Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Account Clerk
Accounting Assistant
Accounting Associate
Accounting Clerk
Accounting Specialist
Accounting Technician
Accounts Payable Clerk
Accounts Payable Specialist
Accounts Payables Clerk
Accounts Receivable Clerk

What is a Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks?

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.

Career Assessment
Career Assessment

Tasks

  • 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.

Technology Skills

Tools Used

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.

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.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

  • High school diploma or equivalent
    41 %

    or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

  • Post-secondary certificate
    21 %

    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
    12 %

Work Activities

  • Working with Computers

    Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • Getting Information

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • Documenting/Recording Information

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

    Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

    Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Operate computers or computerized equipment.
  • Execute sales or other financial transactions.
  • Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data.
  • Compile data or documentation.
  • Prepare cash for deposit or disbursement.

Work Interests

  • 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.

Advertisement

Get a Well-Paying Job Fast

Start Your Career

Get Started
Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$32460.0 - $68860.0

This career will have large numbers of openings.

Find Jobs
Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.