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To Become Accounts Payable / Receivable Clerk in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook.

by Occupations.ca Team
10 min read

Have you ever wondered who makes sure suppliers get paid on time and customers’ payments are tracked properly? If you like working with numbers, solving puzzles, and keeping things organized, a career as an Accounts Payable / Receivable Clerk in Ontario might be a strong fit for you.

Job Description

As an Accounts Payable (AP) / Receivable (AR) Clerk, you handle the day-to-day flow of money in and out of a business. In AP, you process invoices from vendors and ensure payments are accurate and on time. In AR, you create and send invoices to customers, apply incoming payments, and follow up on overdue accounts. Many roles combine both AP and AR, especially in small and mid-sized organizations.

Daily work activities

You will spend much of your day working in Accounting software and spreadsheets. You will check details, communicate with vendors and customers, and solve issues like missing purchase orders or payment discrepancies. Expect to work closely with purchasing, operations, and the Finance team. Month-end and year-end are busier periods when you will help with reconciliations, reports, and audits.

Main tasks

  • Process vendor invoices (including 2-way/3-way matching with purchase orders and receipts)
  • Code expenses to the correct general ledger (GL) accounts and cost centres
  • Prepare and run cheque/EFT/ACH payment batches, and obtain approvals
  • Monitor AP aging, resolve holds/discrepancies, and maintain vendor files (W-9/W-8 or tax details equivalent for Canadian context, HST registration numbers)
  • Prepare customer invoices and credit memos; send statements
  • Apply cash receipts (cheques, EFTs, credit cards), perform bank deposits
  • Reconcile AR and AP subledgers to the general ledger
  • Follow up on overdue accounts, negotiate payment arrangements professionally
  • Process employee expense reports and corporate credit card reconciliations
  • Track Sales tax (HST) on purchases and sales; ensure correct treatment and documentation
  • Assist with month-end accruals, account reconciliations, and Audit requests
  • Maintain accurate records, digital filing, and data integrity in ERP/accounting systems
  • Support process improvements and AP/AR Automation tools

Required Education

There is more than one path into this role. Many employers in Ontario hire candidates with a college certificate or diploma in accounting or Office Administration. Some entry-level roles accept a high school diploma plus strong software skills and relevant experience. A bachelor’s degree can help you grow into more advanced positions over time (e.g., accounting technician, junior accountant, or analyst).

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Diplomas

  • Certificate (8–12 months):
    • Accounting Techniques
    • Bookkeeping
    • Office Administration – Accounting
  • College Diploma (2 years):
    • Business – Accounting
    • Accounting and Payroll
  • Bachelor’s Degree (4 years):
    • Bachelor of Commerce or Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting or Finance

Additional short programs and micro-credentials can boost your profile:

  • Micro-credentials in bookkeeping, payroll fundamentals, Excel for accounting, or ERP systems
  • CPA Ontario preparatory courses (for those considering future growth toward accounting designations)
  • Vendor certifications for software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage)

Length of studies

  • Certificate: about 8–12 months
  • College Diploma: typically 2 years
  • Bachelor’s Degree: typically 4 years
  • Micro-credentials: 4–16 weeks (varies by provider)
  • Bridging programs for internationally educated professionals: several months to 1 year+

Where to study?

Public colleges in Ontario offering accounting/bookkeeping-related certificates and diplomas:

Ontario universities offering accounting degrees (helpful for long-term progression):

Useful portals and organizations:

Financial aid and retraining:

Salary and Working Conditions

Salary in Ontario (entry-level vs experienced)

In Ontario, pay varies by region, industry, and the software/ERP skills you bring.

  • Entry-level AP/AR Clerk:
    • Hourly: about $20–$24 per hour
    • Annual: about $42,000–$50,000
  • Experienced AP/AR Clerk:
    • Hourly: about $26–$33 per hour
    • Annual: about $55,000–$68,000
  • Senior specialist, Team Lead, or high-complexity sectors (e.g., Construction, manufacturing, healthcare):
    • Potential to reach $70,000–$80,000+

For current Ontario wage data and regional differences, check:

Note: Bonuses may apply in private sector roles. Public sector roles (municipal, healthcare, education) may offer pension and stronger Benefits at slightly lower base pay.

Working conditions

  • Schedule: Generally Monday to Friday, full-time. Overtime is common at month-end, quarter-end, and year-end.
  • Work environment: Office-based or hybrid. Many Ontario employers now offer hybrid or remote days, especially if systems are cloud-based.
  • Tools: Computer-based work with accounting systems (ERP), spreadsheets, and AP/AR automation tools.
  • Employment type: Permanent full-time is common; contract roles are also frequent, especially during year-end or system implementations.
  • Employment standards: Learn about hours of work and overtime on the Ontario government site:
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Job outlook in Ontario

The outlook for AP/AR Clerks in Ontario is generally moderate. Many organizations continue to hire for this role, driven by turnover, growth in sectors like construction and healthcare, and the need to maintain accurate financial records. Automation is changing how the work is done, but it is not eliminating the need for skilled clerks who can investigate discrepancies, handle exceptions, and ensure Compliance.

