Accounting clerks are also known as bookkeeper, finance clerks or accounting technicians and they exist in almost all types of organizations (some very small businesses tends to do the job on their own). They are in charge of the financial records, statements, tracking assets and liabilities, and overlook financial transactions of the company and as most businesses are already computerized nowadays, they make use of tools such as accounting software, databases and spreadsheets for performing their tasks. But of course traditional accounting skills will still be necessary as they cant just rely on technology.
Their duty includes:
Arrange payments, receive invoices and record transactions (cash, check or vouchers)
Prepare invoice reports and communicate with representatives (such as debtors)
Confirm and approve loans (by the employees or by the company)
Take charge of wages and salaries
Provides financial reports and accounting summaries (balance sheets, income statements, etc.)
Oversee expenditures and earnings
oArrange purchases
Aside from working for a business, some accounting clerks may also work for accounting firms and may have to do some client visits to get the job done. In May 2012, the median pay for accounting clerks were about $35k per annum or $16 per hour. According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Employment of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is projected to grow 11 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. As the number of organizations increases and financial regulations become stricter, there will be greater demand for these workers to maintain books and provide accounting services.”
Some accounting clerks have learned their skills while on the job and only having a high school diploma but most employers nowadays prefer applicants with post secondary education relevant to the field (such as accounting). They have the option to attend classroom training or online training programs to be able to work in this field (may take about 6 months). People who has qualities such as good computer skills, has a keen eye on details, has math skills and good thinking analysis can definitely find success in this field and they are usually employed in organizations such as:
Accounting firm (accounting, tax and salary preparation, and bookkeeping services providers)
Businesses and organizations with an accounting department or professional
Government units and academic institutions
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