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Accounts Receivable Resume Template

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An accounts receivable role is integral to a company's financial health. You're the gatekeeper of incoming funds, and your management skills directly impact the company's cash flow. While the industry is becoming increasingly digital, speed and accuracy remain paramount, so resume-wise, you need to portray a blend of technical skill and precision thinking. The market for accounts receivable roles is competitive. Today, companies typically look for candidates with a mix of traditional accounting skills, familiarity with modern financial software, and data-analysis abilities. When drafting your resume, keep these requirements and trends in mind and frame your skills and experience accordingly.

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Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2022

Tips to help you write your accounts receivable resume in 2024,    emphasize your data proficiency.

Since the domain is increasingly data-driven, make sure to mention your familiarity with financial software like Quickbooks or Excel. Include any tangible achievements using these tools, like improving collection time or identifying revenue patterns.

   Detail your collection strategies

In accounts receivable roles, your ability to collect payment is a crucial skill. You should showcase your strategies for timely collection, such as maintaining positive customer relationships or negotiating payment plans, and their success rates on your resume.

In the world of finance and accounting, Accounts Receivable (AR) is the key role that ensures the company's incoming cash flow. As an AR specialist, you're the one holding the strings to the company's collections, effectively making you an integral part of the firm's financial strength. Recently, there has been a strong desire for individuals who can utilize cutting-edge accounting software and have a keen eye for detail. When you're preparing your resume, remember, hiring managers are looking for someone who can seamlessly handle financial data, build strong relationships with clients, and contribute to the company's healthy cash flow.

   Show proficiency in accounting software

As an Accounts Receivable specialist, you need to display your proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks or SAP. This demonstrates that you can effortlessly navigate through different platforms, thus ensuring efficiency and accuracy in your work.

   Emphasize your strong attention to detail

An Accounts Receivable role means dealing with a plethora of numbers daily. You should emphasize your strong attention to detail on your resume. Indicate past situations where your keen observation prevented financial mishaps or led to process improvements.

Accounts Payable Specialist Resume Sample

We spoke with hiring managers who recruit for Accounts Receivable roles at companies like Deloitte, PwC, and EY. They shared insider tips on what they look for in resumes that stand out. Here are some key tips to improve your Accounts Receivable resume and increase your chances of landing an interview.

   Highlight your experience with accounting software

Hiring managers want to see that you have hands-on experience with the accounting software and tools commonly used in Accounts Receivable. Highlight your proficiency in your resume, such as:

• Proficient in QuickBooks, Xero, and SAP accounting software
• Skilled in using Oracle NetSuite ERP system for A/R processes
• Experience with Sage Intacct and Microsoft Dynamics GP

Quantify your experience where possible to give context to your skills. For example:

• Managed A/R processes using QuickBooks for 50+ corporate clients
• Processed 200+ customer invoices per month using Oracle NetSuite

   Demonstrate your impact on key A/R metrics

Effective Accounts Receivable directly impacts a company's cash flow and revenue. Hiring managers look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to drive key A/R metrics. Compare the following examples:

• Responsible for collecting on overdue invoices
• Collaborated with sales team to ensure timely payment

Instead, quantify your impact with specific numbers and results:

• Reduced average days sales outstanding (DSO) from 45 days to 30 days
• Improved collection rate from 80% to 95%, adding $500K to cash flow
• Recovered $250K in overdue receivables within 6 months

   Show your experience in credit and collections

A/R roles often involve credit assessment and collections on past due accounts. Highlight your experience in these areas, especially if you've helped improve processes or results. For example:

• Analyzed credit reports and financials to set credit limits up to $1M
• Implemented new collection process, reducing past-due A/R by 30%
• Negotiated payment plans with delinquent accounts, collecting 90% of balances

If you have experience making collection calls, mention the volume of calls and your success rate. Hiring managers value candidates who can maintain positive client relationships while ensuring debts are paid.

   Include your month-end close experience

The monthly close process is critical for A/R roles. Hiring managers look for accountants who can accurately close the books on time. Emphasize your experience with month-end tasks:

• Reconciled A/R aging to GL balance sheet, investigating discrepancies
• Prepared journal entries to apply cash receipts and clear A/R
• Accrued for earned revenue to recognize in current accounting period

Quantify the scope and impact of your work. For example:

Closed A/R sub-ledger for $10M+ in monthly revenue, reconciling to within 0.5% of GL balance

   Showcase your problem-solving skills with examples

A/R roles involve problem-solving, such as resolving invoice disputes, discrepancies, and accounting errors. Show hiring managers how you've investigated and fixed A/R issues. Weak examples include:

• Resolved invoice disputes with customers
• Fixed billing errors to ensure accurate records

Instead, provide specific examples of problems you solved and the impact:

• Investigated $50K discrepancy in A/R aging, traced to unapplied credits, and corrected issue before month-end close
• Identified recurring billing error that understated revenue by $10K/month and implemented fix, resulting in $120K additional annual revenue

   Mention your collaboration with other teams

A/R accountants work cross-functionally with sales, customer service, and collections teams. Hiring managers value candidates who can collaborate effectively. Include examples like:

• Partnered with sales to improve invoicing process, reducing billing errors by 20%
• Worked with customer service to resolve invoice disputes, maintaining 95% customer satisfaction score
• Collaborated with collections agency to recover $100K in overdue receivables

Mentioning your teamwork skills shows you can work well with other departments to achieve A/R goals. Quantify the results of your collaboration where possible.

Writing Your Accounts Receivable Resume: Section By Section

  summary.

A resume summary for an Accounts Receivable position is optional, but it can be a valuable addition if you want to provide context or highlight details not already covered in your resume. It's especially useful if you're changing careers and your past experience doesn't directly align with Accounts Receivable, or if you're an executive with extensive experience. However, never use an objective statement, as it's outdated and ineffective.

When writing your summary, avoid repeating information already included in other sections of your resume. Instead, focus on mentioning your target job title and relevant keywords to optimize for applicant tracking systems (ATS). Keep your summary concise, ideally no more than one paragraph. Avoid directly mentioning soft skills or using corporate buzzwords like "proven track record." Bullet points are also not recommended in this section.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Accounts Receivable resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Accounts Receivable Resume Summary Examples , or Accounts Receivable Resume Objective Examples .

1. Highlight accounts receivable expertise

When crafting your summary for an Accounts Receivable role, it's crucial to showcase your expertise in this specific field. Instead of using generic statements, provide concrete examples of your Accounts Receivable skills and accomplishments.

• Experienced professional with a strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Skilled in various aspects of accounting and financial management.

To make your summary more impactful, focus on Accounts Receivable-specific competencies and quantifiable achievements:

• 5+ years of experience in Accounts Receivable, consistently maintaining a 98% collection rate and reducing DSO by 10 days.
• Proficient in managing high-volume invoicing, credit analysis, and dispute resolution for a $10M+ portfolio.

2. Demonstrate your impact on the company

An effective Accounts Receivable resume summary should not only list your responsibilities but also highlight the impact you've made in your previous roles. Employers want to see how you can contribute to their organization's success.

Accounts Receivable professional experienced in invoicing, collections, and customer service. Skilled in using accounting software and maintaining accurate records. Seeking a challenging role in a growth-oriented company.

Instead, quantify your achievements and demonstrate your value:

Results-driven Accounts Receivable Specialist with a proven track record of reducing aged receivables by 30% and improving cash flow by $500K annually. Implemented process improvements that increased efficiency and customer satisfaction. Seeking to leverage expertise in collections and credit management to drive financial success for [Company Name].

  Experience

The work experience section is the heart of your accounts receivable resume. It's where you show hiring managers how you've applied your skills and knowledge to real-world situations. To make this section stand out, focus on highlighting your achievements and the impact you've made in previous roles.

Here are some key tips to keep in mind as you write your work experience section:

1. Use strong accounts receivable action verbs

When describing your work experience, use powerful action verbs that are relevant to accounts receivable roles. This helps paint a vivid picture of your contributions and makes your resume more impactful. For example:

• Collected on overdue accounts, reducing outstanding balances by 25%
• Reconciled discrepancies between invoices and payments, ensuring 100% accuracy
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline billing processes, saving 10 hours per week

Avoid using weak or passive language like:

• Responsible for collecting payments
• Helped with invoicing
• Participated in process improvements

2. Quantify your achievements with metrics

Numbers are a powerful way to demonstrate your impact and value to potential employers. Whenever possible, include specific metrics and data points that show the results you achieved. For example:

• Reduced DSO (Days Sales Outstanding) from 45 days to 30 days within first 6 months
• Improved collection rates by 20% year-over-year
• Processed an average of 100 invoices per day while maintaining 99.9% accuracy

If you don't have access to exact numbers, you can still provide a sense of scale:

• Managed accounts receivable for a portfolio of 50+ clients
• Consistently exceeded monthly collection targets

3. Showcase your career progression

Hiring managers love to see candidates who have grown and advanced in their careers. If you've been promoted or taken on increasing levels of responsibility, make sure to highlight that in your work experience section. Here's an example of how you might show progression:

Accounts Receivable Specialist, XYZ Company January 2018 - June 2020 Promoted to Accounts Receivable Team Lead, June 2020 - Present Manage a team of 5 AR specialists Oversee AR processes for the entire organization Reduced average days delinquent by 10 days through implementing new collection strategies

Even if your job title didn't change, you can still show growth by highlighting how your role or responsibilities expanded over time.

4. Tailor your experience to the job description

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is using the same generic work experience for every application. To stand out, you need to customize your resume for each position. Look closely at the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, focus on highlighting the experiences and accomplishments that are most relevant.

For example, if a job description emphasizes experience with a specific accounts receivable software, make sure to call that out:

• Proficient in SAP Accounts Receivable module, including invoice processing, cash application, and reporting

If it mentions a focus on collections, prioritize achievements in that area:

• Spearheaded initiative to revamp collections process, resulting in a 15% reduction in bad debt write-offs

  Education

The education section of your accounts receivable resume should be concise and highlight your relevant qualifications. It's important to tailor this section to the job requirements and showcase your academic achievements that align with the position.

1. List your highest degree first

Start with your most recent or highest level of education. For accounts receivable positions, a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is often preferred.

Here's an example of how to list your education:

Bachelor of Science in Accounting University of XYZ, City, State Graduation Date: May 2020 GPA: 3.8/4.0

2. Include relevant coursework for entry-level positions

If you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience, you can include relevant coursework to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in accounts receivable.

For example:

• Advanced Accounting
• Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Auditing and Assurance Services

However, avoid listing irrelevant or basic courses that do not add value to your application, such as:

• Introduction to Psychology
• English Composition

3. Highlight your accounting certifications

If you have obtained any professional certifications in accounting or finance, include them in your education section to showcase your expertise and commitment to the field.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Completion Date: December 2021

Avoid listing certifications that are not relevant to accounts receivable or are outdated, such as:

• First Aid and CPR Certification
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) - Word 2010

4. Keep it concise for senior-level positions

If you are a senior-level accounts receivable professional with extensive work experience, you can keep your education section brief and focus on your most recent and relevant degree.

Here's an example:

Master of Business Administration (MBA) University of ABC, City, State

Avoid listing outdated or irrelevant information, such as:

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature XYZ College, City, State Graduation Date: May 1995 GPA: 3.2/4.0 Relevant Coursework: Creative Writing, British Literature, American Literature

  Skills

The skills section of your accounts receivable resume is where you highlight your most relevant abilities and expertise. It's a quick way for hiring managers to see if you have the right qualifications for the role. Here are some tips for crafting a compelling skills section:

1. Focus on accounts receivable-specific skills

When listing your skills, prioritize those that are most relevant to accounts receivable roles. These may include:

• Accounts receivable software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks)
• Invoicing and billing
• Payment processing
• Collections and dispute resolution
• Financial reporting

By showcasing your expertise in these areas, you demonstrate to employers that you have the specific knowledge and abilities needed to succeed in the role.

2. Avoid listing generic or irrelevant skills

Many job seekers make the mistake of including generic or outdated skills in their resume, such as:

Microsoft Office Communication Teamwork Problem-solving

Instead, focus on skills that are specific to accounts receivable and demonstrate your expertise in the field, like this:

Accounts receivable automation tools (e.g., Highradius, Yaypay) Credit analysis and risk assessment Cash application and reconciliation Deduction management

3. Categorize your skills for easy scanning

To make your skills section easy to read and navigate, consider grouping your skills into categories. For example:

• Accounts Receivable : Invoicing, Collections, Deduction Management, Credit Analysis
• Accounting Software : SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics
• Financial Analysis : Variance Analysis, Forecasting, Budgeting, Financial Reporting

This format helps hiring managers quickly identify your key areas of expertise and see how they align with the role's requirements.

4. Beat the bots with ATS-friendly formatting

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to automatically screen resumes for relevant skills and keywords. To ensure your resume makes it past these filters:

• Use simple, standard fonts like Arial or Calibri
• Avoid tables, columns, or graphics in your skills section
• Spell out acronyms in addition to including the shortened version (e.g., 'Accounts Receivable (AR)')

By following these formatting best practices, you increase the likelihood that your resume will be successfully parsed by the ATS and make it into the hands of a human recruiter.

Skills For Accounts Receivable Resumes

Here are examples of popular skills from Accounts Receivable job descriptions that you can include on your resume.

Skills Word Cloud For Accounts Receivable Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Accounts Receivable job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.

How to use these skills?

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Resume Guide: Detailed Insights From Recruiters

• Accounts Payable Resume Guide & Examples for 2022

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Accounts Receivable Resumes

• Template #1: Accounts Receivable
• Template #2: Accounts Receivable
• Template #3: Accounts Payable Specialist
• Skills for Accounts Receivable Resumes
• Free Accounts Receivable Resume Review
• Other Finance Resumes
• Accounts Receivable Interview Guide
• Accounts Receivable Sample Cover Letters
• Alternative Careers to a Accounts Receivable
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7 Accounts Receivable Resume Examples & Writing Guide

Want to land an accounts receivable job? This role manages customer billing and collections. We've compiled 7 real accounts receivable resume samples and a comprehensive writing guide. You'll learn what skills to feature and how to describe your experience. Use these expert tips to build a resume that gets interviews. Includes examples for all experience levels.

A well-written resume is essential for landing a great accounts receivable position. In the busy finance field, hiring managers often review resumes quickly. Your resume needs to grab their attention and show that you're the right person for the job.

But what exactly should you include in your accounts receivable resume? How can you highlight your skills and experience to stand out from other applicants?

This guide provides 7 accounts receivable resume examples along with expert tips for crafting each section of your resume. Whether you're an experienced AR professional or just starting your career, you'll learn how to create a resume that gets results.

By following the strategies in this article, you can build a compelling resume that helps you get hired faster. Let's dive into the examples and techniques that will take your accounts receivable resume to the next level.