Key Skills

Soft skills

  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Time management and ability to meet deadlines
  • Communication (clear, professional emails and calls with vendors/customers)
  • Problem-solving (investigating variances, missing POs, unapplied cash)
  • Teamwork (working with purchasing, sales, operations, and finance)
  • Integrity and confidentiality (handling sensitive financial Information)
  • Customer Service mindset (especially for AR/collections conversations)
  • Adaptability (new software, process changes, automation tools)

Hard skills

  • Accounting basics: debit/credit, accruals, GL coding, HST treatment
  • Invoice processing: 2-way/3-way matching, approvals workflow
  • Reconciliations: vendor statements, bank reconciliations, subledger to GL
  • Collections and cash application: AR aging, payment arrangements, remittance matching
  • Excel: sorting/filtering, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, PivotTables, conditional formatting, basic formulas
  • ERPs/accounting systems: QuickBooks, Sage 50, Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, Oracle NetSuite, JD Edwards, Great Plains
  • AP/AR automation: Concur, Coupa, Tipalti, Beanworks/Quadient, Plooto, OCR tools
  • Compliance and audit support: documentation, internal Controls, audit requests
  • Data management: clean master data, vendor/customer setup, accurate records

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Strong entry point into accounting and finance with clear growth paths
  • Transferable skills across industries (manufacturing, construction, healthcare, education, non-profit, tech)
  • Stable demand in Ontario, including public sector opportunities
  • Hybrid/remote options increasingly available
  • Daily variety of tasks and problem-solving opportunities
  • Opportunity to specialize (AP, AR, cash application, deductions, vendor management) or grow to junior accountant

Disadvantages

  • Month-end and year-end can be stressful and require overtime
  • Work can be repetitive without automation or Process Improvement
  • Collections calls in AR can be challenging
  • Pay can plateau without upskilling (e.g., advanced Excel, ERP expertise, diploma/degree)
  • Handling high volumes requires sustained concentration and accuracy

Expert Opinion

If you are starting out or changing careers in Ontario, Accounts Payable / Receivable is a practical, accessible entry into finance. Employers value candidates who can be trusted with details, communicate professionally, and meet deadlines. To stand out, focus on three things:

  1. Software and Excel: Build a strong foundation in Excel (PivotTables, XLOOKUP, data cleanup) and get hands-on with QuickBooks or Sage 50. If you can show comfort with an ERP (e.g., Dynamics 365, NetSuite, SAP), your resume will move to the top of the stack.

  2. Process knowledge: Learn 3-way matching, HST rules, payment runs, and cash application best practices. Be ready to explain how you would handle a duplicate invoice, short payment, or unapplied remittance.

  3. Professionalism: In AP, you protect vendor relationships. In AR, you protect cash flow. Demonstrating clear communication, firm but respectful collections, and accurate documentation sets you apart.

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For long-term growth, consider stacking a college diploma (Business – Accounting) with targeted micro-credentials (e.g., AP automation, advanced Excel). If you enjoy accounting, a degree and CPA Ontario preparatory courses later can open doors to staff accountant roles, financial analysis, and beyond.

FAQ

Do I need a CPA to work as an AP/AR Clerk in Ontario?

No. A CPA is not required for AP/AR Clerk roles. Most employers look for a college certificate or diploma in accounting/bookkeeping and strong software skills. However, if you plan to grow into roles like accounting technician, staff accountant, or Financial Analyst, consider taking CPA Ontario PREP courses later: https://www.cpaontario.ca/become-a-cpa/requirements/cpa-prep

What software should I learn first to be job-ready?

Start with Excel (especially PivotTables and XLOOKUP), plus one small-business system like QuickBooks Online or Sage 50. If you can get exposure to an ERP such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, Oracle NetSuite, or SAP, even at a basic level, you will be competitive. Explore vendor Training:

How can I get my first AP/AR job if I have no Canadian experience?

  • Complete a college certificate/diploma or micro-credentials focused on bookkeeping/AP/AR.
  • Do a co-op or placement through an Ontario college.
  • Volunteer as a bookkeeper for a local non-profit to gain references.
  • Register with Employment Ontario for job search support: https://www.ontario.ca/page/employment-ontario
  • Target entry-level roles like AP/AR Clerk, Billing Clerk, or Accounting Assistant and highlight your software skills on your resume.

Is remote or hybrid work common for AP/AR in Ontario?

Yes, many employers use cloud accounting and digital workflows, making hybrid schedules common. Fully remote roles exist, especially with AP automation tools and electronic payment systems. That said, some positions still require on-site work for cheque processing, mail handling, or departmental collaboration.

What are realistic advancement paths from AP/AR in Ontario?

With experience and upskilling, you could move into:

  • Senior AP/AR Specialist or Team Lead
  • Billing Analyst, Cash Application Specialist, Credit and Collections Specialist
  • Accounting Technician or Junior Accountant (often with a diploma/degree)
  • Later, roles like General Accountant, Assistant Controller, or Financial Analyst if you pursue further education (e.g., degree, CPA PREP)

If you are proactive, learn your company’s ERP, improve reporting in Excel, and help with process improvements, you can progress quickly.

H3: Tips to improve your candidacy

  • Build a portfolio: sample spreadsheets (with dummy data), a mock AP aging report, or a mini cash application walkthrough to demonstrate skills.
  • Learn HST rules for purchases and sales; understand when HST should be charged or self-assessed.
  • Practice professional email templates for vendor queries and collection follow-ups.
  • Get comfortable with AP/AR metrics: days payable outstanding (DPO), days sales outstanding (DSO), unapplied cash, and invoice cycle times.
  • Join a professional network (e.g., CPB Canada) for webinars and Ontario community connections: https://cpbcan.ca/

By focusing on core accounting skills, software proficiency, and strong communication, you can build a reliable and rewarding career as an Accounts Payable / Receivable Clerk in Ontario.

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