What is an accounting clerk?
An accounting clerk ensures a company’s financial records are accurate, helping the organization stay on track financially. Essentially, they’re responsible for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Their job is all about accuracy, which is critical for internal decision-making, regulatory requirements, and maintaining trust with stakeholders. Simply put, they make sure the company’s financial data is spot-on.
Duties and responsibilities
Accounting clerks have many financial tasks to manage, like maintaining financial records, reconciling bank statements, and making sure transactions are recorded correctly. They might also handle invoicing, payroll, and help prepare financial reports. In some cases, they work with other departments to gather data and ensure everything is accurate.
Work environment
Accounting clerks typically work in office settings, close to other finance team members. They spend a lot of time on computers using accounting software and databases. The pace can be calm or hectic, depending on the time of year—like month-end closings or tax season.
Typical work hours
Most accounting clerks work regular office hours, usually 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. But during busy periods, like the end of the fiscal year, overtime might be needed. With the growth of remote work and flexible schedules, some clerks might have more flexible hours or even part-time options.
How to become an accounting clerk
To become an accounting clerk, you need the right mix of education, training, and experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Complete education requirements
At a minimum, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. To boost your chances, consider going to college for a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Some employers might require a degree, so further education can be a smart move.
Step 2: Take online classes and get certified
Even though clerk positions are often entry-level, having certifications and extra training can set you apart. Check out online courses from platforms like Udemy and Coursera to build your knowledge and skills.
- Accounting and Financial Statement Analysis: Complete Training: This course teaches you the basics of business accounting, including bookkeeping, balance sheets, and financial analysis.
- Accounting & Bookkeeping Masterclass – Beginner to Advanced: Perfect for learning bookkeeping rules, transaction recording, and preparing financial statements.
- Financial Accounting: An in-depth course covering long-term assets, stocks, bonds, and other important financial topics.
- Introduction to Finance and Accounting Specialization: A comprehensive course that explores corporate decision-making, accounting standards, and how companies manage debt and equity.
- Use AI Builder and Power Apps to Process Invoice Data: This course shows you how to use AI to automate invoice processing, reducing errors and saving time.
Step 3: Find a job
Once you have the right education and training, it’s time to start job hunting. Update your resume to include any certifications and relevant coursework. You can look for job openings on popular job search websites or check out a company’s career page if you have a specific employer in mind.
How much do accounting clerks make?
There are many variables that go into determining how much an accounting clerk makes, from company size to experience to education just to name a few.
Highest paying industries
- Finance and Insurance: $46,910
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: $46,640
- Wholesale Trade: $45,930
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: $41,100
- Retail Business: $37,710
Highest paying states
- Massachusetts: $53,340
- District of Columbia: $52,748
- Washington: $51,460
- California: $51,080
- Connecticut: $51,050
The average national salary for an Accounting Clerk is:
$39,870
Types of accounting clerks
- Internal accounting clerks: These clerks work within a company’s internal accounting department, focusing on daily tasks like record-keeping, reporting, and other administrative duties. They support the company’s financial operations from the inside.
- External accounting firms: When clients hire accounting firms for specific projects, clerks at these firms may work on various assignments. Some firms specialize in taxes, where clerks help individuals and businesses file tax returns and maintain compliance with tax regulations.
- Audit firms: These firms focus on audits, where clerks help examine financial records to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines. This role involves reviewing financial documents and processes to ensure accuracy and improve efficiency.
- Government accounting clerks: These clerks work with government accountants, managing public funds and ensuring taxpayer money is handled correctly. They assist in various government financial operations and verify the proper use of funds.
- Other specialized firms: Some accounting clerks work with forensic accounting teams, investment firms, or other specialized groups. These roles offer a unique perspective on accounting practices and can be a great way to gain experience in different areas.
Top skills for accounting clerks
- Technical competence: Accounting clerks need to be comfortable using accounting software like QuickBooks, Excel, or other programs their company relies on. Knowing your way around spreadsheets and databases is a must.
- Communication skills: This role requires strong verbal and written communication skills. You need to be able to explain financial information clearly and work well with other team members.
- Mathematical skills: Clerks deal with numbers all day, so having a good grasp of basic math and financial concepts is crucial.
- Knowledge of accounting laws: A basic understanding of accounting and financial laws helps in this role. Knowing the rules and regulations that govern financial practices ensures accuracy and compliance.
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Accounting clerk career path
As an accounting clerk, you’re in a prime position to start building a career in accounting or finance. Here are some potential career paths you can explore:
- Advancing within the accounting department: You can move up to roles like staff accountant or accounting manager. These positions involve more responsibility and oversight of the accounting process.
