The different types of accounts receivable positions can first be categorized into in-house and contracted out jobs. Within these main categories there are manager, accountant, clerk, collection and financier positions. In smaller firms, one person may do more than one job and other work may be contracted out to a business-to-business (B2B) service specializing in accounts receivable.
Accounts receivable financiers offer a line of credit to help a business pay off monies owed to suppliers or other creditors. In order for the business to qualify, there may be a minimum amount that people in these accounts receivable positions must demand of customers. In could also be a part of the bank's lending policy that the company must have been in business for at least a few years before applying for a line of credit to finance its accounts receivables.
Collection jobs focus on trying to recover monies owed to a business from individuals or businesses. Collection accounts receivable positions may be done in-house within a company or outsourced to an agency. A collection agency may take over all of the delinquent accounts from a client with the purpose of getting the past due amounts paid. Someone who works in a collection agency often has one of the most demanding types of accounts receivable jobs as he or she is assigned to handle overdue accounts by continuously calling the person to arrange payment. This collector may propose a monthly payment plan in order to get the monies owed finally paid off.
Clerks in an accounts receivable position usually assist either accountants or managers. They may balance the cash register receipts at the end of the day and/or take deposits to the bank. Clerical types of accounts receivable positions also often involve maintaining client billing systems, recording payments and communicating with customers as needed via email, telephone or in person.
Accountants specializing in accounts receivable prepare financial reports such as month-end revenue data. They typically approve clients for a credit account and keep track of any unpaid accounts. Accounts receivable positions for accountants may include collection duties.
Managerial accounts receivable positions involve overseeing invoicing and cash receipts. An accounts receivable manager must ensure that the firm's financial operating policies are being met. If necessary, the manager may need to develop new systems to create an effective accounts receivable department. These managers typically lead a team of clerks and accountants who may work in-house or on an outsourced basis.