Accounting Clerk

Accounting Clerk (AP)

The Accounting Clerk supports the full accounts payable cycle by accurately processing high-volume invoices, maintaining up-to-date vendor records, and ensuring timely payments in line with agreed terms and cash flow priorities. This role contributes directly to a smooth month-end close, accurate financial reporting, and strong vendor and internal partner relationships. The ideal candidate combines strong attention to detail with solid accounting knowledge and proficiency in accounting systems and office software.

Responsibilities

• Maintain payments within agreed periods by vendor, prioritizing early payment discounts when cash flow allows.
• Assist with the monthly close of accounts payable to meet the deadline by the fourth day of the month-end closing cycle.
• Perform various accounting and clerical tasks related to the maintenance and processing of accounts payable transactions.
• Monitor and manage all details and records of payments due to vendors and creditors to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Review invoices, check requests, expense reports, and statements for accuracy, proper coding, and compliance with company policies.
• Sort, match, and verify invoices and payments, including three-way match of purchase orders, receipts, and invoices.
• Maintain vendor accounts in a current and accurate status, including timely updates and corrections as needed.
• Perform accurate, high-volume data entry to review, code, and process vendor, employee, and company expenditure invoices and vouchers for timely payment.
• Maintain vendor master data and files, including setup, updates, credit applications, and archiving or data storage activities.
• Reconcile vendor statements to the accounts payable ledger and prepare account analyses as needed to resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare and execute vendor payments, including check runs and payment batches, as well as wire payments and bank transfers.
• Monitor outstanding and uncashed checks, follow up as needed, and ensure timely resolution of payment issues.
• Serve as a customer-service-oriented point of contact for vendors, addressing questions, resolving issues, and managing outstanding balances.
• Negotiate extended payment terms with vendors when cash is restricted, in alignment with company guidelines.
• Prepare accounts payable reports and support monthly accounts payable and general ledger close activities.
• Assist with intercompany billing processes as needed to support accurate internal accounting.
• Support compliance-related processing, including annual 1099 reporting and, as needed, sales and use tax filings and payments.
• Process employee reimbursable expense payments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Build and maintain positive, productive relationships with internal partners and vendors to support smooth operations.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies within accounts payable and related workflows.
• Maintain proficiency with accounting software and technology tools used in the department and apply them effectively in daily work.
• Support cross-training and backup coverage within the team, including the ability to cross-train into Accounts Receivable functions.
• Assist with special projects as assigned, contributing accounting and analytical support as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required to support the overall accounting function.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience performing high-volume data entry with strong accuracy and attention to detail.
• Hands-on experience with three-way match processes involving purchase orders, receipts, and invoices.
• Demonstrated ability to perform invoice coding, invoice processing, and voucher entry in an accounts payable environment.
• Experience with check runs, payment posting, and executing vendor payments via checks, wires, and bank transfers.
• Working knowledge of accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, including reconciliation and payment workflows.
• Proficiency in bookkeeping and basic accounting principles related to payables, receivables, and general ledger interactions.
• Experience with purchase order processing and related administrative support activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook and Excel (such as using VLOOKUP functions).
• Ability to perform bank reconciliations and vendor statement reconciliations accurately and on schedule.
• Strong organizational and clerical skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to maintain accurate vendor master data and financial records while following established procedures.
• Effective communication skills to provide customer-service-oriented support to vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to support month-end close processes and meet strict deadlines for accounts payable closing activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using QuickBooks or similar accounting software for invoice processing and payment posting.
• Prior exposure to both accounts payable and accounts receivable functions within an accounting department.
• Experience supporting compliance activities such as 1099 reporting and sales and use tax filings.
• Familiarity with intercompany billing processes and related reconciliation activities.
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements in accounting or administrative workflows.
• Ability to cross-train into Accounts Receivable and provide backup coverage across accounting functions.
• Strong administrative and general office skills, including document management and data archiving.
• Comfort working in a structured, process-driven environment with defined deadlines and performance expectations.

Work Environment

This position follows a Monday through Friday schedule, working from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing a stable daytime work routine. The role is office-based and involves frequent use of accounting software, QuickBooks or similar systems, and Microsoft Office tools such as Outlook and Excel. The work environment emphasizes accuracy, timeliness, and collaboration with both internal teams and external vendors. The dress code is business attire, typically slacks and a nice shirt, reflecting a professional yet approachable office setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fresno, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)