Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and labor market information for Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks is based on national data, not school-specific information. If the information on these documents is consistent, the supplier’s invoice is sent forward for payment. If the information is not consistent, the accounts payable clerk must resolve the differences before sending the invoice forward for payment. We are looking for a skilled Accounting Clerk to perform a variety of accounting, bookkeeping and financial tasks. They must be attentive to detail, thorough, possess a strong work ethic, and be professional and courteous when working with others. Four-year bachelor’s degrees offer comprehensive studies, while master’s degrees take 1-2 years and delve into more advanced topics and concepts.
- Accounts receivable clerks, on the other hand, manage customer payments and reconcile bank statements.
- Higher-level positions may require in-depth tax compliance research, detailed reporting, and managing more complex accounts.
- Finally, you’ll need to be comfortable both working independently and as part of a team.
- Hiring managers typically seek candidates who have previous experience in bookkeeping, customer service, and record-keeping.
Later on in your career, you could end up with the title assistant controller. Accounts payable clerks are responsible for issuing payments to vendors and processing invoices. Accounts receivable clerks, on the other hand, manage customer payments and reconcile bank statements. Additionally, Payscale’s August 2022 data notes that accounting clerks with more than 10 years of experience earn, on average, about $2.60 more per hour than entry-level professionals.
Strengthen your soft skills
Entry-level accounting clerks work as junior members of an accounting department and report to accountants or senior bookkeepers. Their responsibilities include entering financial information into databases, filing documents, and verifying the accuracy of invoice information and monthly statements. On-the-job training from a junior or senior accountant can enhance necessary skills.
These professionals may also buy and sell stocks, purchase real estate assets, and perform other investment duties based on consultations with investment accountants and clients. With data analytics experience under their belts, accounting clerks can pursue work as budget analysts, financial analysts, and actuaries. Bank accountants and accounting clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.
Aside from document handling, they also help with creating and validating financial statements and bookkeeping. As such, accounting clerks should have a strong background in accounting to manage their tasks better. The typical career path for accounting clerks starts with an entry-level job and on-the-job training. After acquiring experience, landing more advanced roles, and completing continuing education, professionals may qualify for other accounting and finance roles. In large corporations, organizations and governmental agencies, each accounting clerk will take on a more specialized role within the accounting department. For example, an auditing clerk will only be required to handle matters that are relevant to making sure that company records are accurate and compliant with local, state and federal laws.
I start my day by reviewing the invoices that have come in overnight and assigning them to the appropriate accounts. Then, I issue payments to vendors and update our accounting software with the latest transactions. An accounting clerk is similar to an accounting assistant in that they both provide support to the accounting department. top 12 bookkeeping best practices for achieving business success However, accounting assistants typically have more responsibilities, such as preparing financial statements and tax returns. They may also have supervisory duties, whereas accounting clerks typically do not. Higher-level positions may require in-depth tax compliance research, detailed reporting, and managing more complex accounts.
These programs may offer specializations, which allow students to point their education in a certain direction. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. The BLS is committed to providing data promptly and according to established schedules. Automated retrieval programs (commonly called “robots” or “bots”) can cause delays and interfere with other customers’ timely access to information.
This can contrasted against the duties of a payroll clerk, which would be to deal only with matters relevant to the issuance of employee paychecks and payroll taxation. Companies large enough to have one or more accountants on staff often hire accounting clerks to assist the accountants with routine tasks. Bookkeepers typically analyze financial information to help organizations make informed decisions. While accounting assistants usually help one accountant, accounting clerks may assist entire accounting departments. Accounting clerks handle organizations’ financial records, tracking all activities and keeping accounts accurate and updated. They may also manage transactions, such as payroll, bill payments, and accounts payable and receivable.
Search top-tier programs curated by your interests.
A government accounting clerk’s duties are similar to those in the private sector. However, accounting clerks working in government offices manage different budgets, transactions, and reports. By accumulating experience or pursuing more advanced training, they can pursue tax accountant and cost accountant positions.
This position pays fairly well, and for people who also possess a bachelor’s degree, good entry-level experience in becoming an accountant. However, an accounting clerk’s salary often varies depending on their personal, professional experience, education level, and industry. Accounting clerks constantly work with numbers and data, enabling them to spot patterns and trends in financial information. This unique skill helps businesses make informed decisions based on accurate financial reporting.
How long does it take to start an accounting clerk career?
The experience required for these careers depends on the employer, the position, and the accounting clerk’s qualifications. Professionals with postsecondary degrees may not need experience for entry-level positions, though internships and practicums help students gain experience while they study. Accounting clerk positions are usually entry level, but these professionals play a key role in the overall operation of an organization. They keep records in order and accounts reconciled so upper management can focus their attention on more complex financial undertakings. Accounting clerks generally do not need more than a high school diploma to begin their careers.
Additionally, the responsibility of organizing and maintaining important financial records instills a sense of order and structure within the workplace, contributing to overall efficiency. Holding an accounting certification can also open the door to diverse accounting clerk opportunities. For instance, a certified tax preparer credential could set a candidate apart from others competing for tax clerk positions. For instance, these accounting professionals may perform accounting duties for school districts, public welfare agencies, or city governments. This type of accounting requires in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of the government organization’s financial processes. Accounting clerks often specialize in an industry or financial niche to meet their organizations’ and clients’ needs.
Accounting Clerk Areas of Expertise
Accounting and auditing clerks can be found in nearly every industrial and business sector since all businesses keep, maintain and analyze financial records. Still, the outlook for accounting clerks somewhat depends on factors like location, experience, education, and industry. For instance, earning an accounting degree or certification can lead to advanced positions as auditors or accountants.
The differences between Bank Accountants and Accounting Clerks can be seen in a few details. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a Bank Accountant, becoming an Accounting Clerk takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, Bank Accountant has a higher average salary of $52,142, compared to Accounting Clerk pays an average of $38,683 annually. While working as an accounting clerk doesn’t require a college degree, you do need a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Specific Duties For Accounting Clerks
Populous states like California and Texas employ high numbers of these professionals. The District of Columbia and Massachusetts pay the highest salaries, according to BLS data from May 2021. The top three skills for a Bank Accountant include Reconciliations, General Ledger and Financial Statements.
Furthermore, the CB and CPB certifications require between 2-3 years of experience to qualify. These candidates can take the required certification programs and courses, pass the respective exams, and then build their experience until they qualify for national certification. You need to be a pro in the art of communication, as you’ll be interacting with coworkers from other departments. It’s also important that you’re organized and very good at keeping track of the information for which you’re responsible. Discretion is vital because much of that information will be confidential or sensitive.
The ability to think critically and solve problems can help you figure out why ledgers and statements aren’t reconciling. Finally, you’ll need to be comfortable both working independently and as part of a team. An accounting clerk is an administrative support person to accountants and other more senior accounting staff members. Accounting clerks should have excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills. They must also be proficient in accounting, mathematics, computing, and data management. Investment accounting clerks work with investment firms to handle real estate, personal, and other investments.
No comment yet, add your voice below!