What experience do you have as an accounts payable clerk?
Accounts Payable Clerk Interview Questions
Sample answer to the question
I have worked as an accounts payable clerk for 3 years in a medium-sized manufacturing company. In this role, I was responsible for reviewing and verifying invoices, coding and matching invoices for payment, and entering them into the accounting system. I also prepared check runs, tracked expenses, and processed electronic transfers and payments. Additionally, I reconciled accounts payable transactions, monitored accounts to ensure timely payments, and resolved any discrepancies or issues with invoices. I maintained vendor files, corresponded with vendors, and provided supporting documentation for audits. Overall, I have a solid understanding of basic bookkeeping and accounting principles and am proficient in using accounting software and MS Office.
A more solid answer
In my previous role as an accounts payable clerk at a medium-sized manufacturing company, I gained extensive experience and knowledge in handling accounts payable tasks. I reviewed and verified invoices, ensuring their accuracy and compliance with company policies. I coded and matched invoices for payment and accurately entered them into the accounting system. With my strong data entry skills and attention to detail, I maintained a high level of accuracy in calculating, posting, and managing accounting figures and financial records. I also tracked expenses, processed expense reports, and prepared check runs with a high level of efficiency. My hands-on experience with spreadsheets and proprietary software, including MS Excel, enabled me to effectively monitor accounts payable transactions and reconcile discrepancies. I am highly proficient in English and MS Office, utilizing these skills to provide clear and timely communication with vendors and resolve any inquiries or issues. Overall, my experience has equipped me with the necessary skills and abilities to excel as an accounts payable clerk.
Why this is a more solid answer:
The solid answer not only provides a detailed account of the candidate's experience and responsibilities but also highlights specific skills and qualifications required for the role. The answer showcases the candidate's ability to handle accounts payable tasks with accuracy and efficiency, backed by examples of their data entry skills, experience with spreadsheets, and proficiency in English and MS Office. However, it would benefit from further elaboration on customer service orientation and negotiation skills, as well as providing examples of how the candidate has utilized these skills in their previous role.
An exceptional answer
During my 3 years as an accounts payable clerk at a medium-sized manufacturing company, I consistently demonstrated exceptional time management skills, effectively prioritizing and handling a high volume of invoices and payment requests on a daily basis. Through careful organization and attention to detail, I ensured that all invoices were thoroughly reviewed and verified before processing, minimizing the risk of errors or fraudulent activities. To streamline the payment process, I implemented a coding system that facilitated quick and accurate matching of invoices, reducing the time spent on manual data entry. My proficiency in accounting software and spreadsheets allowed me to efficiently post transactions to journals, ledgers, and other records, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records. Additionally, I actively maintained positive relationships with vendors by promptly responding to inquiries and resolving any invoice discrepancies or issues with professionalism and a customer service-oriented approach. I consistently met all payment deadlines and maintained a high level of accuracy in financial record-keeping. With my strong work ethic and dedication to maintaining confidentiality, I am confident in my ability to contribute to and excel in the role of an accounts payable clerk.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
The exceptional answer goes above and beyond in providing specific details and examples to showcase the candidate's exceptional skills and abilities as an accounts payable clerk. The answer highlights the candidate's outstanding time management and organizational skills, as well as their ability to implement effective coding systems and streamline processes. The answer also emphasizes the candidate's commitment to maintaining positive relationships with vendors through prompt communication and resolution of issues. Furthermore, it mentions the candidate's strong work ethic and dedication to maintaining confidentiality, aligning with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Overall, the exceptional answer demonstrates the candidate's exceptional capabilities and potential to excel in the role.
How to prepare for this question
- Review basic bookkeeping and accounting principles to ensure a solid understanding of the fundamentals.
- Familiarize yourself with popular accounting software and practice data entry skills to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
- Brush up on your MS Office skills, particularly Excel, as proficiency in spreadsheets is highly valued.
- Highlight any previous experience in customer service and negotiation to demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships with vendors.
- Prepare examples of how you have prioritized tasks and managed a high volume of invoices and payment requests in a timely manner.
- Practice articulating your attention to detail and commitment to maintaining confidentiality in financial matters.
What interviewers are evaluating
- Experience as an accounts payable clerk
- Understanding of basic bookkeeping and accounting payable principles
- Ability to calculate, post and manage accounting figures and financial records
- Data entry skills
- Hands-on experience with spreadsheets and proprietary software
- Proficiency in English and MS Office
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Customer service orientation and negotiation skills
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