Accounts Receivable Clerk interview questions and answers
This Accounts Receivable Clerk interview profile brings together a snapshot of what to look for in candidates with a balanced sample of suitable accounts receivable (AR) interview questions. Similar job titles include Accounts Receivable Manager.
10 good accounts receivable clerk interview questions
- What interests you about working in accounts receivable at a company like ours?
- What training or experience has prepared you for the role of accounts receivable clerk?
- In your own words, explain the accounts receivable process.
- What are the most important goals of AR?
- What types of financial statements or reports do you routinely prepare?
- What are the steps you would take to close the AR period?
- Describe your familiarity with accounting software. Which ones have you used?
- Describe a time you found a billing discrepancy. How did you resolve it?
- In as much detail as possible, describe the journal entry process from the time of generating an invoice to receiving payment.
- What is your role, if any, in the collections process?
Here are 10 essential interview questions and sample answers to help identify the best candidates for this role.
1. What interests you about working in accounts receivable at a company like ours?
This question aims to gauge the candidate’s interest in the role and the company.
Sample answer:
“I’m drawn to the dynamic environment of your company and the opportunity to apply my skills in accounts receivable to help streamline financial processes.”
2. What training or experience has prepared you for the role of accounts receivable clerk?
This question assesses the candidate’s qualifications for the role.
Sample answer:
“I have a degree in accounting and have worked for two years in an accounts receivable role where I was responsible for invoicing, collections, and reporting.”
3. In your own words, explain the accounts receivable process.
This question tests the candidate’s understanding of the core functions of the role.
Sample answer:
“Accounts receivable involves issuing invoices, tracking payments, and ensuring timely collection. It’s about maintaining accurate records and ensuring cash flow.”
4. What are the most important goals of AR?
This question aims to understand the candidate’s perspective on the objectives of accounts receivable.
Sample answer:
“The primary goals are to ensure accurate invoicing, timely collections, and proper record-keeping to maintain a healthy cash flow.”
5. What types of financial statements or reports do you routinely prepare?
This question assesses the candidate’s experience with financial documentation.
Sample answer:
“I regularly prepare aging reports, collection reports, and monthly reconciliation statements.”
6. What are the steps you would take to close the AR period?
This question tests the candidate’s understanding of accounting cycles and closing processes.
Sample answer:
“I would reconcile all accounts, ensure all payments are posted, and prepare financial statements for the period.”
7. Describe your familiarity with accounting software. Which ones have you used?
This question gauges the candidate’s technical skills.
Sample answer:
“I am proficient in QuickBooks and SAP, which I’ve used for invoicing, tracking, and reporting.”
8. Describe a time you found a billing discrepancy. How did you resolve it?
This question assesses problem-solving skills.
Sample answer:
“I once found an overcharge on a client’s account. I immediately corrected the invoice and informed the client, maintaining transparency.”
9. In as much detail as possible, describe the journal entry process from the time of generating an invoice to receiving payment.
This question tests the candidate’s understanding of accounting procedures.
Sample answer:
“Upon generating an invoice, I record it as an account receivable. When payment is received, I debit the cash account and credit the accounts receivable account.”
10. What is your role, if any, in the collections process?
This question aims to understand the candidate’s experience with collections.
Sample answer:
“I am responsible for sending reminders, making collection calls, and negotiating payment plans for overdue accounts.”
What does a good accounts receivable clerk candidate look like?
A strong candidate will have a solid understanding of accounting principles, be detail-oriented, and possess excellent communication skills. They should also be proficient in accounting software and have a track record of accurate record-keeping.
Accounts Receivable Clerk Interview Questions
Accounts Receivable Clerks are found in all types of industries. Some positions may even be entry-level positions requiring no more than a high school degree and some customer service experience. These accounts receivable process interview questions are intended to help you find a more experienced AR clerk, a skilled candidate who likely has a BS degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration and proficiency with spreadsheets and accounting software.
Open-ended and situational questions in an accounts receivable interview will encourage your candidates to speak at length about their relevant AR experience. Listen closely to their interview answers to learn how they explain accounts receivable processes and terminology. How deeply do they understand the function of the role? How would you rate their problem-solving skills? What motivates them to do this job accurately and efficiently? Answers to these questions will help you find the right clerk for your team. These interview questions can solicit answers that will make this decision clear.
Related: How to attract and hire entry-level employees
Keep in mind that in some circumstances, industry experience in accounts receivable and payable may be more valuable than general accounting experience. If knowledge of your industry makes a candidate a substantially better fit, add some customized industry-specific questions.
Let’s summarize some of the questions and add a few more divided into specific types.
Operational and Situational questions
- What interests you about working in accounts receivable at a company like ours?
- What training or experience has prepared you for the role of accounts receivable clerk?
- In your own words, explain the accounts receivable process.
- What are the most important goals of AR?
- What types of financial statements or reports do you routinely prepare?
- What are the steps you would take to close the AR period?
- Describe your familiarity with accounting software. Which ones have you used?
- Describe a time you found a billing discrepancy. How did you resolve it?
- In as much detail as possible, describe the journal entry process from the time of generating an invoice to receiving payment.
- What is your role, if any, in the collections process?
- What’s the difference between back end collections and front end collections?
- What types of information do you include in a bill for services rendered?
- Recall a challenging problem you encountered as an accounts receivable clerk. How did you resolve it?
Use our accounts receivable clerk job description on your careers page and job boards to attract the most qualified candidates.