Operational Accounting – is the backbone of financial management within organizations, focusing on the day-to-day transactions that drive business operations. Three key areas within operational accounting include accounts payable, accounts receivable, and billing, each playing a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of a company’s financial relationship with consumers and vendors alike.

Responsibilities:

• Completing payments and controlling expenses by receiving, processing, verifying, and reconciling invoices in compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Maintaining accounting ledgers by verifying and posting account transactions.
• Verifying vendor accounts by reconciling monthly statements and related transactions.
• Establishing and building positive rapport with vendors and key internal stakeholders to facilitate the processing of payables in a timely manner and to be a point of contact for inquiries.
• Reviewing and auditing expense reports submitted to ensure compliance with established policies before issuing payment.
• Ad hoc operational accounting projects as needed.
• Collecting payments from customers and accurately recording them in the system

Key Functions

• • AP Function & Processing: Accounts payable refers to the money owed by a company to its suppliers or vendors for goods or services received on credit. The accounts payable process involves receiving and verifying invoices, reconciling purchase orders and receipts, and authorizing payments to vendors. It ensures timely settlement of obligations while maintaining accurate records of outstanding liabilities. Efficient accounts payable management requires effective communication with vendors, adherence to payment terms, and implementation of internal controls to prevent errors or fraud. It also involves optimizing cash flow by strategically scheduling payments and negotiating favorable terms with suppliers.

• • AR Function & Processing: Accounts receivable represent the money owed to a company by its customers for goods or services provided on credit. The accounts receivable process encompasses generating invoices, tracking receivables, and following up on overdue payments. It involves verifying sales transactions, applying payments to customer accounts, and reconciling accounts receivable records with general ledger balances. Effective accounts receivable management involves establishing credit policies, monitoring customer creditworthiness, and implementing collections strategies to minimize delinquencies. It also requires maintaining accurate customer records, resolving billing disputes promptly, and optimizing cash flow through timely collections.

• • Billing: Involves issuing invoices to customers for goods or services rendered, specifying payment terms and details. The billing process includes generating invoices based on sales orders or service agreements, applying appropriate pricing and discounts, and delivering invoices to customers through various channels. It ensures accurate documentation of revenue transactions and facilitates timely payment processing. Strategic billing management entails streamlining invoicing processes, reducing billing errors or discrepancies, and enhancing billing accuracy and timeliness. It also involves communicating billing policies and terms to customers, addressing billing inquiries or disputes, and leveraging technology solutions for automated billing and invoicing.

Integration and Optimization

• Companies need to proactively enhance the accounts payable, accounts receivable, and billing processes in the same vein as the greater Corporate Accounting team with regular system implementation, automation, and process improvements. By leveraging technology solutions, implementing best practices, and fostering collaboration across departments, organizations can streamline transactional workflows, mitigate financial risks, and drive operational excellence. Effective accounting not only ensures compliance with regulatory requirements but also empowers businesses to make informed decisions, optimize cash flow, and achieve sustainable growth.

Helpful Operational Accounting Designations & Career Resources:

• • 1. What Makes a Good AP Professional
    2. Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP) Certificate

O | Representative Direct Hire Operational Accounting Searches:

Accounts Payable Associate, AP Manager, AR Specialist, Accounts Receivable Manager, Billing Officer, Cash Flow Manager, Billing Specialist, Accounting Generalist, Operational Accountant