Bookkeeping Accounting and Auditing Clerk

Have you been looking for a way to break into the fun and challenging world of accounting? Then becoming a bookkeeping, accounting or auditing clerk may be just the way to do it. Nearly everyone from accounting firms to manufacturing businesses needs these types of clerks. An Accounting Assistant Diploma from Bryant & Stratton College will provide you with the skills to enter this exciting field.

What are Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks?

Bookkeepers, accounting and auditing clerks generate and keep financial records for businesses and other organizations by recording transactions, keeping statements updated and checking the work of others for accuracy. They work with documents such as profit and loss reports, accounts receivable and accounts payable. They also must have good math skills, with attention to detail.  

Job Responsibilities of Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks

Your duties as a bookkeeping, accounting or auditing clerk will depend in large part, on which area you specialize in.

Bookkeeping clerks can be responsible for:

• Keeping the general ledger
• Recording all transactions
• Producing financial statements
• Handling banking transactions
• Making purchases
• Preparing invoices
• Monitoring overdue accounts

Accounting clerks usually work for larger employers and their tasks are more specialized. An entry-level accounting clerk might:

• Post transaction detail
• Add up accounts
• Calculate interest charges, amounts due, discounts, equity and principal
• Use accounting software to analyze, record and store information
• Adding and balancing billing vouchers
• Making sure data in accounts is complete and accurate
• Coding documents per organizational procedures

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Auditing clerks go over documents to make sure the math and coding are correct. They may fix smaller errors themselves, but would likely refer larger errors or discrepancies to a senior member of the auditing or accounting staff.

In addition, all bookkeepers, accounting and auditing clerks could be responsible for:

• Using appropriate computer software,
• Complying with federal, state and company policies, procedures and regulation,
• Operating appropriate office machinery to perform calculations and produce documents,
• Performing general office duties, such as filing, answering telephones, and handling routine correspondence and
• Accessing computerized financial information to answer general questions as well as those related to specific accounts.

Career Outlook for Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be little to no change in the employment of bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks between 2016 and 2026. This is in large part due to the arrival of cloud computing. With computerization of many bookkeeping tasks, bookkeepers will likely become more efficient, leading to the need for fewer bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks over the next decade.

The good news is, as of 2016, there were 1,730,500 bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks employed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook. Because this number is so large, workers leaving the occupation will open up a great number of employment opportunities for those who wish to enter this exciting career. This is an excellent time to increase your visibility as a candidate for one of these positions by obtaining your Accounting Assistant Diploma from Bryant & Stratton College.

What can I do with an Accounting Assistant Diploma?

With an accounting assistant diploma, you will be able to perform the tasks necessary to fulfill the duties of a bookkeeping, accounting or auditing clerk. You will learn to analyze and interpret financial reports and use them to help in the management decision-making process. You will be able to prepare accounting reports for use, both internally and externally. You will also learn critical thinking and learning strategies. You will acquire the math and communications skills needed to succeed. And, you will be able to interpret and apply GAAPs (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) to analyze, report and record financial information in various accounting systems.

The accounting assistant diploma uses key accounting principles to prepare you for entry-level, accounting positions. With the skills you develop here, you could find employment not only in the accounting industry, but also in manufacturing, retail and more.

Additional Training/Requirements

Becoming a bookkeeping, accounting or auditing clerk usually requires more than a high school diploma. The Accounting Assistant Diploma gives you the extra training in accounting that employers are looking for. Generally, there is a six month on-the-job training period where new employees learn accounting software and other tasks specific to their individual positions.

There are a number of certifications that you can get to further distinguish yourself. The Certified Bookkeeper, Certified Public Bookkeeper, Certified Accounts Payable Professional, Certified Payroll Professional and Certified Trust Examiner are among them. You will likely be required to take an exam, and some require a certain amount of prior experience. You may also be required to take continuing education credits to keep up your certifications.

Your ability to advance further in this field is limited only by your desires. With more education, such as Bryant & Stratton’s associate’s degree in accounting you can move into positions with more responsibility. Going further along this path, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bryant & Stratton College, you could be an accountant or auditor.

Employment Settings for Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks

Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks work in offices, sometimes more than one at a time. They will work together with accountants, auditors and managers, although they generally work alone. Most work full time, and hours can get long during busy times of the year, such as tax season. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 1 in 4 worked part time in 2016.

The leading employers for bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks in 2016 were professional, scientific and technical services at about 10 percent. This group includes accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services. Another 10 percent were employed in the retail trade. The wholesale trade employed about 7 percent. About 7 percent were employed in healthcare and social assistance. And, about 7 percent were employed in finance and insurance. In addition, the construction industry employs a good percentage.

While this information may help you in determining the right career path for you, understand that job market data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook is intended to provide insight into occupational opportunities, and is not to be construed as a guarantee of salary or job title. Bryant & Stratton College cannot guarantee employment in any field.

For insights into a career as a bookkeeping, accounting or auditing clerk, please visit the Degree Insights section of our blog. Here you will find valuable information about accounting careers and much more. Explore the website and be sure to visit the Accounting Assistant Diploma page.