Common Responsibilities Listed on Accounts Receivable Resumes

• Maintaining accurate records of customer accounts and transactions
• Issuing invoices and statements to customers
• Processing customer payments and applying them to the appropriate accounts
• Reconciling accounts and resolving discrepancies
• Following up on overdue accounts and delinquent payments
• Preparing aging reports and monitoring accounts receivable balances
• Coordinating with sales and customer service teams to resolve billing disputes
• Ensuring compliance with accounting standards and company policies
• Assisting with month-end and year-end closing procedures related to accounts receivable

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How to write a Resume Summary

Creating an optimal and captivating summary or objective section for an Accounts Receivable position requires focusing on your unique skills, experiences, accomplishments, and the values you bring. This summary is the initial impression recruiters will have of you and your professional background, making it potentially determinative in the selection process.

The Purpose and Importance of a Summary

The summary or objective section provides an overview of your qualifications, highlighting what makes you an ideal fit for the role. It’s a concise presentation of your skills, achievements, and professional interests tailored exclusively towards the Accounts Receivable role you aim to fill. It’s much more than just a simple introduction. It displays your understanding of the industry, presents your familiarity with financial procedures, showcases your experience with collections, invoicing, or billing processes, and bridges the gap between what the employer needs and what you offer.

Essential Elements of an Account Receivable Summary

An effective summary for an Accounts Receivable role should encapsulate the following aspects:

Professional Experience - Summarize years of relevant experience you have in accounts, billing, or a related financial field. It can range from generic experience in Accounts Receivable to specific areas like credit control or cash handling skills.

Core Competencies : Every summary should include the key skills relevant to the job. For an Accounts Receivable role, this could include proficiency with accounting software, tracking payments, managing client relationships, or adherence to financial regulations.

Career Achievements : It can be very beneficial to highlight any accomplishments that indicate effective job execution, such as notable decreases in outstanding balances, improvement in timely payments due to your efforts, or successful management of significant Accounts Receivable portfolios.

Keywords : These terms typically originate from the job description. Integrating these phrases – for instance, "receivables management", "financial reporting", "invoice processing" – can show that your expertise aligns directly with what the employer is seeking.

How to Provide Value

Avoid being overly self-focused in your summary. Instead, aim to demonstrate how your skills and experience can add value to the potential employer. Explicitly align your abilities with what the company needs, focusing on your track record of reducing overdue payments, improving cash flow, fostering client relationships, or optimizing financial procedures.

Keeping It Precise and Authentic

Summaries are typically a few sentences long, so they require careful construction to display what you offer in a crisp, coherent manner. Being authentic is just as important as being concise. Maintaining professional tone while highlighting your individual strengths and accomplishments can lend your summary a characteristic voice that sets it apart.

Revise and Refine

Ensure your summary meets the highest standards by going through several iterations and polishing it. It might take several drafts to create a summary that balances brevity, completeness, and appeal. Each revision should help to make certain that every word contributes to the portrayal of you as an accomplished professional in Accounts Receivable.

Understanding all these facets and meticulously constructing your summary will maximize the positive impression generated by your resume. An effective summary is a golden opportunity to get noticed and to communicate who you are beyond just the bare job qualifications. It can turn into an influential tool that ensures your resume doesn’t just get scanned, but gets seriously considered.

Strong Summaries

• Detail-oriented Accounts Receivable Specialist with over 5 years of experience managing all aspects of client invoicing, processing, and payments. Known for accurately maintaining detailed records, generating reports, and carrying out collection duties.
• Ambitious financial professional with 7 years of experience in accounts receivable and a proven record of successful account management. Excellent ability to maintain customer relationships and deliver effective solutions for accounting issues.
• Experienced Accounts Receivable Lead with an extensive background in transaction processing and cash application. Exceptional team working and leadership skills, with a flair for reducing late payments and managing invoicing efficiently.
• Proactive Accounts Receivable Clerk bringing forth 3 years of management of receivable operations for major organizations. Talented in negotiation, problem solving and customer service, and known for reducing company's delinquent receivable accounts.

Why these are strong ?

The above examples are good practices because they clearly emphasize the candidates' experience, skills, and achievements related to accounts receivable. These career summaries provide potential employers with valuable information about the candidates' proficiency in managing all aspects of invoicing, processing, and payments. They also emphasize the candidates' ability to maintain customer relationships, handle account management, and keep detailed financial records, all key qualities in the accounts receivable role. Such summaries also showcase the candidates' leadership skills and their effectiveness in reducing late payments, which directly contributes to the company's financial stability. Explicitly mentioning the number of years of experience and the professional area (Accounts Receivable Specialist, financial professional, Accounts Receivable Lead, Accounts Receivable Clerk) brings credibility and clarity to the professional summaries.

Weak Summaries

• Experienced Accounts Receivable professional with much accounting knowledge. Dedicated team player who can be relied upon to help your company achieve its goals.
• Desire Accounts Receivable position for aiding company's financial health. Have a great deal of experience tracking and resolving outstanding payment issues.
• Searching for an Accounts Receivable role. Experienced with reducing the amount of outstanding debtors aged over 30 days.
• Highly detail oriented. Looking to bring my passion for great customer service, superb numeracy skills, and sharp attention to details to a dynamic accounting position.

Why these are weak ?

The examples given are bad practices for several reasons. In the first case, the summary is overly vague, which will not be helpful for prospective employers looking for specific qualifications or experiences that make the candidate suitable for the position. In the second example, the start of the sentence is too passive and fails to engage with the reader immediately. In the third example, the statement only states what the individual is searching for and does not specify what they can bring to the position or company. Lastly, the fourth example simply lists traits without providing context or specific instances where these skills have been applied, making it difficult for employers to assess the validity or level of these skills. Effective Professional Summary sections should be concise, specific, tailored to the role, and showcase what the candidate can bring to the position and company.

Showcase your Work Experience

In the quest to present an optimized representation of career journey, the "Work Experience" section of a resume often becomes the centerstage, swinging the impressions that potential employers will form about you. This segment is more than just a pithy summary of your past. For an Accounts Receivable profession, it is a unique opportunity to showcase your skills, demonstrate your industry know-how and manifest your unwavering dedication to fine-tuned financial efficiency.

Understand the Purpose and Importance

The Work Experience section is undeniably important. It validates your professional journey, highlights your expertise, and reinforces your suitability for a role. The essence of this part is to transmit your career narrative in a manner that's brief, meaningful and relatable to the prospective role.

For Accounts Receivable, this is an opportunity to exhibit your abilities to manage finances, handle data with precision, navigate through complex financial software, and maintain excellent relationships with clients. Remember, this part is designed not to sell but to inform, explain and resonate.

Incorporate the Right Information

Moreover, what you include matters. Each entry within this section should touch upon the company name and location, your title, the timeline of your tenure and a concise list of responsibilities and achievements. Be careful of empty buzzwords; instead opt to use descriptions that explain, in palpable terms, what you've accomplished in each role.

In any account-related role, accuracy is king. Include any specific figures or percentages to back up your achievements - be it the money flowed back into a company due to effective accounts receivable management, or a reduction in invoicing errors during your tenure.

Quantify your achievements and impact using concrete numbers, metrics, and percentages to demonstrate the value you brought to your previous roles.

Tailor it for Every Application

Additionally, adopting a one-size-fits-all approach tends not to work when it comes to the job-seeking journey. Aspirations might be the same, but no two job descriptions are exactly alike. Consequently, tailoring the work experience section to correspond with the requirements of each specific job description is key. Extract key phrases and responsibilities from the job posting that resonate with your experience, and ensure they're reflected in your resume.

For an Accounts Receivable role, understanding the focus of the company can help here. For instance, if the organization stresses on customer relationships, highlight your experience in handling client queries and maintaining customer satisfaction despite financial conflicts.

Strike a Balance Between Duties and Achievements

As you ponder upon your with past duties and triumphs, strike a balance. Whilst detailing your everyday tasks gives an idea of your potential duties, employers are equally interested in the achievements. This could be times when you've gone above and beyond, or perhaps major problems that you've solved. As an Accounts Receivable professional, think in terms of efficiency achieved, procedure improvements, error reduction, or quantifiable enhancements in receivables.

Maintain Simplicity and Cleanliness

Avoid turning your resume into a dense, intimidating block of text. Space out your information, use bullet points, and maintain a consistent, easy-to-read font. The hiring manager will likely spend only a few seconds for initial screening, and you want those to count.

With these considerations in mind, sculpting a detailed, meaningful Work Experience section becomes less daunting. Practice articulating your professional journey in a concise, clear and relevant manner, and you're halfway to landing that desired Accounts Receivable position. Remember, honesty and transparency are as integral to a resume as they are to the area of finance.

Strong Experiences

• Managed accounts receivable for up to 20 accounts entailing amounts totaling over $1 million
• Balanced AR accounts, resolving discrepancies by coordinating with clients and reducing irreconcilable accounts by 30%
• Implemented a new software system for tracking and collecting payments, cutting inefficiencies by 20%
• Negotiated payment plans and terms with delinquent account holders, reducing late payments by 40%
• Conducted monthly, quarterly, and yearly audits of AR accounts, maintaining 100% accuracy
• Created and presented detailed reports regarding the status of accounts receivables to senior management teams

These examples are considered good because they demonstrate various skills and abilities necessary for an Accounts Receivable job. They include numerical accomplishments which add credibility and demonstrate the extent of the candidate's experience. By showing the candidate's ability to implement change, manage significant accounts, and successfully negotiate, these points present a strong case for their ability to excel in an Accounts Receivable role.

Weak Experiences

• Worked here, did this
• Was good at my job
• Talked to customers
• Received money
• Updated customer records sometimes
• Answered phone calls
• Kept track of something called Accounts Receivable

These example bullet points are vague, impersonal, and provide no tangible evidence of skills or achievements. Good bullet points should be specific, measured, and clearly convey the value you brought to the role. Phrases like 'work here, did this' can be applied to any job and don't provide any indications of your expertise in Accounts Receivable. 'Was good at my job' and 'talked to customers' are similarly too broad and don't specify the specific tasks managed or the outcome. 'Received money', 'updated customer records sometimes', 'answered phone calls', and 'kept track of something called Accounts Receivable' demonstrates an unprofessional attitude, not taking the tasks seriously, suggesting a lack of knowledge about common tasks within Accounts Receivable. It's important to demonstrate a clear understanding of your role and the important details within it.

Skills, Keywords & ATS Tips

Before we dive into the juicy core of this matter, it's important to note that creating an effective Accounts Receivable resume is like brewing a unique concoction. Yes, the skills section of your resume is one of the crucial ingredients.

Let's start with hard and soft skills. Hard skills refer to your technical knowledge and abilities, directly relating to your job role. These could be software proficiency, bookkeeping, or financial reporting. Truth be told, these skills are the backbone of your Accounts Receivable role. An employer would look for these to ensure you can handle tasks effectively.

Soft skills , on the other hand, are all about your attributes and personal traits. They revolve around how you work and interact with others. For an Accounts Receivable role, soft skills could include problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail. Remember, employers often use these skills to gauge whether you're a good fit for their team and can handle workplace challenges.

Now, let's discuss the connection between keywords, ATS, and matching skills. Keywords are specific words or phrases that define what the job is about. They showcase your important skills and experiences that align with the job role. When crafting your resume, use keywords from the job description in your skills section. This will mirror your skills with what the employer is looking for.

And where does ATS (Applicant Tracking System) fit into all this? ATS is used by companies to sort and filter resumes. It screens your resume for keywords that match the job description. This is why having those keywords is crucial. In fact, if you want your resume to pass through this robot gatekeeper and reach the hiring manager, matching your skills with the right keywords becomes essential.

So, every piece of the puzzle is important. The hard and soft skills prove your capabilities. The right keywords make sure your resume speaks the language of the employer. And the ATS... well, that's the bridge your resume needs to cross to reach the hiring manager. Each complements the other, ensuring your resume stands out and you move one step closer to landing your desired Accounts Receivable role.

Top Hard & Soft Skills for Full Stack Developers

Hard skills.

• Financial Analysis
• Credit Management
• Microsoft Excel
• Accounts Receivable Management
• Cash Application
• Reconciliation
• Collections
• Financial Reporting
• Risk Assessment
• Account Reconciliation

Soft Skills

• Attention to Detail
• Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management
• Organization
• Analytical Thinking
• Adaptability
• Stress Management
• Customer Service
• Critical Thinking
• Interpersonal Skills
• Negotiation
• Conflict Resolution
• Decision Making

Top Action Verbs

Use action verbs to highlight achievements and responsibilities on your resume.

• Communicated
• Collaborated
• Followed up
• Investigated
• Implemented
• Prioritized
• Coordinated
• Followed through
• Processed payments
• Managed credit limits
• Handled disputes
• Reduced outstanding balances
• Issued credit memos
• Applied cash receipts
• Followed collection procedures

Education & Certifications

To add education or certificates to your resume, find a section towards the top, usually following your career summary, titled "Education" or "Certifications". Underneath, list your degrees or certifications along with the institution and graduation date. For an Accounts Receivable role, relevant qualifications could include a degree in accounting or finance, or certifications from recognized financial institutions. Remember, always match the qualifications with the job description to ensure their relevance. Ensure the format is consistent for a professional appearance.

Some of the most important certifications for Accounts Receivables

This certification covers credit and risk analysis, financial statement analysis, and accounts receivable management.

This certification is for experienced credit professionals and covers advanced credit management topics.

Resume FAQs for Accounts Receivables

What is the ideal format for an accounts receivable resume.

The ideal format for an Accounts Receivable resume is a reverse-chronological format, which lists your most recent experience first. This format highlights your relevant skills and accomplishments in a clear and organized manner.

How long should an Accounts Receivable resume be?

An Accounts Receivable resume should typically be one page in length for candidates with less than 10 years of experience, and no more than two pages for those with more extensive experience. The key is to be concise and highlight only the most relevant information.

What are the most important sections to include in an Accounts Receivable resume?

The most important sections to include in an Accounts Receivable resume are: a summary or objective statement, professional experience, relevant skills, and any necessary certifications or licenses.

How should I highlight my Accounts Receivable skills on my resume?

To highlight your Accounts Receivable skills on your resume, use specific examples and quantifiable achievements. For instance, you could mention the percentage by which you reduced past-due accounts or the amount of revenue you recovered through effective collections.

Should I include technical skills on my Accounts Receivable resume?

Yes, it's important to include any relevant technical skills on your Accounts Receivable resume, such as proficiency with accounting software, spreadsheet applications, or billing systems. These skills demonstrate your ability to perform the job effectively.

How can I make my Accounts Receivable resume stand out?

To make your Accounts Receivable resume stand out, tailor it to the specific job you're applying for by using relevant keywords from the job description. Additionally, highlight any specialized training or certifications you have, and quantify your achievements whenever possible.

