greater demand for CPA's now. Individuals and companies are dealing with unpredictable business cycles and cash flows as well as constantly changing regulations. CPAs are needed to deal with all this and more. Of course, now that remote work is considered normal, it is likely here to stay in one form or another, deepening the pool of talent that employers can potentially dip into.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Accounts Receivable Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Qian Song Ph.D.: The pandemic has accelerated the immersion of technology in our work and life. People work remotely, study remotely, shop online from grocery to furniture, tour the museums and consult a doctor virtually. Increased closures of brick and mortar stores and online business play a role in the surge of technology stocks. Thus, the pandemic has changed the way companies use technology to conduct business. Ultimately, accounting and other professionals are expected to be proficient in the use of technology in their work. The Big Four and other public accounting firms are increasing their investments in technology such as data analytics and robotic process automation. Entry-level accounting or structured, repetitive, and rule-based tasks are increasingly being automated. Such automation in business processes also occurs in other industries. It is only a matter of time before we see robots and machines (and they do not get COVID) taking over a large number of accounting and other jobs that can be automated. Advances in data analytics will speed up this process and change the nature of the accounting function. For example, instead of a traditional audit sampling, data analytics tools can be used to examine the entire dataset. The accounting firms are expected to hire more data science professionals rather than traditional accountants.
Accounting graduates will face challenges and also opportunities in today's advanced technological environment. Other than the basic accounting knowledge, accounting students can acquire data analytics and technological skills. Although accounting jobs are predicted to increase in the future, the increase is likely to be for the newly transformed accounting jobs that utilize technology
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Accounts Receivable Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Alee Phillips CPA: As you might know, accounting recruiting starts so early. Many students secure their entry-level job during the spring of their Junior year. That is when they are recruited for Senior year spring or summer internships that then lead to full time offers after the end of their Master in Accounting and CPA eligibility year. As far as I know, none of those offers were pulled during the pandemic. If we do have a decrease in accounting opportunities, I think it will not be seen for another year or so as companies adjust to hiring less interns during these challenging times.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Accounts Receivable Specialists?
David Folsom Ph.D.: I believe the CPA certification is still the "gold standard" for the accounting profession. Being a licensed CPA will give new accountants the most current and future career opportunities. I recommend new graduates have a clear plan on how they will achieve this certification post-graduation. Many large accounting firms will not seriously consider candidates without a clear path to becoming a CPA. Completing at least a section of the CPA test very quickly after graduation is evidence of this commitment.
The CMA certification is also very helpful in the job market, particularly for non-public accounting job prospects. Any accounting-based certifications (e.g., internal audit, forensic accounting, etc.) will help candidates distinguish themselves from their peers. However, a CPA license will provide the most opportunities as a standalone license. Having additional certifications beyond a CPA will only enhance a candidate's job prospects.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Accounts Receivable Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Jose Aldrich: -Rapid increase in quality of technology based solutions allowing for robust remote working and business interaction, will support working more from home where the business can adapt and has the technology solutions to support the new working environment. This trend will impact commercial real estate, primarily office space. Some companies may seek to reduce office space.
-Budgets for business travel, large meetings and in-person business meetings may decrease and budgets for remote technology may increase. Business travel industry may need to adapt to the reduced business travel as remote technology solutions continue to evolve.
-E-commerce is on the rise and will continue to increase as consumers become more comfortable with online purchasing (groceries, clothes and household items, etc). Shift from physical stores to virtual stores for a larger percentage of sales will lower cost of entry and give rise to new businesses to support the trend.
-Social norms have adapted to the new pandemic environment and may not fully return to pre-pandemic levels. Face masks, social distancing, handshaking, etc. may become the norm for some time and taper slowly with some habits continuing.