SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Account Clerk
  • Accounting Assistant
  • Accounting Associate
  • Accounting Clerk
  • Accounting Specialist
  • Accounting Technician
  • Accounts Payable Clerk
  • Accounts Payable Specialist

What do Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks do?

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks play a critical role in managing financial records for businesses and organizations. They are responsible for maintaining accurate financial data, which involves performing tasks such as recording transactions, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial statements. Clerks in this field work with various financial software and systems to track income, expenses, and other financial activities. The role requires a strong attention to detail, as accuracy is essential in ensuring that financial records are reliable and compliant with relevant regulations.

In bookkeeping, clerks enter data into the accounting software and ensure that all financial transactions are accurately documented. They may be involved in payroll processing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable, which requires a good understanding of the financial impact of these transactions. Accounting clerks often assist accountants by preparing trial balances, supporting audits, and generating reports that detail financial performance.

Auditing clerks focus on reviewing financial records and transactions to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. They may conduct internal audits to check for discrepancies and recommend improvements in processes to enhance financial accuracy and efficiency. This involves analyzing past financial data, documenting audit findings, and working collaboratively with other financial staff.

Overall, bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks are fundamental to the financial stability and success of an organization, ensuring that all transactions are recorded accurately, and that financial documentation is organized and accessible for decision-making and regulatory purposes.

What the work actually is

  • Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information.
  • Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.
  • Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.
  • Receive, record, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Mathematics Using mathematics to solve problems.
  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities

  • Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Mathematical Reasoning The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Written Comprehension The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Written Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Administrative Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
  • Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Economics and Accounting Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Bachelor's degree

A normal week

  • Working with Computers
  • Getting Information
  • Documenting/Recording Information
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Tools used on the job

Technology

Tools

  • Scanners Image scanners
  • Desktop computers
  • Receipts or receipt books Receipt books
  • Ledger paper Ledger sheets
  • Scientific calculator Financial calculators

Who it suits

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

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Questions people ask

How much do Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks earn in South Africa?

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks do?

Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information, Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes and Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.