An Accounts Receivable professional plays a critical role in maintaining a company's cash flow by overseeing the collection of payments owed by customers. Key responsibilities include processing invoices, monitoring aging reports, resolving discrepancies, and diplomatically handling collections while providing exceptional customer service. When crafting a resume for this role, highlight your experience with accounts receivable procedures and software like QuickBooks. Demonstrate your analytical skills by quantifying achievements like reducing past-due balances or streamlining processes for efficiency. Emphasize your strong communication abilities for collections, as well as meticulous attention to detail for data entry and record-keeping. With a clear, organized format highlighting your relevant expertise, you can craft a compelling resume showcasing your fit for the role.

Highly motivated and detail-oriented Accounts Receivable professional with over 8 years of experience in managing financial transactions, optimizing cash flow, and enhancing customer relationships. Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing effective strategies to maximize revenue collection and minimize delinquent accounts. Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and improve overall financial performance.

• Managed a portfolio of high-value client accounts, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments.
• Implemented a new accounts receivable aging report, resulting in a 25% reduction in outstanding receivables within 6 months.
• Collaborated with the sales team to develop customized payment plans for clients, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Spearheaded the automation of the invoice generation process, saving the company over 200 hours annually.
• Trained and mentored a team of 5 junior accounts receivable specialists, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Analyzed and reconciled daily cash receipts, ensuring accurate posting to customer accounts.
• Developed and maintained a comprehensive database of client payment terms and conditions, improving billing accuracy.
• Collaborated with the collections team to develop and execute strategies for resolving delinquent accounts.
• Prepared monthly accounts receivable reports for management, providing valuable insights into financial performance.
• Assisted in the successful implementation of a new accounts receivable software, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
• Processed daily cash receipts and applied payments to customer accounts accurately and efficiently.
• Investigated and resolved customer inquiries and discrepancies in a timely manner, maintaining high customer satisfaction.
• Assisted in the month-end closing process, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of accounts receivable balances.
• Maintained organized and up-to-date customer files and documentation, ensuring compliance with company policies.
• Collaborated with the accounting team to identify and correct billing errors, improving overall financial accuracy.
• Cash Flow Optimization
• Customer Relationship Management
• Data Reconciliation
• Billing and Invoicing
• Month-End Closing
• Process Improvement
• Team Leadership
• Software Proficiency (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Office)

An Accounts Receivable Analyst manages customer accounts, processes invoices, and ensures timely collections. To craft an effective resume, highlight expertise in accounts receivable procedures, data analysis using accounting software, problem-solving skills, and strong communication abilities. Quantify achievements through metrics like accelerated payment cycles or resolved discrepancies.

Detail-oriented Accounts Receivable Analyst with over 5 years of experience in managing and optimizing the accounts receivable process. Adept at developing effective strategies to improve cash flow, reduce DSO, and enhance overall financial performance. Skilled in building strong relationships with clients and cross-functional teams to ensure timely payments and resolve complex billing issues.

• Implemented a new accounts receivable management system, resulting in a 25% reduction in DSO and a 15% increase in cash flow.
• Collaborated with sales and finance teams to develop and execute effective collection strategies, leading to a 95% on-time payment rate.
• Analyzed aging reports and conducted regular customer account reviews to identify and address potential payment issues proactively.
• Streamlined the invoice dispute resolution process, reducing the average resolution time by 40% and improving customer satisfaction.
• Trained and mentored a team of 5 junior analysts, fostering a high-performance and customer-centric culture.
• Managed a portfolio of 200+ client accounts, ensuring accurate and timely billing and collections.
• Developed and implemented a risk assessment model to identify high-risk accounts and mitigate potential bad debt write-offs.
• Collaborated with the sales team to establish and maintain positive client relationships, facilitating smooth communication and issue resolution.
• Conducted regular accounts receivable aging analysis and provided actionable insights to senior management.
• Participated in the implementation of a new ERP system, contributing to the design and testing of accounts receivable modules.
• Assisted in the management of accounts receivable for a diverse client portfolio, ensuring accurate invoicing and timely collections.
• Conducted daily cash reconciliations and prepared weekly accounts receivable reports for management review.
• Collaborated with the collections team to develop and execute targeted collection strategies for overdue accounts.
• Maintained accurate customer records in the ERP system, ensuring data integrity and compliance with internal policies.
• Participated in process improvement initiatives, contributing ideas to streamline accounts receivable workflows and enhance efficiency.
• DSO Reduction Strategies
• Aging Analysis
• Collections Strategies
• Invoice Dispute Resolution
• ERP Systems
• Data Analysis
• Accounting Principles
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Mentoring and Training
• Sage Intacct
• Google Suite

An Accounts Receivable Manager is a vital role that ensures the efficient management of customer invoices, collections, and cash flow. They oversee the entire credit and collections process, facilitating timely customer payments and minimizing bad debt. Key responsibilities include supervising accounts receivable staff, managing customer invoicing, negotiating payment terms, conducting debt recovery efforts, and generating detailed financial reports. When crafting a resume for this position, it's crucial to highlight your extensive experience in managing accounts receivable teams and processes. Showcase your expertise in data analysis, problem-solving, and effective communication with customers and cross-functional teams. Quantify your achievements, such as successfully reducing past-due receivables, improving cash flow, or implementing process improvements that enhanced operational efficiencies. Emphasize your strong leadership abilities, attention to detail, and proficiency in accounts receivable software and tools.

Accomplished Accounts Receivable Manager with over a decade of experience in optimizing financial operations and driving revenue growth. Proven track record of implementing effective strategies to enhance cash flow, reduce DSO, and improve collections performance. Skilled in building strong relationships with clients and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth and efficient billing and payment processes.

• Implemented a new accounts receivable process, reducing DSO by 20% and improving cash flow by $1.5 million annually.
• Led a team of 10 AR specialists, providing training and guidance to ensure accurate and timely billing and collections.
• Developed and maintained strong relationships with key clients, resolving payment issues and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Collaborated with sales and finance teams to streamline invoicing and payment processes, enhancing overall efficiency.
• Introduced automated dunning processes, increasing on-time payments by 25% and reducing bad debt write-offs.
• Managed a portfolio of high-value accounts, ensuring timely and accurate billing and collections.
• Developed and implemented process improvements, reducing billing errors by 30% and enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Collaborated with the legal team to manage and resolve payment disputes, successfully recovering over $500,000 in overdue payments.
• Trained and mentored junior AR specialists, fostering a high-performance team environment.
• Conducted regular aging analysis and provided actionable insights to management, facilitating informed decision-making.
• Processed high-volume billing and collections for a diverse client base, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies.
• Collaborated with the sales team to resolve invoice discrepancies and improve client relationships.
• Assisted in the implementation of a new accounts receivable software, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual workload.
• Consistently achieved monthly collection targets, contributing to improved cash flow and financial stability.
• Provided exceptional customer service, addressing client inquiries and concerns in a professional and timely manner.
• DSO Reduction
• Dispute Resolution
• Accounting Software (SAP, Oracle)
• Data Analytics
• Problem Solving

An Accounts Receivable Clerk is responsible for accurately processing customer payments, maintaining up-to-date financial records, and ensuring timely collection of overdue accounts. They handle invoicing, reconcile accounts, and address customer inquiries related to billing and payment issues. When crafting a resume for this role, highlight your experience with accounts receivable procedures and accounting software proficiency. Detail your strong data entry skills, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to manage high-volume workloads efficiently. Showcase relevant certifications and expertise in MS Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Detail-oriented Accounts Receivable Clerk with 5+ years of experience in managing financial transactions, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring timely payment collection. Adept at utilizing accounting software and implementing process improvements to streamline operations. Committed to providing exceptional customer service and fostering strong client relationships.

• Managed accounts receivable process for a portfolio of 150+ clients, ensuring timely and accurate invoicing and payment collection.
• Implemented a new electronic invoicing system, reducing paper usage by 75% and improving invoice delivery time by 2 business days.
• Collaborated with the sales team to resolve billing discrepancies and maintain client satisfaction, resulting in a 20% reduction in outstanding receivables.
• Conducted monthly account reconciliations and prepared aging reports for management review, identifying potential collection issues.
• Trained and mentored 2 junior accounts receivable clerks, fostering a productive and efficient team environment.
• Processed an average of 200 invoices per month, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies and client contracts.
• Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients, addressing inquiries and resolving billing issues in a timely manner.
• Assisted in the implementation of a new accounts receivable software, providing input on functionality and user requirements.
• Conducted regular follow-ups on past-due accounts, successfully reducing outstanding receivables by 15% within 6 months.
• Prepared monthly accounts receivable reports for management, highlighting key performance indicators and areas for improvement.
• Processed and posted customer payments, ensuring accurate allocation to appropriate accounts.
• Investigated and resolved payment discrepancies, collaborating with customers and internal departments to ensure timely resolution.
• Assisted in the month-end closing process, reconciling accounts receivable ledger and preparing journal entries.
• Maintained organized and up-to-date customer files, ensuring compliance with document retention policies.
• Provided exceptional customer service, responding to inquiries and requests in a professional and timely manner.
• Accounts Receivable
• Payment Processing
• Aging Reports
• Accounting Software

An Accounts Receivable Specialist is responsible for managing the entire accounts receivable process, from generating customer invoices to collecting payments and resolving billing disputes. This role ensures accurate and timely recording of all receivables while maintaining positive customer relationships. When writing a resume for this position, emphasize your experience with accounts receivable software like QuickBooks or SAP. Quantify achievements such as increasing cash flow by reducing past-due invoices by X% or decreasing days sales outstanding from X to Y days. Highlight skills like meticulous attention to detail for maintaining accurate records, excellent communication for resolving payment issues diplomatically, and strong problem-solving abilities to address billing discrepancies efficiently. Including relevant industry credentials like a Certified Accounts Receivable Specialist certification can further strengthen your candidacy.

Highly motivated and detail-oriented Accounts Receivable Specialist with over 8 years of experience in managing and optimizing accounts receivable processes. Proven track record of reducing DSO, improving cash flow, and maintaining strong client relationships. Skilled in ERP systems, financial analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Managed accounts receivable portfolio of $50M+ for top-tier clients across various industries
• Implemented automated invoice processing system, reducing DSO by 20% and improving cash flow by $2M annually
• Collaborated with sales and client services teams to resolve billing disputes and ensure timely payments
• Conducted regular aging analysis and provided strategic recommendations to senior management
• Trained and mentored a team of 5 junior AR specialists, fostering a high-performance culture
• Handled accounts receivable for a diverse client base, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices and payments
• Developed and implemented SOPs for AR processes, improving efficiency and reducing errors by 30%
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline billing processes and enhance client satisfaction
• Conducted regular account reconciliations and resolved discrepancies in a timely manner
• Assisted in the successful implementation of a new ERP system, providing training and support to team members
• Processed high volume of invoices and payments in a fast-paced environment
• Maintained accurate records and documentation for all AR transactions
• Assisted in month-end closing processes and preparation of AR aging reports
• Collaborated with collections team to follow up on past-due accounts and improve DSO
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills in resolving billing issues
• ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle)
• Client Relationship Management
• GAAP Compliance
• SOX Compliance
• Reconciliations
• MS Office Suite

An Accounts Receivable Supervisor is responsible for leading a team that handles customer invoicing, collections, and maintaining positive client relationships. When crafting a resume, highlight proven leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication proficiency. Showcase relevant accounts receivable experience, knowledge of accounting principles, and software proficiency. Quantify achievements like improving collection rates or reducing past-due balances. Include any pertinent certifications or training completed.

Highly motivated and detail-oriented Accounts Receivable Supervisor with over 8 years of experience in managing and optimizing accounts receivable processes. Proven track record of reducing DSO, improving cash flow, and implementing effective credit and collections strategies. Skilled in building and leading high-performing teams to achieve outstanding results.

• Supervised a team of 12 accounts receivable specialists, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments.
• Implemented a new credit policy, reducing DSO by 20% within the first 6 months.
• Developed and maintained strong relationships with key clients, resolving payment issues and disputes promptly.
• Automated the accounts receivable process using SAP, increasing efficiency by 30%.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve overall financial performance and cash flow management.
• Managed a portfolio of high-value accounts, ensuring timely collection of payments and resolution of discrepancies.
• Implemented a proactive collections strategy, reducing overdue accounts by 25%.
• Trained and mentored junior accounts receivable specialists, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Conducted regular credit reviews and risk assessments, minimizing potential bad debt write-offs.
• Collaborated with the sales team to develop customized payment plans for key clients, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Processed high volumes of invoices and payments accurately and efficiently.
• Conducted account reconciliations and resolved discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Assisted in the development and implementation of new accounts receivable policies and procedures.
• Maintained excellent communication with clients, addressing their concerns and ensuring a positive experience.
• Consistently exceeded monthly collection targets, contributing to improved cash flow.
• Credit and Collections

A Senior Accounts Receivable professional manages the billing cycle, collections, and customer accounts. They ensure accurate invoicing, prompt payments, and resolve billing disputes. For the resume, emphasize expertise in accounting software, collections experience, customer service skills, and problem-solving abilities. Quantify achievements such as reducing past-due balances or improving cash flow. Use clear formatting with well-organized sections.

Highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Accounts Receivable professional with over 10 years of experience in managing complex financial transactions and ensuring timely collection of payments. Proven track record of implementing efficient processes, enhancing cash flow, and building strong relationships with clients and cross-functional teams.

• Managed accounts receivable portfolio of over $50 million, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments.
• Implemented a new automated invoicing system, reducing processing time by 30% and improving cash flow by $2 million annually.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve complex billing issues and disputes, maintaining a 95% client satisfaction rate.
• Conducted regular aging analysis and provided strategic recommendations to senior management, resulting in a 20% reduction in outstanding receivables.
• Mentored and trained a team of 5 junior accounts receivable specialists, fostering a high-performance culture and promoting professional development.
• Oversaw accounts receivable operations for a portfolio of over 200 clients, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices and payments.
• Developed and implemented a risk assessment framework to identify and mitigate potential credit risks, reducing bad debt write-offs by 15%.
• Collaborated with the sales team to streamline the order-to-cash process, improving cash flow forecasting accuracy by 25%.
• Led a team of 8 accounts receivable specialists, providing coaching and guidance to ensure high-quality work and timely deliverables.
• Conducted regular performance reviews and provided constructive feedback, resulting in a 20% improvement in team productivity and morale.
• Processed high-volume accounts receivable transactions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Collaborated with the collections team to develop and implement effective strategies for managing past-due accounts, reducing aging receivables by 30%.
• Assisted in the month-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate reconciliation of accounts receivable balances.
• Provided exceptional customer service to clients, resolving billing inquiries and disputes in a timely and professional manner.
• Participated in process improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities for automation and streamlining workflows.
• Cash Flow Forecasting
• Credit Risk Assessment
• Invoice Processing
• MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Accounts Receivable CV example

Are you detail-oriented, with a keen eye for numbers and good time management? If so, then a role in accounts receivable affords some great career opportunities as well as a great salary.

