what is an accounting clerk?

As an accounting clerk, you calculate and process bills in a company. In addition to dealing with invoices and accounts payables, you manage accounts receivables and handle other financial records. It is important to be versed with manual and computerized systems to maintain correct financial records. You handle the budget for office stationery and supplies. You also maintain the company's financial records and perform other clerical duties, such as the filing of financial documents. In the United States, an accounting clerk is sometimes called an accounts payable clerk or an accounts receivable clerk.

Aside from processing bills, you gather budget data and documents based on estimated expenses and revenue. You also calculate the cost of materials and overhead expenses spent on a project and prepare the relevant reports. You work closely with customers, answer questions, resolve problems related to their billing and solve any mistakes.

As an accounting clerk, you work in various industries, from retail companies to wholesale distribution centers. In large companies that handle huge payments, you perform basic clerical tasks and leave complex accounting tasks for the accountants. Computer skills and technical knowledge help you excel in your role.

Would working as an accounting clerk suit your aptitude for numbers? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an accounting clerk role.

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average accounting clerk salary

Would you like to know what an accounting clerk earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for an accounting clerk? Then check out this accounting clerk salary page and find out all about the salary of an accounting clerk in the USA.

Womale in a black blazer, sitting at her desk.
Womale in a black blazer, sitting at her desk.
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types of accounting clerks

Accounting clerks often specialize in various industries or diverse areas of expertise in accounting. As an accounting clerk, you can specialize in the following areas:

  • taxation: When you specialize in taxation, you work in private companies or government offices. You review the tax responsibilities of a company and organize tax account statements. Your duties are mostly entry-level administrative tasks.
  • government accounting: An accounting clerk works in government offices and manages various types of budgets, transactions and reports. You work in school districts, government offices and public welfare agencies.
  • investment accounting clerks: You work in investment firms to handle personal and real estate investments. You manage clients' investment accounts by tracking transfers, transaction fees and other financial transac
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working as an accounting clerk

Accounting clerks perform critical services in the accounting department and assist clients. Learn about accounting clerk duties, job requirements and work schedules.

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accounting clerk skills and education

Most employers want to see an associate's degree in accounting or finance. A bachelor's degree increases your career opportunities as an accounting clerk. Another way of making yourself more desirable to employers is earning your accounting clerk certification from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). As an employed accounting clerk, you qualify for the certification program. Certification requires at least two years or 3,000 hours of experience. After you pass the exam, you have up to three years to finish acquiring the necessary experience for the certification.

skills and competencies

Key skills as an accounting clerk are:

  • organization: From paying bills and tracking expenses, you have a lot to keep up with as an accounting clerk. Strong organizational skills are essential to ensure you stay on top of important financial tasks. Checklists, calendars and systems help you handle the organization's finances in a dependable, efficient manner.
  • attention to detail: It's also your responsibility to keep accurate records. An extra 0, a misplaced decimal or another numerical typo can cause problems. Thus, an attention to detail is essential as an accounting clerk. Get in the habit of double-checking your math and data entry to further reduce errors.
  • communication: As an accounting clerk, you have a moderate level of communication to fulfill your duties, such as talking with vendors, colleagues and customers. Because you use a mixture of email and in-person communication as an accounting clerk, both verbal and written communication skills are important.
  • teamwork: You are part of the accounting department, so you interact with other financial workers at your workplace. Even if you're employed at a small business, you are probably collaborating with at least one colleague and your boss.
  • computer: Familiarizing yourself with using spreadsheets and accounting software prepares you for a job as an accounting clerk. You can stay organized and work more efficiently once you develop these computer skills.
  • transparency: As a part of a financial department, accounting clerks must be able to show documentation regarding all spending for a business. This information must be able to stand up to regular audits.
womale looking at her file
womale looking at her file
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FAQs about working as an accounting clerk

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about being an accounting clerk.

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