- Transition to administrative roles: If you’re interested in exploring other areas of business, you can shift to administrative roles. This could involve managing office operations, human resources, or other business functions that require organizational skills and an understanding of finance.
- Pursue certifications: Getting certified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or obtaining other accounting-related certifications can open doors to higher-level positions. These credentials demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
- Specialize in a specific area: You might find a particular area of accounting that interests you. You can specialize in fields like tax accounting, forensic accounting, auditing, or cost accounting, depending on your skills and career goals.
Being an accounting clerk gives you a strong foundation and flexibility in your career. Make the most of the connections you build, and always be open to learning and advancing. This attitude will help you discover the best path for your journey in accounting or related fields.
Similar job titles
Accounting clerk position trends and outlook
Technology has advanced so much that they have now developed software to complete tasks that your average bookkeeper used to do. Therefore, the industry needs fewer bookkeepers, resulting in jobs declining in the next ten years.
Despite the decline, hundreds of thousands of job openings related to accounting will still be available each year. Those job openings are a result of people leaving their job, changing careers, and those who are retiring. Obtaining certifications will help you retain your job and stand out from the rest of the crowd.
Employment projections for accounting clerks
Due to ongoing technological advancements, accounting clerks are on a downward trend. It’s predicted that there will be a decline of 5% in these jobs through 2031.
Accounting clerk career tips
Soft skills and traits
Play brain games that help you practice your math skills and keep your mind sharp regarding numbers. Familiarize yourself with the confidentiality and financial regulations guidelines in your location. Understanding the state and federal guidelines will make you very beneficial to your future employer.
Commonly required skills and qualifications
Improve your computer and typing skills. Data entry is a common task for accounting clerks, and it helps to be quick and efficient when entering information. Become an expert at Excel spreadsheets and pivot tables. Try a free online course that teaches you tricks and hacks to utilize the tool in new ways.
Develop a professional network
Apply for short-term internships with accounting firms to gain experience and learn more about which type of accounting you are most interested in. This will help you start to build your skills and expertise.
Where the accounting clerk jobs are
Top companies
- EY
- Deloitte
- Robert Half
- Wells Fargo
- JPMorgan Chase & Co
Top states
- South Dakota
- Montana
- Alaska
- Tennessee
- Delaware
Top job sites
- Indeed
- Dice
- Careerbuilder
- Monster
FAQs
What skills does it take to be a good accounting clerk?
They should be organized and good with numbers and math. Strong knowledge of accounting software and Excel spreadsheets is essential as well. This position will provide you with experience working with clients, reporting financial information, and verifying data.
What are the most likely advancement opportunities for accounting clerks?
Once you have the job, you should work on increasing your education and training and become certified as a CPA or something similar. This will allow you to move to a staff accountant or accounting manager after a few years.
What does an accounting clerk do?
Their primary job duty is assisting in managing a company’s financial records. It can include data entry, managing, and tracking invoices and payments. Depending on the type of accounting firm or team you’re working for, there might also be some specialized duties.
Is an accounting clerk a good career choice?
Clerk positions are great entry-level jobs and provide some real-life experience that can help you advance your career. The hours are standard, and the stress levels are low, so you can have a healthy work-life balance.
How much experience is required to be promoted from an accounting clerk?
These positions are great for getting experience and additional training on the job. If you want to move up the corporate ladder, you can use this experience and what you’ve learned to apply for staff accountant and bookkeeper jobs. The time to gain the necessary experience depends on how many opportunities you are given in your role.
Is it stressful to be an accounting clerk?
Accounting positions all manage finances for a company. The more money you manage and are responsible for, the more stress you may face at your job. Accounting clerks are entry-level, so the stress level is minimal compared to other higher levels of the accounting team.
Is an accounting clerk higher than a bookkeeper?
Typically, bookkeepers rank higher than accounting clerks within an organization. That’s a typical career advancement path. Both positions help manage financial statements and records for an organization.
Are accounting clerks and accounting assistants the same?
There are many different names for those who work in the accounting departments. Each company may have slightly altered roles for assistants versus clerks, but most of the duties fall into an administrative role for the accounting department.
Do you need a bachelor’s degree to become an accounting clerk?
It’s best to have completed a bachelor’s degree before entering an accounting position, but not required for all positions. Some clerk positions are available for people with a high school diploma.
What is the best way to start a career in accounting?
Once you have your education with a degree in accounting or finance, you should look for a job as an accounting clerk or assistant. These entry-level jobs will help you build up the experience on your resume and get some on-the-job training with accounting projects.