But before you can bag the job, you’ve first got to make it through the competitive hiring process.

The good news is, using our example accounts receivable CV, as well as our top tips, you can boost your chances of securing an interview.

Guide contents

Accounts Receivable CV example

• Structuring and formatting your CV
• Writing your CV profile
• Detailing work experience
• Your education
• Skills required for your Accounts Receivable CV

CV templates 

This a good example of a Accounts Receivable CV which contains all of the information that an employer would need to know, and presents it in a well- structured, easy-to-read manner.

Take some time to look at this CV and refer to it throughout the writing of your own CV for best results.

Accounts Receivable CV structure and format

If you focus on the written content of your CV but ignore how it actually looks, your efforts could end up wasted.

No matter how suitable you are for the role, no recruiter wants to spend time squinting and trying to navigate a badly designed and disorganised CV.

Instead, make sure to organise your content into a simple structure and spend some time formatting it for ease of reading – it’ll get you in recruiter’s good books from the get-go!

Formatting Tips

• Length: If you want to hold the reader’s attention and ensure your CV isn’t yawn-worthy, it’s best to stick to two sides of A4 or less. This is more than enough room to highlight why you’re a good match for the role – anything more can quickly become tedious!
• Readability : By clearly formatting your section headings (bold, or a different colour font, do the trick) and breaking up big chunks of text into snappy bullet points, time-strapped recruiters will be able to skim through your CV with ease.
• Design: When it comes to CV design, it’s best to keep things simple and sleek. While elaborate designs certainly command attention, it’s not always for the right reasons! Readability is key, so whatever you choose to do, make sure you prioritise readability above everything.
• Avoid photos: Recruiters can’t factor in appearance, gender or race into the recruitment process, so a profile photo is totally unnecessary. Additionally, company logos or images won’t add any value to your application, so you’re better off saving the space to showcase your experience instead.

Build your CV now 

Structuring your CV

Divide your CV into the following major sections when writing it:

• Name and contact details  – Head your CV with your name and contact details, to let the reader know who you are and how to contact you.
• CV profile – A brief paragraph which summarises your skills and experience and highlights why you’re a good match for the role.
• Core skills list – A snappy, bullet-pointed list of your most relevant skills.
• Work experience – A structured list of your work experience in reverse chronological order.
• Education – A summary of any relevant qualifications or professional training you’ve completed.
• Hobbies and interests – An optional section, which should only be used if your hobbies are relevant to the jobs you’re applying to.

Now I’ll guide you through exactly what you should include in each CV section.

CV Contact Details

Begin by sharing your contact details, so it’s easy for employers to give you a call. Keep to the basics, such as:

• Mobile number
• Email address – It should sound professional, with no slang or nicknames. Make a new one for your job applications if necessary.
• Location – Simply share your vague location, for example ‘Manchester’, rather than a full address.
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL – Remember to update them before you send your application.

Accounts Receivable CV Profile

Your CV profile is basically a short introductory paragraph, which summarises your key selling points and highlights why you’d make a good hire.

So, write a well-rounded summary of what you do, what your key skills are, and what relevant experience you have.

It needs to be short, snappy and punchy and, ultimately, entice the reader to read the rest of your CV.

Tips for creating an impactful CV profile:

• Keep it brief: It might be tempting to submit a page-long CV profile, but recruiters won’t have the time to read it. To ensure every word gets read, it’s best to include high-level information only; sticking to a length of 3-5 lines.
• Tailor it: No matter how much time you put into your CV profile, it won’t impress if it’s irrelevant to the role you’re applying for. Before you start writing, make a list of the skills, knowledge and experience your target employer is looking for. Then, make sure to mention them in your CV profile and throughout the rest of your application.
• Don’t add an objective: Career goals and objectives are best suited to your cover letter , so don’t waste space with them in your CV profile.
• Avoid cliches: Cheesy clichès and generic phrases won’t impress recruiters, who read the same statements several times per day. Impress them with your skill-set, experience and accomplishments instead!

What to include in your Accounts Receivable CV profile?

• Summary of experience: Start with a brief summary of your relevant experience so far. How many years experience do you have? What type of companies have you worked for? What industries/sectors have you worked in? What are your specialisms?
• Relevant skills: Highlight your skills which are most relevant to Accounts Receivable jobs, to ensure that recruiters see your most in-demand skills as soon as they open your CV.
• Essential qualifications: If you have any qualifications which are highly relevant to Accounts Receivable jobs, then highlight them in your profile so that employers do not miss them.

Quick tip: If spelling and grammar are not a strong point of yours, Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to add pre-written content that has been created by recruitment experts, and proofread by our team.

Core skills section

Underneath your profile, create a core skills section to make your most relevant skills jump off the page at readers.

It should be made up of 2-3 columns of bullet points of your relevant skills.

Before you do this, look over the job description and make a list of any specific skills, specialisms or knowledge required.

Then, make sure to use your findings in your list. This will paint you as the perfect match for the role.

Work experience/Career history

Now that recruiters have a good overview of your skills and abilities, you need to jump into the detail of your career history.

Give them a more thorough insight into what you can do by creating a detailed list of your relevant experience.

Start with your current role, and work backwards through all the relevant positions you’ve held. This could be freelance, contract or voluntary work too; as long as it’s related to the role you’re applying for.

Structuring your roles

Recruiters will be keen to gain a better idea of where you’ve worked and how you apply your skill-set in the workplace.

However, if they’re faced with huge, hard-to-read paragraphs, they may just gloss over it and move onto the next application.

To avoid this, use the simple 3-step role structure, as shown below:

Start with a brief summary of your role as a whole, as well as the type of company you worked for.

Key responsibilities

Next, write up a punchy list of your daily duties and responsibilities, using bullet points.

Wherever you can, point out how you put your hard skills and knowledge to use – especially skills which are applicable to your target role.

Key achievements

Finish off by showcasing 1-3 key achievements made within the role.

This could be anything that had a positive effect on your company, clients or customers, such as saving time or money, receiving exemplary feedback or receiving an award.

After your work experience, your education section should provide a detailed view of your academic background.

Begin with those most relevant to Accounts Receivable jobs, such as vocational training or degrees. If you have space, you can also mention your academic qualifications, such as A-Levels and GCSEs.

Focus on the qualifications that are most relevant to the jobs you are applying for.

Interests and hobbies

Although this is an optional section, it can be useful if your hobbies and interests will add further depth to your CV.

Interests which are related to the sector you are applying to, or which show transferable skills like leadership or teamwork, can worth listing.

On the other hand, generic hobbies like “going out with friends” won’t add any value to your application, so are best left off your CV.

Essential skills for your Accounts Receivable CV

Tailoring your CV to the roles you are applying for is key to success, so make sure to read through the job descriptions and tailor your skills accordingly.

However, commonly desired  Accounts Receivable  skills include:

Invoicing: A key part of the accounts receivable role is generating, sending and chasing invoices

Financial support: You may also be required to assist with financial management, analysing data, billing systems and more

Problem-solving: The role might require you to investigate and resolve any irregularities or problems with accounts and invoices

Reporting: As part of the financial team, you will need to regularly produce financial reports

Communication: Whether collaborating with other members of the team or chasing up invoices, you need to be able to effectively communicate with other people

Writing your Accounts Receivable CV

Once you’ve written your Accounts Receivable CV, you should proofread it several times to ensure that there are no typos or grammatical errors.

With a tailored punchy profile that showcases your relevant experience and skills, paired with well-structured role descriptions, you’ll be able to impress employers and land interviews.

Good luck with your next job application!

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Accounts Receivable resume examples & templates

Accounts receivable job market and outlook

Resume header.

You may be great at staying on top of all of those transactions and invoices. However, to bag that next accounts receivable role, the most important asset is your resume. With a decrease in accounting roles forecast over the next decade, it’s more important than ever that your job application makes the right sort of statement.

Luckily for you, Resume.io has helped millions of job seekers to create top-performing resumes. We have a library of 350+ job-specific resume examples. An excellent accounts receivable resume will show off your organizational skills and attention to detail. However, this valuable little document also needs to communicate the nuanced accomplishments that make you a worthy candidate.

This resume guide, along with the corresponding resume example will cover the following topics:

What does an accounts receivable specialist do?

• How to write an accounts receivable resume (tips and tricks)
• The best format for an accounts receivable resume
• Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional resume layout and design hints.

As an accounts receivable specialist, you are responsible for overseeing a variety of invoicing and billing operations. Your day-to-day tasks could range from creating invoices and documenting transactions to liaison with relevant departments, or even generating financial reports. 

Proper management of accounts receivable is vital in a range of industries. Therefore, you could find yourself working alongside all sorts of people like tech professionals, finance experts, or other functional specialists. You may even go on to specialize in accounts receivable in one particular sector.

Whether this is your first role in finance or you are a seasoned accounting professional, a wealth of skills is necessary. Organization, attention to detail, and compliance with the relevant rules and regulations are all essential for a top-performing accounts receivable professional.

How much do accounts receivable professionals earn?

According to Glassdoor , the median annual salary for an accounts receivable position is $42,419. This increases to $51,281 for senior accounts receivable specialists.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a decrease in bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing roles from 2021 – 2031. This reflects a shift in how personnel will be used in light of technological advancements such as AI. 

You can expect the accounts receivable roles that are available to focus less on data entry and more on tasks that are better placed for humans to execute in the coming years. This means it’s more important than ever for your resume to highlight the analytical and problem-solving skills that differentiate you from other candidates. 

How to write an accounts receivable resume

A top-performing accounts receivable resume speaks the same language as the hiring manager. The rest of this guide will focus on how to write something that will perform well. However, the very first step to achieving this is understanding what sections to include. 

Your CV should contain the following elements:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The education section
• The resume skills section

Before your resume can charm the hiring manager, it has to satisfy the cold, hard data points that the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) will be looking for. Most organizations use an ATS to filter only the most relevant applicants in hiring campaigns. 

To get in with the best of the bunch, make sure you use the language the ATS is looking out for. How do you do that, we hear you ask? Read through the job ad and make sure you are including the exact keywords used to describe the accounts receivable role’s responsibilities and tasks.

Choosing the best resume format for an accounts receivable specialist

For most jobseekers the chronological resume format is the best way to reflect their professional experience on paper. Accounts receivable job postings are no different. This format focuses on previous work experience to paint the full picture of the sort of professional that you are.

We will focus on the reverse chronological format in this resume example and writing guide. With this resume format, your most recent job position appears at the top of the employment history section. This section should also be the longest in the chronological format. The hiring manager wants to understand your most recent and relevant experience. Alternatively, accounts receivable specialists who are new to the workforce could consider using the functional resume format to accurately communicate their suitability for the job role. 

At the top of your resume is your header. This is the section where you include key information such as your name and contact information. Keeping it distinctive and professional is the key to setting the tone for the rest of your resume. 

While you want to make your document easily recognizable among all of those tabs of other candidates, don’t go over the top. The main function of the resume header, after all, is to keep your name and contact details easy to find. Look at our resume layout tips further down for some more information on the design of your resume.

Simple and to the point

Stick to a simple color scheme and two fonts when it comes to the aesthetics of your resume. Your goal is to keep things clear and legible.

Resume summary example

Your resume summary is the spot to offer an elevator pitch of why you are the best candidate for this accounts receivable position. It’s an “at-a-glance” overview of your resume. You should write three to four phrases that reflect your most impressive qualities for this role. 

Consider any previous experience, awards, or training that make you uniquely hirable for this position. You may find it useful to write this section last when you’ve already chosen the content for the other sections of your resume.

If you would like some ideas, check out our sample resume content below. For further inspiration you may like to check out:

• Finance-director resume example
• Senior-accountant resume example
• Bank-teller resume example
• Loan-officer resume example
• Loan-processor resume example
• Bookkeeper resume example
• Auditing-clerk resume example
• Banker resume example
• Compliance-officer resume example
• Investment-banker resume example
• Financial-analyst resume example
• Financial-advisor resume example

Detail-oriented accounts receivable specialist with demonstrated success in increasing on-time collection and significantly reducing aged receivables. Excellent interpersonal skills, able to communicate with customers to maintain positive business relationships. Adept at identifying and resolving problem accounts, discrepancies, and other issues.

Employment history example

The employment history section is likely to be the longest in your accounts receivable resume. Here you will reconcile and balance the expectations you set in your resume summary with some firm examples. In reverse chronological order, list your most recent and relevant job roles.

For each position, include your job title, the name of the organization, your dates of employment, and the workplace’s location. Underneath this subheading, you can create several bullet points that outline your key accomplishments and responsibilities in the role. This is precious resume real estate, so keep anything you write relevant to the job at hand.

Accounts Receivable Specialist at Rokeach Food Corporation, Newark, NJ 2017 - Present 

• Post more than $1.5M in payments per week to customer accounts using QuickBooks Enterprise Edition.
• Closely monitor aging report on a daily basis to maintain cash flow and ensure accounts remain in good standing.
• Interface with customers to collect on past-due invoices, set up payment plans, issue credit notes, and apply discounts.
• Assist accountant with month-end and year-end close reporting.

Accounts Receivable Clerk at Medical Arts Bureau, Jersey City, NJ  2012 - 2017 

• Reduced payment backlog by $2M in only three months and decreased 90-day aged receivables by 87%.
• Increased productivity by streamlining payment posting process and eliminating unnecessary manual steps.
• Assisted with transition from legacy Excel-based accounting system to Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Numbers talk

As an accounts receivable professional, you’re a numbers person. This plays in your favor in the bullet points of the employment history section. You have a short space to communicate your value as an employee. So, aim to quantify your successes through numbers. Think about how to measure the effects of your actions in time, money, or resources and commit it to paper for a top resume example.

Accounts receivable resume education example

The education section is for formal education qualifications like high school diplomas, degrees, or similar. Create a subheading for each qualification with its name, dates attended, the name of the educational institution, and its location. Look at the resume sample content below to see how it’s done. 

If you have a college degree equivalent or higher, you don’t need to list your high school education. If you have some training or have attended a course that would be relevant to an accounts receivable role, ideally it won’t appear in the education section. You can mention it in the skills section or - if you have enough skills that are worth mentioning - create a separate section for them.

Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, St. Peter's University, Jersey City, NJ  2008 - 2012

CV skills example

Accounts receivable specialists straddle multiple skill sets. Don’t be shy and make sure this is clear in your CV. Include a balance of hard skills (those are technical skills) and soft skills. Soft skills are capabilities that refer to how you collaborate and communicate with others.

