Should I Consider Becoming an Accounting Clerk?

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In the world of business, an accounting clerk is a person who works in the accounts receivable department and prepares and submits customer invoices. This person then posts and deposits receipts as those invoices are paid. If the business has cash receipts, he or she will maintain proper accountability of cash funds and deposits. It is impossible to overstate that accurate data entry of receipts is vital, so the clerk can monitor payment history of clients and prepare reports showing delinquent receipts. In the event that the company offers a discount for early payments, the clerk is charged with monitoring the payment activity and making sure certain discounts are credited properly.

What Kind of Duties Can I Expect?

If your position is in a payroll department, your job as an accounting clerk is having responsibility over collections and the processing of timecards. In addition, a clerk calculates taxes and other withholdings, and prepares payroll checks in a timely fashion. The clerk make sure timecards are accurate, and that applicable labor laws are being followed, including breaks, limits on hours for underage workers, and overtime. The payroll clerk has to be familiar with the applicable tax laws and may be asked to prepare reports and submit the withholdings to the proper tax authorities and other designated recipients.

How Much Variety is in the Position?

The variety of duties you perform is related to the size of the company that you work for; in smaller companies, the position combines two or more of the specialized accounting clerk functions. You may also work as a bookkeeper and conduct all financial recording and transactions. As a full-charge bookkeeper, you need to be versatile and experienced in all aspects of the company’s daily financial operations. A strong general knowledge of bookkeeping practices, payroll requirements, and accounting reports is required. In this position, good communication and interpersonal skills are as valuable as your knowledge, since a bookkeeper has regular contact with vendors, customers, and employees.

What Are Some of the Requirements of the Position?

Regardless of size, most companies will require an accounting clerk to have a high school education or the equivalent, with some related experience or accounting related coursework. Larger companies, or those seeking specialized assistance, may look for an applicant with an associate’s degree or related certification. A senior accounting clerk must present several years of experience or a bachelor’s degree. This position requires critical thinking skills to evaluate data, analyze problems, and implement solutions. As you achieve the position of senior clerk, you oversee inventory and cost accounting practices, and produce monthly reports such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets.

The position of accounting clerk is often seen as repetitious and mundane to many people, but if you like working with details and putting together puzzles, this may be the position for you. It has challenges along with reasonable job security. According to the BLS, the auditing clerk profession is expected to grow 11 percent until at least the year 2022. It is an interesting and fulfilling career for the right type of thinker who wants job stability.