Should I Consider Becoming a Financial Clerk?

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Surprisingly, becoming a financial clerk usually does not require anything more than a high school education. Of course, that would depend on how knowledgeable you would like to become and what kind of money you are looking to make. As with any other industry, acquiring a related college degree will make a difference in determining your final salary, as well as your skills.

Overview of the Profession

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the annual median salary of a financial clerk is around $35,000 with an expected growth of 11% in the industry between 2012 and 2022.

While a high school diploma might suffice for a few companies, most companies will want at least some college or an associate’s degree in accounting to start. The duties of a financial clerk involve billing and posting daily transactions, timekeeping and payroll, keeping track of purchases, supplies, materials, and changing or cancelling orders. Other assigned tasks include recording keeping, waiting on customers and other administrative duties.

The working environment may include office settings such as banks, medical offices, government agencies, insurance agencies and even in the money cages at a casino. They are there to provide office support and keep track of records and carry out transactions as directed.

If a company requires candidates to have a college degree to be considered for employment then you will need to earn an Associate’s Degree in Accounting where you will learn the terminology and fundamentals of accounting. This will also give you computer and software skills that can be used in your career endeavors. Education will open up many more doors that may make you want to consider expanding your education in other business operations such as accounting and management courses.

Important Qualities to Cultivate

Whether you start off as a financial clerk, budgeting clerk, cost clerk, bookkeeping, or in payroll, there are many different titles for the financial aspects of daily operations and does not matter on the size of the company. Keeping accurate records is vital and communicating those findings to others within the chain of operations is critical to the final outcome of the finances of running a business.

Educate yourself in order to better understand the legal ramifications involved for accountability of actions. You are expected to keep all involved notified of any important changes and issues that might arise. It is important that all records are up to date and accuracy is imperative.

Although you may learn most of the duties while on the job, ask questions and learn as much as you can. This is especially true when it comes to working with software programs and spreadsheets. There are many tricks of the trade that will make your job more productive and even easier for you. Research the information if you are thinking about attending college. Check into financial assistance and check for accreditation to ensure that your money and time is well spent. It will be a valuable asset to you in your future career ventures. Investing in yourself is never a waste of time.