Our resume example content will help you to shape your own CV skills section. However, this is one of the most important sections to tweak to suit the role you are applying for. List your most important skills first. Take your cue from the job ad and how they prioritize what will be asked of you in the role.

Don’t forget to mirror the language used in the job description. Not only will this help to beat the ATS, but it also avoids miscommunication with the hiring manager. There should be no doubt as to which points on the job ad you satisfy.

• Payment Processing
• Account Reconciliation
• Bookkeeping
• Journal Posting
• Collections
• Microsoft Excel
• Sage Accounting

Resume layout and design

Just like your ledgers and invoices, the design of your resume needs to respect a particular format. A sleek resume design will make all the difference in appearing professional. It’s an important step in proving yourself as an organized communicator to the hiring manager.

Taking the time to polish the presentation of your accounts receivable resume will pay off as a clear demonstration of your attention to detail. However, if creating presentable layouts and designs is not your strong suit, you can consider using one of our field-tested resume templates. You’ll be sure to come across well to the hiring manager without the stress of reformatting your resume for the hundredth time. 

Key takeaways for an accounts receivable resume

• Create a snapshot of your professional profile in the resume summary.
• The sector might be leaning more heavily on tech, but there are ways to differentiate yourself from stiff competition for any accounts receivable role.
• Focus on quantifiable examples for the bullet points in your employment history section.
• Hard skills and soft skills are both critical for a great accounts receivable professional.
• Neat presentation for the visuals of your resume is just as important as your written communication.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

• • Streamlined A/R processes, reducing invoice processing time by 25%, enabling swifter billing cycles and improved cash flow.
• • Managed customer portfolio worth $5M, decreasing delinquency rates by 18% through proactive communication and strategic negotiations.
• • Implemented an automated billing system that reduced manual entry errors by 33%, ensuring accurate invoicing that adhered to GAAP principles.
• • Led a cross-departmental project to refine the collections strategy, achieving a 15% improvement in recovery rates within the first 6 months.
• • Coordinated with the sales team to review and enforce customer agreements, resulting in a 20% increase in compliance with the R365 Master Subscription Agreement.
• • Generated data-driven reports assisting the management's decision-making, directly contributing to a 10% reduction in overall outstanding receivables.
• • Reduced outstanding A/R balance by $500,000 through effective negotiation tactics and payment plan enforcement.
• • Increased cash flow by 15% via meticulous credit memo applications and adherence to internal control procedures.
• • Facilitated the implementation of Sage Intacct, elevating the accuracy and efficiency of financial reporting.
• • Developed a training module for new A/R employees, enhancing team productivity by 20% within the first quarter after adoption.
• • Conducted detailed research to resolve 150+ billing disputes, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
• • Handled a transactional volume of over 10,000 invoices annually, maintaining an error rate of less than 0.5%.
• • Played a crucial role in updating the collections SOP, which cut down the resolution time by 20%.
• • Spearheaded a project to reconcile aged accounts, recovering $200,000 in previously uncollected revenue.
• • Collaborated with IT to enhance the payment processing system, reducing processing times by 40%.

5 Accounts Receivable Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Accounts Receivable manages incoming payments and ensures that financial transactions are accurately recorded. When crafting your resume, emphasize your experience with invoicing, cash application, and collections processes. Highlight abilities such as attention to detail, proficiency in accounting software, and strong communication skills. It’s important to mention any successful initiatives that improved cash flow and your ability to resolve discrepancies efficiently.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

Resume Format Tips

Resume Experience

Skills on Resume

Education & Certifications

Resume Summary Tips

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

Crafting a resume that effectively highlights your proficiency in reducing days sales outstanding (DSO) and managing a clean aged receivables report is a common challenge for accounts receivable professionals. Our guide offers detailed strategies and examples on how to showcase your financial skills and successes, ensuring your resume stands out to potential employers.

• Find different accounts receivable resume examples to serve as inspiration to your professional presentation.
• How to use the summary or objective to highlight your career achievements.
• How to create the experience section to tell your story.
• Must have certificates and what to include in the education section of your resume.

If the accounts receivable resume isn't the right one for you, take a look at other related guides we have:

• Accounts Clerk Resume Example
• Management Accounting Resume Example
• Finance Intern Resume Example
• Portfolio Manager Resume Example
• Bank Manager Resume Example
• Business Analyst Accounting Resume Example
• Account Executive Resume Example
• Accounting Assistant Resume Example
• Tax Accountant Resume Example
• CPA Resume Example

Accounts Receivable resume format made simple

You don't need to go over the top when it comes to creativity in your Accounts Receivable resume format .

What recruiters care about more is the legibility of your Accounts Receivable resume, alongside the relevancy of your application to the role.

That's why we're presenting you with four simple steps that could help your professional presentation check all the right boxes:

• The reverse-chronological resume format is the one for you, if you happen to have plenty of relevant (and recent) professional experience you'd like to showcase. This format follows a pretty succinct logic and puts the focus on your experience.
• Keep your header simple with your contact details; a headline that details the role you're applying for or your current job; and a link to your portfolio.
• Ensure your resume reaches an up-to-two-page limit, only if you happen to be applying for a more senior role or you have over a decade of relevant experience.
• Save your Accounts Receivable resume as a PDF to retain its structure and presentation.

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

If you're in the process of obtaining your certificate or degree, list the expected date you're supposed to graduate or be certified.

Don't forget to include these six sections on your accounts receivable resume:

• Header and summary for your contact details and to highlight your alignment with the accounts receivable job you're applying for
• Experience section to get into specific technologies you're apt at using and personal skills to deliver successful results
• Skills section to further highlight how your profile matches the job requirements
• Education section to provide your academic background
• Achievements to mention any career highlights that may be impressive, or that you might have missed so far in other resume sections

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Demonstration of proficiency in accounting software and systems, such as QuickBooks or SAP.
• Experience with billing, invoicing, and following up on overdue accounts.
• Strong understanding of credit controls and risk management practices.
• Proven ability to reconcile accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• Detail-oriented with a strong track record of accurate and timely accounts receivable reporting.

What to include in the experience section of your accounts receivable resume

The resume experience section is perhaps the most important element in your application as it needs to showcase how your current profile matches the job.

While it may take some time to perfect your accounts receivable experience section, here are five tips to keep in mind when writing yours:

• Assess the advert to make a list of key requirements and look back on how each of your past jobs answers those;
• Don't just showcase you know a particular skill, instead, you need proof in the form of tangible results (e.g. numbers, percent, etc.);
• It's perfectly fine to leave off experience items that don't bring anything extra to your skill set or application;
• Recruiters want to understand what the particular value is of working with you, so instead of solely featuring technologies, think about including at least one bullet that's focused on your soft skills;
• Take care with wording each bullet to demonstrate what you've achieved, using a particular skill, and an action verb.

The below accounts receivable resume examples can help guide you to curate your professional experience, following industry-leading tips and advice.

• Managed a portfolio of over 500 client accounts, consistently maintaining a 98% rate for on-time collections, thus enhancing cash flow for the company.
• Implemented a new automated billing system that reduced invoice errors by 35% and increased overall team efficiency.
• Negotiated payment plans with delinquent accounts, successfully recovering more than $2 million in outstanding receivables.
• Reconciled daily AR transactions, maintaining accurate ledgers across various currencies for a global financial service company.
• Collaborated cross-departmentally to resolve billing discrepancies, resulting in a 15% reduction in disputed invoices.
• Provided comprehensive monthly reports on account statuses, critical for executive decision-making and fiscal strategy revisions.
• Streamlined the collections process, reducing the average Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) from 45 to 30 days.
• Developed and maintained strong relationships with key clients, leading to a 20% decrease in late payments.
• Oversaw the successful implementation of credit management software, enhancing the accuracy of credit risk assessments.
• Initiated a client education program on best billing practices which expedited payment times by 25%.
• Played a key role in the transition to a paperless AR system, cutting physical mail processing time by 50%.
• Prepared detailed financial forecasts, contributing to the company's strategic planning and short-term resource allocation.
• Instrumental in reducing the bad debt reserve by 40% through improved collection strategies and meticulous credit checks.
• Efficiently managed an AR ledger of over $50 million while ensuring compliance with all financial regulations.
• Directed a team of 10 AR associates, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritized skill development and effective communication.
• Performed in-depth financial analysis on accounts receivable trends, identifying patterns that informed policy changes reducing charge-offs by 30%.
• Championed a customer relationship management initiative that improved client satisfaction scores by 10%.
• Coordinated with the sales department to align credit and billing policies, which helped to increase sales closure rates by 5% without increasing financial risk.
• Reduced errors in invoice processing by 22% through meticulous oversight and the introduction of quality control measures.
• Fostered a culture of continuous improvement leading to the adoption of optimized AR practices that sped up invoice-to-cash cycles.
• Promoted from within the department due to exemplary performance and leadership, elevating the overall team's productivity by 15%.
• Led a project for the integration of AR functionalities with the CRM system, leading to a 20% increase in dispute resolution efficiency.
• Oversaw audit preparations for the AR department, ensuring 100% compliance with internal and external reporting standards.
• Trained and mentored new hires on AR processes and software, leading to a decrease in training time by 30%.

Quantifying impact on your resume

• Managed a portfolio of 200+ accounts amounting to $5 million in receivables.
• Reduced average days sales outstanding (DSO) by 15% through improved collection processes.
• Increased cash flow by implementing more stringent credit checks, reducing bad debt by 25%.
• Processed an average of 300 invoices per month with a 99% accuracy rate.
• Improved customer satisfaction scores by 20% by developing a streamlined dispute resolution process.
• Achieved a 90% rate of on-time payments through effective account monitoring and reminder systems.
• Conducted monthly reconciliation of accounts receivable ledger, resolving discrepancies worth over $100K.
• Coordinated with sales and customer service departments to introduce a loyalty program that increased repeat business by 30%.

Action verbs for your accounts receivable resume

Writing your accounts receivable experience section without any real-world experience

Professionals, lacking experience, here's how to kick-start your accounts receivable career:

• Substitute experience with relevant knowledge and skills, vital for the accounts receivable role
• Highlight any relevant certifications and education - to showcase that you have the relevant technical training for the job
• Definitely include a professional portfolio of your work so far that could include university projects or ones you've done in your free time
• Have a big focus on your transferable skills to answer what further value you'd bring about as a candidate for the accounts receivable job
• Include an objective to highlight how you see your professional growth, as part of the company

Recommended reads:

• How To Include Your Relevant Coursework On A Resume
• How to List Continuing Education on Your Resume

If you failed to obtain one of the certificates, as listed in the requirements, but decide to include it on your resume, make sure to include a note somewhere that you have the "relevant training, but are planning to re-take the exams". Support this statement with the actual date you're planning to be re-examined. Always be honest on your resume.

The heart and soul of your accounts receivable resume: hard skills and soft skills

If you read between the lines of the accounts receivable role you're applying for, you'll discover that all requirements are linked with candidates' hard skills and soft skills.

What do those skills have to do with your application?

Hard or technical skills are the ones that hint at your aptitude with particular technologies. They are easy to quantify via your professional experience or various certifications.

Meanwhile, your soft skills are more difficult to assess as they are personality traits, you've gained thanks to working in different environments/teams/organizations.

Your accounts receivable resume skills section is the perfect opportunity to shine a light on both types of skills by:

• Dedicating a technical skills section to list up to six technologies you're apt at.
• Focusing a strengths section on your achievements, thanks to using particular people skills or technologies.
• Including a healthy balance of hard and soft skills in the skills section to answer key job requirements.
• Creating a language skills section with your proficiency level - to hint at an abundance of soft skills you've obtained, thanks to your dedication to learning a particular language.

Within the next section of this guide, stay tuned for some of the most trending hard skills and soft skills across the industry.

Top skills for your Accounts Receivable resume:

Accounts Receivable Software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP)

Excel (Advanced)

Invoicing Systems

Payment Processing Tools

Financial Reporting

Bank Reconciliation

Credit Management Software

Database Management

Billing Systems

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Analytical Thinking

Customer Service Orientation

Team Collaboration

Adaptability

Organizational Skills

Conflict Resolution

List all your relevant higher education degrees within your resume in reverse chronological order (starting with the latest). There are cases when your PhD in a particular field could help you stand apart from other candidates.

Qualifying your relevant certifications and education on your accounts receivable resume

In recent times, employers have started to favor more and more candidates who have the "right" skill alignment, instead of the "right" education.

But this doesn't mean that recruiters don't care about your certifications .

Dedicate some space on your resume to list degrees and certificates by:

• Including start and end dates to show your time dedication to the industry
• Adding credibility with the institutions' names
• Prioritizing your latest certificates towards the top, hinting at the fact that you're always staying on top of innovations
• If you decide on providing further information, focus on the actual outcomes of your education: the skills you've obtained

If you happen to have a degree or certificate that is irrelevant to the job, you may leave it out.

Some of the most popular certificates for your resume include:

The top 5 certifications for your accounts receivable resume:

• Certified Accounts Receivable Professional (CARP) - The Institute of Financial Operations
• Certified Bookkeeper (CB) - American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - American Institute of CPAs
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA) - Institute of Management Accountants
• Credit Business Associate (CBA) - National Association of Credit Management

List your educational qualifications and certifications in reverse chronological order.

• When You Should (And Not) Add Dean's List On Your Resume
• Should I Put In An Incomplete Degree On A Resume?

Should you write a resume summary or an objective?

No need to research social media or ask ChatGPT to find out if the summary or objective is right for your accounts receivable resume.

• Experienced candidates always tend to go for resume summaries. The summary is a three to five sentence long paragraph that narrates your career highlights and aligns your experience to the role. In it you can add your top skills and career achievements that are most impressive.
• Junior professionals or those making a career change, should write a resume objective. These shouldn't be longer than five sentences and should detail your career goals . Basically, how you see yourself growing in the current position and how would your experience or skill set could help out your potential employers.

Think of both the resume summary and objective as your opportunity to put your best foot forward - from the get go - answering job requirements with skills.

Use the below real-world accounts receivable professional statements as inspiration for writing your resume summary or objective.

