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How to Become An Accounts Receivable Officer

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What is a Accounts Receivable Officer

An Accounts Receivable Officer is the person who makes sure money comes into a business. They send out invoices, track what clients owe, and chase up late payments. If you like numbers and dealing with people, this could be a great career for you. It is a busy, hands-on role in demand across most industries in Australia.

Day to day, you will send invoices, process payments, and check accounts to keep records right. You will also speak with clients about unpaid balances and sort out any billing issues. Most AR Officers use tools like Xero, MYOB, or SAP to track every payment. It is fast-paced work that builds real finance skills from day one.

The skills you build in this role open up many paths in finance. With experience, you could move into credit control, accounts management, or financial analysis. You could also study further to become a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) or work towards a Diploma of Accounting. The path is wide open for people willing to keep learning.

The average yearly salary for an Accounts Receivable Officer in Australia is around $80,000 (SEEK Career Advice, 2025). Entry-level roles can start from $65,000, and senior officers can earn up to $95,000. About 93,000 Australians work in accounts clerk roles, including AR Officers (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). It is a stable career with real room to grow.

Career Outlook for Accounts Receivable Officer

An Accounts Receivable Officer role is a great way to start in finance. Most people in this field work full-time, with an average of 40 hours per week (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Part-time options are also open for those who need it. The workforce is about 80% female, with a median age of 45 (ABS, 2021 Census).

The average yearly salary for an AR Officer is around $80,000 (SEEK Career Advice, 2025). You can expect to start on about $65,000, with senior roles paying up to $95,000. About 93,000 Australians work in accounts clerk roles right now (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Demand is stable, with jobs in every state and industry.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Accounts Receivable Officer

An Accounts Receivable Officer manages incoming payments for a business. They send invoices, track unpaid debts, and collect money owed on time. This role is central to the finance team and is found across nearly every industry in Australia. Follow these steps to get started in this career.

Steps to become an Accounts Receivable Officer

Step 1: Complete the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40222)

Start by enrolling in the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40222) at a TAFE or RTO. This well-known qualification takes 12 months full-time or up to 2 years part-time. It covers bank reconciliation, invoice work, financial reports, and accounting software. It is the most common entry qualification for Accounts Receivable Officer roles in Australia.

Step 2: Gain experience in an entry-level finance role

Apply for accounts assistant, billing officer, or finance admin roles while you study or after you finish. These roles give you hands-on practice with the core tasks of an AR Officer. Aim for 6 to 12 months of work before applying for AR Officer positions. This also helps you build skills in software like Xero, MYOB, or SAP.

Step 3: Build skills in key accounting software

Learn the accounting platforms most in demand with Australian employers. Xero, MYOB, and SAP are the top three. Short online courses for each platform are widely available and can be done in a few days. Strong software skills will make you a more competitive candidate and help you hit the ground running.

Step 4: Upgrade to the Diploma of Accounting (FNS50222)

Once you have some experience, consider the Diploma of Accounting (FNS50222) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes 12 to 18 months full-time and covers finance management, credit control, and advanced reporting. It opens doors to senior AR roles and jobs like Credit Manager or Junior Accountant. Some providers offer credit for prior work experience.

Step 5: Join a professional association

Consider joining the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), CPA Australia, or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Student and associate memberships cost less for those just starting out. Membership gives you access to resources, events, and links with other finance professionals. It also shows employers that you are serious about your career in finance.

What does an Accounts Receivable Officer do?

An Accounts Receivable Officer keeps a company’s cash flow on track by managing all incoming payments each day. They send invoices, process payments, chase up late accounts, and check financial records. They also handle client questions about bills and report on unpaid debts to management. It is a varied role that mixes number skills with people skills.

Tasks

An Accounts Receivable Officer plays a vital part in keeping a business’s finances on track. Day to day, this role mixes numbers work with people skills. It is a great fit for someone who wants to make a real mark in a finance team. Here is what the job looks like.

  • Invoice Generation – Creating and sending invoices to clients for goods and services.
  • Payment Processing – Recording and processing incoming payments in the accounting system.
  • Account Checking – Matching payments with invoices and keeping records up to date.
  • Debt Collection – Contacting clients about late accounts and working out payment plans.
  • Client Contact – Answering billing questions and sorting out any payment issues.
  • Reporting – Preparing reports on unpaid invoices and payment trends.
  • Data Entry – Keeping accounting records accurate and up to date.
  • Compliance – Following company policy and financial rules in every transaction.

Skills for Success

To do well as an Accounts Receivable Officer, you need a good eye for detail and solid number skills. You will use accounting software like Xero or MYOB, so basic tech skills are a must. Strong written and verbal skills help you deal with clients and fix billing issues. Being well-organised is key, as you will handle multiple accounts at once.

The role rewards people who stay calm under pressure and solve problems fast. You do not need years of experience to start, but a will to learn goes a long way. Building your skills can lead to bigger roles in credit control or financial management over time.

Skills & Attributes

  • Attention to detail and accuracy with numbers
  • Skills in accounting software (Xero, MYOB, SAP)
  • Clear communication, written and verbal
  • Time management and ability to meet deadlines
  • Invoice processing and account checking
  • Problem-solving and dispute resolution
  • Understanding of GST and financial rules
  • Data entry accuracy and record-keeping
  • Client service and account management
  • Ability to work in a team and on your own

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for an Accounts Receivable Officer in Australia is around $80,000 (SEEK Career Advice, 2025). Entry-level roles usually start at about $65,000. Senior officers in large companies can earn $95,000 or more (Hays Salary Guide, 2025). The median full-time weekly pay for Accounting Clerks is $1,442 (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). This works out to about $75,000 per year. Pay varies by industry, location, and years of experience.

min $65 K

max $95 K

av $80 K

Resources For Accounts Receivable Officers

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.