Resume summaries for a accounts receivable job

• Seasoned Accounts Receivable Specialist with over 10 years of experience managing high-volume invoicing, maintaining an exceptional record of accurate and timely collections, and leading cross-departmental collaboration to improve cash flow processes. Spearheaded the reduction of outstanding receivables by 20% at a top-tier retail chain through strategic negotiations and persistent follow-up.
• Experienced Certified Public Accountant transitioning into accounts receivable, bringing 12 years of comprehensive financial management and auditing skills. Boasts a track record of enhancing revenue assurance practices by identifying and rectifying discrepancies that resulted in a 15% boost in revenue recognition for a prominent financial services firm.
• Human Resources professional pivoting into accounts receivable, offering a robust understanding of payroll systems and employee reimbursement processes. Over 8 years in industry-leading corporations has honed exemplary organizational, communication skills and a strong acumen for numbers, eager to apply these talents to ensure meticulous financial tracking and improve receivable operations.
• Eager to leverage a Bachelor's in Finance and a passion for numbers to excel in accounts receivable management. Holds a 3-year tenure in fast-paced startup environments where rapid adaptability and keen attention to detail were key to maintaining meticulous financial records. Adept at using accounting software to streamline invoicing and receivables tracking.
• Dynamic professional eager to embark on an accounts receivable career, filled with enthusiasm to contribute to the financial robustness of a forward-thinking organization. Dedicated to mastering industry-specific financial software and regulations to ensure precision in tracking and reporting financial transactions, despite having no formal experience in the field.
• Aspiring finance specialist graduating summa cum laude, targeting an accounts receivable role to jumpstart a promising career. Ardent about translating academic knowledge including advanced math skills and fluency in accounting software into effective financial management practices. Exceptional analytical acumen with a commitment to achieving peak accuracy in tracking and handling receivables.

Taking your accounts receivable resume to the next level with these four additional resume sections

Your accounts receivable resume can feature a variety of skills (both hard and soft) in diverse sections . Choose those that align best with the job requirements and reflect your suitability for the company culture.

Consider these four additional resume sections recommended by our experts:

• Languages - State any languages you are proficient in and your level of proficiency. This demonstrates your commitment to communication and potential for international growth.
• Projects - Highlight up to three significant projects you've completed outside of work, showcasing skill development. Include a link to your project portfolio in the accounts receivable resume header, if applicable.
• My Time - How you allocate your time outside work can indicate your organizational skills and cultural fit within the company.
• Volunteering - Detail causes you're passionate about, roles you've held, and achievements in volunteering. Such experiences likely have honed a range of soft skills crucial for your dream job.

Key takeaways

At the end of our guide, we'd like to remind you to:

• Invest in a simple, modern resume design that is ATS friendly and keeps your experience organized and legible;
• Avoid just listing your responsibilities in your experience section, but rather focus on quantifiable achievements;
• Always select resume sections that are relevant to the role and can answer job requirements. Sometimes your volunteering experience could bring more value than irrelevant work experience;
• Balance your technical background with your personality traits across various sections of your resume to hint at how much time employers would have to invest in training you and if your profile would be a good cultural fit to the organization;
• Include your academic background (in the form of your relevant higher education degrees and certifications) to show recruiters that you have the technical basics of the industry covered.

Looking to build your own Accounts Receivable resume?

• Resume Examples

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11 Accounts Receivable Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Accounts Receivable Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)

Most popular accounts receivable resumes.

• Accounts Receivable Specialist
• Accounts Receivable Manager
• Accounts Receivable Supervisor
• Accounts Receivable Clerk
• Accounts Payable Specialist
• Entry-Level Financial Analyst
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write an Accounts Receivable Resume

• Entry-level
• Senior-level

Accounts Receivable Specialist Resume Example

Accounts Receivable Manager Resume Example

Accounts Receivable Supervisor Resume Example

Accounts Receivable Clerk Resume Example

Accounts Payable Specialist Resume Example

Bookkeeper Resume Example

Entry-Level Financial Analyst Resume Example

Finance Resume Example

Accounts Receivable Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Jonathan Carter (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | 123 Second Street, Omaha, NE 34567

Motivated Accounts Receivable Clerk with 2+ years of experience tracking payments for various company departments. Provide timely, accurate billing to help businesses raise efficiency and profit. Equally effective working independently or on a team. Adapt readily to new work challenges and fast-changing industry conditions.

• Accounting Software (Xero, QuickBooks)
• Advanced Mathematics
• Bookkeeping Procedures
• Data Entry & Analysis
• Financial Reconciliations
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access)

Professional Experience

Accounts Receivable Clerk, Electrical Designs Limited, Omaha, NE | July 2020 to Present

• Maintain financial reports, bank reconciliations, and other documentation
• Quickly and accurately enter and code all invoices to accounts waiting for payment
• Help department manager process biweekly checks
• Research and resolve any account discrepancies
• Create customer accounts and enter data in central database

Administrative Assistant – Accounting, Robert Morris, Omaha, NE | September 2019 to July 2020

• Helped company’s accountant manage bank accounts, process payroll, and gather tax information for external audits
• Called customers for debt collection

Associate of Applied Science in Accounting, Metropolitan Community College, Omaha, NE | 2020 

Certifications

Accounts Receivable Manager (ARM), Institute of AR Finance & Management 

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) in Excel

Daphne Rogers (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | 555 Third Street, Atlanta, GA 09876

Dedicated Accounts Receivable (AR) Specialist with 8+ years of advancement and experience. Thrive in dynamic and fast-paced work settings. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

Accounts Receivable Specialist, Rental Max, Atlanta, GA | November 2017 to Present

• Foster positive customer relationships to ensure timely payments
• Train new AR team members on policies and procedures

Highlights:

• Introduced procedures that raised invoice processing efficiency by 22%
• Led company’s transition from Oracle to QuickBooks software. Completed project ahead of schedule with no disruption to accounting operations

Accounts Receivable Clerk, Roberts HVAC Systems, Atlanta, GA | November 2014 to October 2017

• Drafted invoices, researched discrepancies, and performed various other daily AR duties
• Organized and entered new customer data in central database
• Completed monthly financial closing for the AR department

Associate of Science in Business Administration, Franklin Community College, Atlanta, GA | 2014 

• Credit & Collections Management
• Internal Controls
• Microsoft Excel
• Task Prioritization
• Team Collaboration

Accredited Receivables Specialist (ARS), IOFM | 2017

QuickBooks Certification, NACPB | 2016

Fluency in Spanish | Basic proficiency in French

Devin Parry (765) 432-1098 | [email protected] | 321 Main Road, Des Moines, IA 76543

Senior Accounts Receivable Specialist with 11+ years of advancement and experience. Skilled at leading, training, and motivating AR team members. Draw on deep knowledge of Microsoft Office software and specialist accountancy programs including Xero and Sage Business Cloud. Maintain high precision and efficiency in dynamic and fast-paced work settings.

Senior Accounts Receivable Specialist, ARAG North America, Des Moines, IA | February 2017 to Present

• Audit accounts to ensure correct setup and premium application
• Oversee AR files and prepare 5500 forms
• Investigate and reconcile any account discrepancies, offering suggestions to prevent recurrence
• Liaise with clients to obtain necessary files and resolve underpayment issues
• Train new hires on AR principles and processes
• Streamlined various AR processes, raising overall billing efficiency 35%

Accounts Receivable Clerk, Lutheran Services in Iowa, Des Moines, IA | November 2011 to February 2017

• Quickly and accurately entered data and documented sales
• Helped prepare for external financial audits
• Generated client invoices for medical services and facilitated insurance claims

Education & Credentials

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration, College of Business & Public Administration, Drake University, Des Moines, IA

Accounts Receivable Certification, IOFM

• Data Gathering & Entry
• Reporting & Documentation
• Time Management

Create an accounts receivable (AR) resume with the same focus on detail you bring to your work as an AR professional. Start by making a list of facts. Include your experience, such as leading AR teams, tracking payments, and results you’ve achieved for employers, along with relevant education and certifications. Then choose a template that lets you organize those facts to tell a cohesive story about your qualifications for the position. Learn more about creating an AR resume with the tips and examples below.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your accounts receivable qualifications

Open your resume with a short summary of your career highlights. Focus on how your experience, education, and skills meet specific needs listed in the employer’s job posting. Highlight anything that sets you apart from similar applicants. For example, you could mention your in-depth experience with Xero or other accounting programs or emphasize your ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Senior-Level Profile Example

Senior AR specialist with over 11 years of advancement and experience. Skilled at leading, training, and motivating AR team members. Draw on deep knowledge of Microsoft Office software and specialist accountancy programs, including Xero and Sage Business Cloud. Maintain high precision and efficiency in dynamic and fast-paced work settings.

Entry-Level Profile Example

Motivated AR clerk with over two years of experience tracking payments for various company departments. Provide timely, accurate billing to help businesses raise efficiency and profit. Equally effective working solo or on a team. Quickly adapt to new work challenges and industry conditions.

2. Create a powerful list of your accounts receivable experience

The professional experience section must do more than list your past employers and job duties. Use this section to give examples of your success and indicate the value you’ll generate in your next role. Include bullet points on your past results, and quantify the information whenever possible. For example, rather than just saying you reduced AR, give details such as the type of accounts, the time span, and the amount you reduced them.

Senior-Level Professional Experience Example

Senior Accounts Receivable Specialist ARAG North America, Des Moines, IA | February 2017 to present

Entry-Level Professional Experience Example

Accounts Receivable Clerk Electrical Designs Limited, Omaha, NE | July 2020 to present

3. Include accounts receivable-related education and certifications

Always review job listings carefully so you know what education and certifications the employer is looking for. If you have those credentials, feature them in a concise, easy-to-scan format on your resume. Also, include any credentials that relate to your target job and may help you stand out. For example, a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist credential might be relevant if you’re applying to AR jobs in health care.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
• Associate of Science in Business Administration
• Franklin Community College, Atlanta, GA | 2014
• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
• Accounts Receivable Specialist (ARS), Institute of Finance & Management, 2017

4. Outline your most useful accounts receivable skills and proficiencies

Often, before you can impress a hiring manager with your resume, you have to get it past an applicant tracking system (ATS) . One way to do that is by emphasizing those of your skills the ATS is likely coded to look for. Consider the list below and whether any of these skills align with your AR experience — when they do, incorporate them with your resume.

How To Pick the Best Accounts Receivable Resume Template

Choose a simple resume template that focuses on your relevant information. Avoid fancy templates with expressive fonts or flourishes, and stick with basic formatting to ensure a clean, concise document.

Rebecca Finney - recruiter and trainer in financial industries, LinkedIn

Meet our expert: Rebecca Finney has spent over five years in agency recruiting, primarily in the banking, finance, and accounting industries for permanent and contract staffing.

1. What are the most in-demand skills for accounts receivable that should be featured on a candidate’s resume? -

Hard Skills

• Customer service
• Investigation
• Proficiency with accounting software (Quickbooks, Sage, SAP, and such)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Reports and analysis

Soft Skills

• Customer-service oriented
• Professional and interpersonal communication

2. What work experience and other accomplishments are hiring managers looking for in an accounts receivable candidate? -

Hiring managers often prefer AR candidates with previous experience in AR and collections. Even prior experience in customer experience is worth highlighting because much of AR does have roots in customer service.

3. What else, in addition to a resume, should an accounts receivable candidate be prepared to provide hiring managers? -

It never hurts to include a cover letter as long as the grammar, syntax, and spelling are correct and the context is relevant to the job that the candidate is applying for. Sometimes, candidates may be asked to complete a Microsoft Proficiency test, so any previous certifications that a candidate can provide are recommended.

4. What advice would you give an accounts receivable candidate about their job search? -

Utilize your alumni network. Accountants know other accountants. In an interview, talk specifically about your accounting experience(s), and the systems/programs you’ve used. Explain how your actions have supported other accountants.

Frequently Asked Questions: Accounts Receivable Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for accounts receivable resumes -.

Action verbs serve several purposes on your resume. They signal you’re an applicant who gets things done. When you start bullet points and sentences with strong verbs, you make it easier for hiring managers to scan your resume and remember information. Start with some of the options below, which are commonly used on AR resumes.

How do you align your resume with an accounts receivable job posting? -

Start by cross-referencing your skills and experience with what’s mentioned in the job posting. Anytime those two lists overlap, highlight that fact on your resume by using similar words and phrases. For example, if the employer seeks someone with experience using Sage accounting tools, cite them in your profile or skills section.

Job opportunities for accounting clerks of all types are on the decline, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , so aligning your resume with each job posting can help you stand out in a competitive field.

What is the best accounts receivable resume format? -

Most AR professionals should use the combination (or hybrid) format. True to its name, this format combines two important features of other resume formats: the chronological format’s experience section and the functional format’s profile section.

A combination resume offers the best of both worlds by fusing these two sections. The experience section lets you outline your recent work history – essential information for most employers. At the same time, the profile section lets you display your career highlights at the top, regardless if they’re from that work history or another part of your background. The resulting resume is straightforward yet strategic. It gives hiring managers the clearest possible view of your background and relevant skills, so they can decide to proceed with your candidacy.

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A cover letter lets you elaborate on your experience and why you’re the right choice for the position. For tips on this document, see our bookkeeper cover letter guide .

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Check Out Related Examples

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• Accounts Receivable

5 Amazing accounts receivable Resume Examples (Updated 2023) + Skills & Job Descriptions

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Accounts receivable: resume samples & writing guide, employment history.

• Generate customer statements and reports
• Prepare monthly financial statements
• Resolve customer billing disputes
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing
• Prepare and submit reports to management
• Post payments to customer accounts
• Prepare journal entries
• Prepare and send invoices to customers

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• Ensure compliance with accounting policies and procedures
• Maintain accurate customer accounts

Professional Summary

• Monitor customer accounts for overdue payments
• Research and resolve payment discrepancies
• Prepare bank deposits
• Follow up on past due accounts
• Reconcile customer accounts

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Table of Content

• Introduction
• Resume Samples & Writing Guide
• Resume Example 1
• Resume Example 2
• Resume Example 3
• Resume Example 4
• Resume Example 5
• Jobs Description
• Jobs Skills
• Technical Skills
• Soft Skills
• How to Improve Your Resume
• How to Optimize Your Resume
• Cover Letter Example

accounts receivable Job Descriptions; Explained

If you're applying for an accounts receivable position, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements in order to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Including accurate and relevant information that directly aligns with the job description can greatly increase your chances of securing an interview with potential employers. When crafting your resume, be sure to use action verbs and a clear, concise format to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Remember, the job description is your first opportunity to make an impression on recruiters, so pay close attention to the details and make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

accounts receivable

• Analyze claims and research to correct errors
• Work any outstanding correspondence’s to make sure they are paid
• Call insurance companies regarding any denials on claims
• Edit billing codes as necessary and rebill claim
• Work any outstanding insurance claims to bring them on a paid status
• Research EOB’s and file in the correct systems
• Accounts payable/receivable. 
• Daily banking and receipting monies.
• Daily mail sorting and handling. 
• Handling customer queries face to face and over the phone. 
• Liase with staff regarding wages and rostering.
• Posted insurance payments, insurance adjustments, and personal payments to patients accounts for eight providers on two different computer programs.
• Electronically downloaded the patient’s insurance “Explanation of Benefits” from the different insurance company websites, and balanced the payments and adjustments to a spreadsheet that was prepared daily
• Balanced the daily spreadsheets at the end of each month to the office bank account.
• Located and notified customers of delinquent accounts by mail, telephone, to solicit payment.
• Maintaining the billing system
• Generating invoices and account statements
• Performing account reconciliations
• Maintaining accounts receivable files and records
• Producing monthly financial and management reports
• Investigating and resolving any irregularities or enquiries
• Assisting in general financial management and analysis
• Counsel customers regarding student related functions of other College departments, i.e. financial aid, registrar, housing, admissions, etc. in order to address or refer issues not served directly by the Bursar area. 
• Provides administrative support to an academic teaching department by providing reception services, scheduling appointments, meetings, and travel, filing, researching files and records, and preparing and proofreading correspondence, reports, and other documents as requested.
• Interprets entries to students’ accounts and identifies balances by accessing Banner and referencing related documents.
• A hard worker with strong customer communication skills.

accounts receivable Job Skills

For an accounts receivable position, your job skills are a key factor in demonstrating your value to the company and showing recruiters that you're the ight fit for the role. It's important to be specific when highlighting your skills and ensure that they are directly aligned with the job requirements, as this can greatly improve your chances of being hired. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can make a compelling case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

How to include technical skills in your resume:

Technical skills are a set of specialized abilities and knowledge required to perform a particular job effectively. Some examples of technical skills are data analysis, project management, software proficiency, and programming languages, to name a few. Add the technical skills that will get hired in your career field with our simple-to-use resume builder. Select your desired resume template, once you reach the skills section of the builder, manually write in the skill or simply click on "Add more skills". This will automatically generate the best skills for your career field, choose your skill level, and hit "Save & Next."

• Account Reconciliation
• Accounts Payable
• Bookkeeping
• Financial Analysis
• Tax Preparation
• Cash Management
• Financial Reporting
• Forecasting
• Credit Management
• Reconciliation
• Collections
• Bank Reconciliation

How to include soft skills in your resume:

Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work and that can be used in any job. Including soft skills such as time management, creative thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and show that you navigate challenges and changes in the workplace efficiently. Add competitive soft skills to make your resume stand-out to recruiters! Simply select your preferred resume template in the skills section, enter the skills manually or use the "Add more skills" option. Our resume builder will generate the most relevant soft skills for your career path. Choose your proficiency level for each skill, and then click "Save & Next" to proceed to the next section.

• Communication
• Interpersonal
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Critical Thinking
• Adaptability
• Organization
• Public Speaking
• Negotiation
• Conflict Resolution
• Attention to Detail
• Self-Motivation
• Stress Management
• Collaboration
• Strategic Thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Flexibility
• Reliability
• Professionalism
• Computer Literacy
• Data Analysis
• Project Management
• Customer Service
• Presentation
• Written Communication
• Social Media
• Troubleshooting
• Quality Assurance
• Supervisory
• Risk Management
• Database Management
• Documentation
• Financial Management
• Visualization
• Business Acumen
• Process Improvement
• Relationship Management.

How to Improve Your accounts receivable Resume

Navigating resume pitfalls can mean the difference between landing an interview or not. Missing job descriptions or unexplained work history gaps can cause recruiters to hesitate. Let's not even talk about the impact of bad grammar, and forgetting your contact info could leave your potential employer hanging. Aim to be comprehensive, concise, and accurate.

Include your Contact Information and Job Descriptions

Missing job descriptions lessens your chances of getting hired..

• Employers want to know what you've accomplished, so make sure to include descriptions for all of your previous jobs.
• Keep job descriptions short but don't just list your jobs.
• Never copy-paste a job description to post on your resume. Get inspired and use tools to help you write customized descriptions.

How to Optimize Your accounts receivable Resume

Keep an eye out for these resume traps. Neglecting to detail your job roles or explain gaps in your career can lead to unnecessary doubts. Grammar blunders can reflect negatively on you, and without contact information, how can employers reach you? Be meticulous and complete.

• Resolve customer billing disputess
• Reconcile customer accountss
• Assist with month-end and year-end closinng
• Reslove customer billing disputs
• Prepare journal entires
• Post payments to customer accounts.
• Prepair bank depoists
• Generate customer statments & report's
• Assist with month-end & year-end closin'

Correct Grammar and Address Gap Years in Your Resume

Don't leave unexplained gaps in your work history..

• When explaining gaps in your employment section, start by being honest.
• Elaborate on the gap and show that you never stopped learning.
• Explain and elaborate any gap in your work history by highlighting new skills.

accounts receivable Cover Letter Example

A cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application when applying for an accounts receivable position. Cover letters provide a concise summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience, also it also gives you an opportunity to explain why you're the best fit for the job. Crafting a cover letter that showcases your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the Accounts Payable role can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

To the Recruitment Team at Crowe Horwath

I am writing to express my interest in the Chief Accounts Receivable role at Crowe Horwath. As an Accounts Receivable with 7 years of experience, I am confident that I possess the necessary skills and qualifications to excel in this position.

As someone who has always been curious and eager to learn, I have pursued my education and gained experience in areas like Auditing to develop my skills in my work. This experience has given me the opportunity to lead major projects and provide my input in diverse areas, which have helped me gain a deeper understanding of the industry. I am excited to bring my passion and expertise to the role at this company and work towards achieving your organization's goals.

I appreciate the opportunity to apply for the Chief Accounts Receivable position. I am committed to making a positive impact on the world, so I am thrilled about the opportunity to join your team and work towards achieving our shared goals for the betterment of everyone.

Showcase your most significant accomplishments and qualifications with this cover letter. Personalize this cover letter in just few minutes with our user-friendly tool!

Related Resumes & Cover Letters

Contemporary

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• Accounts Receivable Resume Example

Resume Examples

• Common Tasks & Responsibilities
• Top Hard & Soft Skills
• Action Verbs & Keywords
• Resume FAQs
• Similar Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Accounts Receivable Resumes:

• Process customer payments and apply them to customer accounts
• Reconcile customer accounts to ensure accuracy
• Resolve customer billing disputes
• Generate and send invoices to customers
• Follow up with customers regarding overdue payments
• Monitor customer accounts for delinquent payments
• Prepare and submit monthly reports to management
• Maintain customer accounts in the accounting system
• Prepare and submit customer statements
• Respond to customer inquiries regarding billing and payment
• Assist with month-end closing activities
• Assist with other accounting tasks as needed

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Accounts Receivable Resume Example:

• Reduced the average time to resolve customer billing disputes by 50% through implementing a new process that streamlined communication between the Accounts Receivable team and customers.
• Improved customer satisfaction scores by 15% by proactively following up with customers regarding overdue payments and providing personalized payment plans to meet their needs.
• Generated monthly reports that accurately tracked delinquent payments, resulting in a 10% reduction in outstanding balances and a 5% increase in on-time payments.
• Implemented a new invoicing system that reduced errors by 25% and improved the accuracy of customer accounts, resulting in a 10% increase in revenue.
• Collaborated with the Sales team to develop a new customer onboarding process that reduced the time to set up new accounts by 30% and improved customer retention rates by 20%.
• Managed the month-end closing process, ensuring all accounts were reconciled and accurate, resulting in a 95% accuracy rate and timely submission of financial reports to management.
• Developed and implemented a new process for preparing and submitting customer statements, resulting in a 20% reduction in errors and a 15% increase in on-time payments.
• Improved the efficiency of the Accounts Receivable team by 25% through cross-training team members on different tasks and implementing a new task prioritization system.
• Resolved a backlog of overdue payments, resulting in a 50% reduction in outstanding balances and a 10% increase in on-time payments.
• Accounts receivable management
• Billing dispute resolution
• Customer service and communication
• Financial reporting and analysis
• Invoicing and account accuracy
• Process improvement and implementation
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Customer onboarding and retention
• Month-end closing and reconciliation
• Time management and prioritization
• Team training and development
• Attention to detail and error reduction
• Payment plan negotiation
• Collections and debt recovery
• Knowledge of accounting software and systems

Top Skills & Keywords for Accounts Receivable Resumes:

Hard skills.

• Invoicing and Billing
• Payment Processing
• Account Reconciliation
• Collections Management
• Financial Reporting
• Credit Analysis and Risk Assessment
• Cash Application
• Customer Service
• Excel and Spreadsheet Management
• Accounting Software (e.g. QuickBooks, SAP)
• Audit and Compliance
• Dispute Resolution

Soft Skills

• Attention to Detail
• Organization and Time Management
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking
• Customer Service and Relationship Building
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
• Multitasking and Prioritization
• Accuracy and Precision
• Empathy and Understanding
• Accountability and Responsibility

Resume Action Verbs for Accounts Receivables:

• Investigated
• Facilitated
• Prioritized
• Implemented
• Streamlined
• Communicated
• Followed up

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Resume FAQs for Accounts Receivables:

How long should i make my accounts receivable resume, what is the best way to format a accounts receivable resume, which keywords are important to highlight in a accounts receivable resume, how should i write my resume if i have no experience as a accounts receivable, compare your accounts receivable resume to a job description:.

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Accounts Receivable job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

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Related Resumes for Accounts Receivables:

Entry level accountant, finance manager, financial analyst, junior financial analyst, risk management, senior financial analyst.

Understanding Accounts Receivable (Definition and Examples)

Nick Zaryzcki

Reviewed by

Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA

May 1, 2024

This article is Tax Professional approved

Most small businesses sell to their customers on credit. That is, they deliver the goods and services immediately, send an invoice, then get paid a few weeks later. Businesses keep track of all the money their customers owe them using an account in their books called accounts receivable.

I am the text that will be copied.

Here we’ll go over how accounts receivable works, how it’s different from accounts payable , and how properly managing your accounts receivable can get you paid faster.

What is accounts receivable?

Accounts receivable is any amount of money your customers owe you for goods or services they purchased from you in the past. This money is typically collected after a few weeks and is recorded as an asset on your company’s balance sheet. You use accounts receivable as part of accrual basis accounting.

Why is accounts receivable important?

Having lots of customers is great. But if some of them pay late or not at all, they might be hurting your business. Late payments from customers are one of the top reasons why companies get into cash flow or liquidity problems.

When you have a system to manage your working capital , you can stay ahead of issues like these. Calculating your business’s accounts receivable turnover ratio is one of the best ways to keep track of late payments and make sure they aren’t getting out of hand.

How are accounts receivable classified and where do I find my AR balance?

You can find your accounts receivable balance under the ‘current assets’ section on your balance sheet or general ledger . Accounts receivable are classified as an asset because they provide value to your company. (In this case, in the form of a future cash payment.)

Your general ledger will show your total accounts receivable balance, but to dig into outstanding payments by individual customers, you’ll usually need to refer to the accounts receivable subsidiary ledger.

Does accounts receivable count as revenue?

Accounts receivable is an asset account, not a revenue account. However, under accrual accounting , you record revenue at the same time that you record an account receivable.

Let’s say you send your friend Keith’s business, Keith’s Furniture Inc., an invoice for $500 in exchange for a logo you designed for them. You’d make the following entry in your books the moment you invoice Keith’s Furniture:

(If you want to understand why we’re making two entries to record one transaction here, check out our guide to double-entry accounting .)

But remember: under cash basis accounting , there are no accounts receivable. Under that system, a transaction doesn’t count as a sale until the money hits your bank account.

What is an accounts receivable aging schedule?

Keeping track of exactly who’s behind on which payments can get tricky if you have many different customers. Some businesses will create an accounts receivable aging schedule to solve this problem.

Here’s an example of an accounts receivable aging schedule for the fictional company XYZ Inc.

Accounts Receivable Aging Schedule

XYZ Inc., as of July 22, 2021

A quick glance at this schedule can tell us who’s on track to pay within 30 days, who’s behind schedule, and who’s really behind.

For example, you can immediately see that Keith’s Furniture Inc. is having problems paying its bills on time. You might want to give them a call and talk to them about getting their payments back on track.

What’s the difference between accounts receivable and accounts payable?

Though lenders and investors consider both of these metrics when assessing the financial health of your business, they’re not the same.

Accounts receivable are an asset account, representing money that your customers owe you.

Accounts payable on the other hand are a liability account, representing money that you owe another business.

Let’s say you send your friend Keith’s business, Keith’s Furniture Inc., an invoice for $500 in exchange for a logo you designed for them.

When Keith gets your invoice, he’ll record it as an accounts payable in his general ledger, because it’s money he has to pay someone else.

You (or your bookkeeper) record it as an account receivable on your end, because it represents money you will receive from someone else.

What is the “allowance for uncollectible accounts” account?

If you do business long enough, you’ll eventually come across clients who pay late, or not at all. When a client doesn’t pay and we can’t collect their receivables, we call that a bad debt .

Businesses that have been around for a while will often estimate their total bad debts ahead of time to make sure the accounts receivable shown on their financial statements aren’t unrealistically high. They’ll do this by setting up something called an “allowance for uncollectible accounts.”

Let’s say your total sales for the year are expected to be $120,000, and you’ve found that in a typical year, you won’t collect 5% of accounts receivable.

To estimate your bad debts for the year, you could multiply total sales by 5% ($120,000 * 0.05). You’d then credit the resulting amount ($6,000) to “allowance for uncollectible accounts,” and debit “ bad debt expense ” by the same amount:

What is the accounts receivable turnover ratio?

The accounts receivable turnover ratio is a simple financial calculation that shows you how fast your customers are at paying their bills.

We calculate it by dividing total net sales by average accounts receivable.

Let’s use a fictional company XYZ Inc.’s 2021 financials as an example.

Let’s say that at the beginning of 2021 (Jan 1), XYZ Inc. had total accounts receivable of $2,500. Let’s also say that at the end of 2021 (Dec 31) its total accounts receivable was $1,500. It also had total net sales of exactly $60,000 for 2021.

To get the average accounts receivable for XYZ Inc. for that year, we add the beginning and ending accounts receivable amounts and divide them by two:

$2,500 + $1,500 / 2 = $2,000

To calculate the accounts receivable turnover ratio, we then divide net sales ($60,000) by average accounts receivable ($2,000):

$60,000 / $2,000 = 30

This means XYZ Inc. has an accounts receivable turnover ratio of 30. The higher this ratio is, the faster your customers are paying you.

Thirty is a really good accounts receivable turnover ratio. For comparison, in the fourth quarter of 2021 Apple Inc. had a turnover ratio of 13.2.

To calculate the average sales credit period—the average time that it takes for your customers to pay you—we divide 52 (the number of weeks in one year) by the accounts receivable turnover ratio (30):

52 weeks / 30 = 1.73 weeks

This means that in 2021, it took XYZ Inc.’s customers an average of 1.73 weeks to pay their bills. Pretty good!

What can I do to make people pay faster?

Following up on late customer payments can be stressful and time-consuming, but tackling the problem early can save you loads of trouble down the road. Here’s how you can encourage customers to pay you on time.

Develop a crystal-clear credit policy

Instead of getting more flexible with your customers, which can be tempting when you’re starved for cash, develop crystal-clear guidelines for when you can and cannot extend credit to your customers. Then don’t hesitate to enforce them, even if it means turning down a few people in the short term.

Vet new customers, ask for up-front deposits on large orders, and institute interest charges for payments that come in after the due date. When a new customer signs up and sees these payment terms, they’ll understand from the get-go you’re serious about getting paid.

Give customers more ways to pay

If you only offer limited payment options, customers may be more inclined to drag their feet when the invoice due date rolls around. There are fees associated with accepting credit card payments, but allowing customers to pay using their credit cards is usually win-win: you’ll get paid faster and they can rack up points.

Offer a financial incentive

One way to get people to pay you sooner is to make it worth their while. Offering them a discount for paying their invoices early—2% off if you pay within 15 days, for example—can get you paid faster and decrease your customer’s costs. If you don’t already charge a late fee for past due payments, it may be time to consider adding one.

Call them and schedule regular reminders

Simply getting on the phone with a client and reminding them about unpaid invoices can often be enough to get them to pay. Sending email reminders at regular intervals—say, after 15, 30, 45, and 60 days—can also help jog your customers’ memory.

What if they don’t pay?

Let’s say you’ve done all of the above and those outstanding invoices remain unpaid. What now?

Cut off late-paying customers

Many companies will stop delivering services or goods to a customer if they have bills that are more than 120, 90, or even 60 days due. Cutting a customer off in this way can signal that you’re serious about getting paid.

Convert their account receivable into a long-term note

If you have a good relationship with the late-paying customer, you might consider converting their account receivable into a long-term note. In this situation, you replace the account receivable on your books with a loan that is due in more than 12 months and which you charge the customer interest for.

Hire a collection agency

If you can’t contact your customer and are convinced you’ve done everything you can to collect, you can hire someone else to do it for you.

Before deciding whether or not to hire a collector, contact the customer and give them one last chance to make their payment. Collection agencies often take a huge cut of the collectible amount—sometimes as much as 50 percent—and are usually only worth hiring to recover large unpaid bills. Coming to some kind of agreement with the customer is almost always the less time-consuming, less expensive option.

When an account receivable becomes bad debt

When it’s clear that an account receivable won’t get paid, we have to write it off as a bad debt expense.

For example, let’s say that after a few months of waiting, calling him on his cellphone, and talking to his family members, it becomes clear that Keith has disappeared and isn’t going to pay that $500 invoice you sent him.

In this case, you’d debit “allowance for uncollectible accounts” for $500 to decrease it by $500.

Remember that the allowance for uncollectible accounts is just an estimate of how much you won’t collect from your customers. Once it becomes clear that a specific customer won’t pay, there’s no longer any ambiguity about who won’t pay.

Once you’re done adjusting uncollectible accounts, you’d then credit “accounts receivable—Keith’s Furniture Inc.” by $500, also decreasing it by $500. Because we’ve decided that the invoice you sent Keith is uncollectible, he no longer owes you that $500.

So the resulting journal entry would be:

What if they end up paying me after all?

Let’s say a few more months pass, and a mysterious envelope with no return address appears in your mailbox. It’s a cheque from Keith’s Furniture Inc. for $500—he ended up paying you after all!

To record this transaction, you’d first debit “accounts receivable—Keith’s Furniture Inc.” by $500 again to get the receivable back on your books, and then credit revenue by $500.

Finally, to record the cash payment, you’d debit your “cash” account by $500, and credit “accounts receivable—Keith’s Furniture Inc.” by $500 again to close it out once and for all.

Accounts receivable as a standard for GAAP & IFRS

According to the industry standard rules for accounting, Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP), the accounts receivable balance should equal net realizable value, which is the amount of cash a business expects to collect from customers. Therefore, this balance would not include bad debt.

According to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which are used in Canada, the European Union, most of South American, Australia, and many other countries around the world, your accounts receivable would apply to any funds you expect to collect from customers within one year (current debt, in other words).

When to call something ‘bad debt’

If the costs of collecting the debt start approaching the total value of the debt itself, it might be time to start thinking about writing the debt off as bad debt—that is, debt that is no longer of value to you. Bad debt can also result from a customer going bankrupt and being financially incapable of paying back their debts.

The IRS says that bad debts include “loans to clients and suppliers,” “credit sales to customers,” and “business loan guarantees,” and that a business "deducts its bad debts, in full or in part, from gross income when figuring its taxable income .”

The IRS’s Business Expenses guide provides detailed information about which kinds of bad debt you can write off on your taxes.

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What Is Accounts Receivable (AR)?

• Understanding AR
• Receivable vs. Payable
• What AR Can Tell You

The Bottom Line

• Corporate Finance
• Financial statements: Balance, income, cash flow, and equity

Accounts Receivable (AR): Definition, Uses, and Examples

Adam Hayes, Ph.D., CFA, is a financial writer with 15+ years Wall Street experience as a derivatives trader. Besides his extensive derivative trading expertise, Adam is an expert in economics and behavioral finance. Adam received his master's in economics from The New School for Social Research and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in sociology. He is a CFA charterholder as well as holding FINRA Series 7, 55 & 63 licenses. He currently researches and teaches economic sociology and the social studies of finance at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Katrina Ávila Munichiello is an experienced editor, writer, fact-checker, and proofreader with more than fourteen years of experience working with print and online publications.

Accounts receivable (AR) is an accounting term for money owed to a business for goods or services that it has delivered but not been paid for yet. Accounts receivable is listed on the company's balance sheet as a current asset .

Key Takeaways

• Accounts receivable (AR) is an item on a company's balance sheet that represents money due the company for products or services it has already delivered.
• Accounts receivable is considered an asset to the company.
• The opposite of accounts receivable is accounts payable, which reflects money that a company owes but has not yet paid.

Joules Garcia / Investopedia

Understanding Accounts Receivable (AR)

Accounts receivable represents money that a business is owed by its clients, often in the form of unpaid invoices. "Receivable" refers to fact that the business has earned the money because it has delivered a product or service but is, at that point in time, still waiting to receive the client's payment.

Accounts receivable, or receivables, can be considered a line of credit extended by a company and normally have terms that require payments be made within a certain period of time. If effect, the company has accepted an IOU from the client. Depending on the agreement between company and client, the payment might be due in anywhere from a few days to 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, or, in some cases, up to a year. At some point along the way, interest on the debt might also begin to accrue.

Companies record accounts receivable as assets on their balance sheets because the customer has a legal obligation to pay the debt and the company has a reasonable expectation of collecting it. They are considered liquid assets because they can be used as collateral to secure a loan to help the company meet its short-term obligations. Receivables are part of a company's working capital .

Furthermore, accounts receivable are classified as current assets, because the account balance is expected from the debtor in one year or less. Other current assets on a company's books might include cash and cash equivalents , inventory , and readily marketable securities.

Assets that could not easily be converted into cash within a year are recorded as noncurrent assets . That category often includes things like physical property, long-term investments, and intellectual property, such as trademarks.

Accounts Receivable vs. Accounts Payable

When a company owes debts to its suppliers or other parties, those are accounts payable . Accounts payable are the opposite of accounts receivable. To illustrate, Company A cleans Company B's carpets and sends a bill for the services.

Company B now owes Company A money, so it lists the invoice in its accounts payable column. While Company A waits to receive the money, it records the amount in its accounts receivable column.

What Accounts Receivable Can Tell You

Accounts receivable are an important element in fundamental analysis , a common method investors use to determine the value of a company and its securities. Because accounts receivable is a current asset, it contributes to a company's liquidity or ability to cover short-term obligations without additional cash flows. 

Fundamental analysts often evaluate accounts receivable in the context of turnover, also known as the accounts receivable turnover ratio . It measures the number of times a company has collected its accounts receivable balances during an accounting period and is considered an indicator of both how efficient the company is in collecting its debts and the credit quality of its customers.

Further analysis would include assessing days sales outstanding (DSO) , which measures the average number of days that it takes a company to collect payments after a sale has been made.

Example of Accounts Receivable

An everyday example of accounts receivable would be an electric company that bills its clients after the clients receive and consume the electricity. The electric company records an account receivable for unpaid invoices as it waits for its customers to pay their bills. 

Most companies operate by allowing a portion of their sales to be on credit. Sometimes, businesses offer such credit to frequent or special customers, who receive periodic invoices rather than having to make payments as each transaction occurs. In other cases, businesses routinely offer all of their clients the ability to pay within some reasonable period after receiving the products or services.

When Does a Debt Become a Receivable?

A receivable is created any time money is owed to a business for services rendered or products provided that have not yet been paid for. For example, when a business buys office supplies, and doesn't pay in advance or on delivery, the money it owes becomes a receivable until it's been received by the seller.

Where Do I Find a Company's Accounts Receivable?

Accounts receivable are recorded on a company's balance sheet. Because they represent funds owed to the company (and that are likely to be received), they are booked as an asset.

How Are Accounts Receivable Different From Accounts Payable?

Accounts receivable represent funds owed to a company and are booked as an asset. Accounts payable, on the other hand, represent funds that a company owes to others and are booked as liabilities.

What Happens If Customers Never Pay What's Due?

When it becomes clear that a receivable won't be paid by the customer, it has to be written off as a  bad debt expense or a one-time charge. Companies might also sell this outstanding debt to a third party debt collector for a fraction of the original amount—creating what accountants refer to to as accounts receivable discounted .

What Are Net Receivables?

Net receivables is an accounting term for a company's accounts receivable minus any receivables it has reason to believe it will never collect. It is typically expressed as a percentage of uncollectible debts relative to collectible ones, and the lower the percentage, the better.

Accounts receivable is one of the most important line items on a company's balance sheet. It reflects the money owed to a company from the sale of its goods or services that remains to be paid by the buyer. Even though it is not yet in hand, it is considered an asset because the company expects to receive it in due course. The shorter the period of time a company has accounts receivable balances, the better, as it means the company can use that money for other business purposes.

Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute. " Accounts Receivable ."

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. "Accounts Receivable and Inventory Financing"

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Accounts Receivable (AR)

What Is Accounts Receivable?

Accounts receivable (AR) are the amounts owed by customers for goods or services purchased on credit. The money owed to the company is called 'accounts receivable' and is tracked as an account in the general ledger , and then reported as a line on the balance sheet.

Where Do You Find Accounts Receivable?

Look for accounts receivable on the company’s balance sheet under the current assets category . Because accounts receivable converts to a cash payment at some time in the future, it will be listed as a current asset. Current assets are those that are expected to be paid within 12 months.

Who Uses Accounts Receivable?

Most businesses use accounts receivable to extend payment terms to their customers.

Businesses also examine their accounts receivable and the A/R turnover rate (described below) to understand how quickly and how well they are collecting payments due to them.

How to Calculate Accounts Receivable

To calculate accounts receivable, add up all of the company’s sales on net credit terms. Net terms may be represented as net 15, net 30, net 60, and so on. The number refers to the amount of time extended to the customer to pay the invoice. For example, “net 15” would mean that the customer must pay in full within 15 days.

Accounts Receivable Example

Let’s assume that an office supply company receives an order from a New York consulting firm for $1,000 in office supplies. The office supply company ships the order and extends net 60 credit terms to their customer.

Once the office supply company receives the order and sends the invoice, it decreases its inventory account by $1,000 and increases its accounts receivable by $1,000.

The consulting firm pays their invoice within 60 days. The office supply company now increases their cash by $1,000 and reduces its accounts receivable by $1,000.

What Is the Accounts Receivable Turnover Ratio?

The accounts receivable turnover ratio is used to assess how well a company collects payment from its customers.

Collecting accounts receivable on time is important because companies need cash to pay for their own operations. A high accounts receivable balance can lead to cash flow shortages for a company until it is able to collect on its debt. It may indicate that the company has a problem collecting its debts.

A/R turnover ratio is calculated as:

Where: Net credit sales = the total number of sales minus returns for a given period. Average accounts receivable = starting balance of A/R + ending balance of A/R for the period divided by 2.

Example of Accounts Receivable Turnover Ratio

Using the previous example of an office supply firm, let’s look at their A/R turnover ratio.

If the total number of sales for the office supply company for the quarter is $20,000 (with no returns), the net credit sales is $20,000. Assuming the starting A/R balance is $3,000 and the ending balance is $1,000, we get $4,000/2 = $2,000.

$20,000 = 10 $2,000

The A/R turnover ratio means that the company has collected its A/R 10 times that quarter. Comparing that figure to the A/R turnover ratio from other quarters can help management assess whether the company is improving its ability to collect on A/R – or whether it is having difficulty collecting.

Aging Schedule for Accounts Receivable

An aging schedule for accounts receivable displays the amount of A/R owed by time period. It can help a company estimate how much A/R remains outstanding and predict cash flow. It can also be used to project “doubtful debt”, which is any debt that might be completely uncollectible in the future.

Companies can use past aging schedules to assess how much aging debt may need to be written off. They can review their history of collecting on debts at each stage of the aging schedule and then make an informed guess as to how much might become “bad” debt.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Accounts Receivable

Using accounts receivable has several advantages:

• Using payment terms and invoicing customers is a standard business practice and is thus favorably received.
• It allows customers to receive goods and services on credit and pay according to terms.
• Businesses can sell more through payment terms.

It has some disadvantages, however:

• Companies may find it challenging to collect on open balances. They may need to send multiple reminders – or even send collection agencies – to collect on the debts owed to them.
• Cash flow may be tight during times when the company has many outstanding receivables.

Accounts Receivable vs. Accounts Payable

Accounts receivable is the money owed to a company. Accounts payable is money the company owes to others. An easy way to remember the difference: A/R is for “received” payment and A/P is for “paying others.” Receivables are classified as short-term assets, while payables are short term liabilities.

Accounts Receivable vs. Revenue

When looking at accounts receivable vs. revenue, it can help to consider how they fit into the whole accounting picture:

• A/R refers to the amount of money that customers owe to a company for the sale of goods or services. It appears as a line item under current assets on a company’s balance sheet.
• Revenue refers to all of the sales of a company. The revenue figure may include accounts receivable, but it will also include paid invoices, too. Revenue appears on the income statement.

Cash Basis Accounting vs. Accounts Receivable

Cash basis accounting does not recognize accounts receivable or payable. Instead, sales are recognized when they are made and paid, and the business pays for supplies immediately upon purchase and receipt.

Consider a small business owner who sells crafts at fairs and flea markets. He may pay in cash for his materials (e.g. paint, glue) and insists on cash payments. Cash basis accounting offers the simplest method for such a business owner to track sales and expenses.

Bad Debt vs. Accounts Receivable

Bad debt refers to accounts receivable that are unlikely to be collected. These occur when companies deliver goods on credit (net terms) and fail to collect payment.

Bad debt is expensed as a cost of doing business. It is frequently categorized under SG & A (sales and general administrative expenses) and leads to an offsetting reduction against accounts receivable on the balance sheet.

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