Bookkeeping Accounting Auditing Clerks Job Description and Career Path

As a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk, your days will be filled with organizing financial records, preparing tax returns, and analyzing financial data to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks typically work in offices, often in a quiet and methodical environment.

Their main responsibility is to maintain, examine, and analyze financial records, including invoices, receipts, and bank statements.

These clerks must be detail-oriented and organized, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify discrepancies and errors.

They also need to be proficient in accounting software and have basic computer skills to efficiently process financial data.

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks can view similar careers in the same field, such as bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks, with median salaries higher than the county average.

In-demand careers have high-growth, high-demand, and emerging jobs critical to Texas, with bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks seeing a decline in employment demand by about 3% until 2030.

Acquiring an additional degree or certificate can go a long way toward ensuring employability for years to come, and adding additional skills to their resumes can secure better chances of long-term employment.

Accountants are more math-focused compared to bookkeepers, and their primary focus is on accounts payable or accounts receivable. They ensure the accuracy of payments to other companies and prevent companies from owing too much money to suppliers or service providers.

Accountants keep track of a company's finances, which enables them to inform executive leadership about the budget and alert them about incoming bills or debts. They also ensure that bills are paid and collected on time.

Accountants may perform services such as informing executive leadership about the budget for a company, alerting executives about incoming bills or debts, preventing companies from spending money they don't have, and ensuring that bills are paid and collected on time.

Only larger companies typically have dedicated accountants, while smaller businesses or freelance organizations may contract with a bookkeeper to handle accounting tasks. Many accountants have more specialized mathematical or accounting knowledge, but not all.

To become an accountant, you'll need to develop strong computer skills, as most accounting tasks are now handled on computers. You'll also need to be comfortable with tax or accounting software, such as QuickBooks, which is commonly used by smaller businesses.

In addition to computer skills, accountants need to have a strong understanding of mathematics, particularly basic arithmetic and the ability to hold many numbers in their minds at once. They also need to be detailed-oriented and have a firm drive for perfection to maintain accuracy in financial records.

Accountants must also be individuals of integrity, keeping records confidential and not misusing an organization's funds or lying knowingly. This is particularly important for certified accountants, such as CPAs.

Here are some key services that accountants may perform:

Technological change is expected to reduce demand for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks due to automation of routine tasks.

Software innovations have automated many of the tasks performed by these workers, making it possible to do the same amount of work with fewer employees, which is expected to lead to job losses over the next decade.

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks will take on a more analytical and advisory role over the decade, focusing on analyzing clients' books and pointing out potential areas for efficiency gains.

They will no longer spend their time entering data by hand, but will instead use their expertise to provide valuable insights to their clients.

Getting an education in accounting is a crucial step in becoming a bookkeeping, accounting, or auditing clerk. Many colleges and universities offer associate degrees in accounting, auditing, and related fields, which can be completed in a shorter amount of time compared to a bachelor's degree.

To pursue a career in accounting, a degree in accounting is highly recommended, especially for those who want to become a CPA. A college degree makes you a more competitive job applicant and opens up more employment opportunities later in life.

Certificate programs in accounting and auditing are also available, which can be completed without prior accounting experience. These programs typically cover coursework in accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and accounting software and information systems.

To get educated in accounting, you'll want to start by earning a college degree. This is a crucial step, as it makes you a more competitive job applicant and qualifies you for a higher salary. A degree in accounting is common and valuable for bookkeepers, accountants, and auditing clerks.

Bookkeepers, accountants, and auditing clerks require college degrees, regardless of specialization. Some organizations may hire a professional without a degree, but this is rare. A degree in accounting at a minimum is necessary to become an accountant, and doubly true if you want to become a CPA.

A bachelor's degree in accounting is a good place to start, as it provides a solid foundation in accounting principles and practices. Many graduates are seeking out accounting clerk positions with companies that they wish to grow and seek promotions with.

Online and campus-based colleges and universities offer accounting and auditing clerk certificate programs. These programs are designed for individuals who want to gain specific skills and knowledge in accounting and bookkeeping. They usually include coursework in subjects such as accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and accounting software and information systems.

Here are some key skills you'll want to develop during your education:

By developing these skills and earning a degree in accounting, you'll be well on your way to a successful career as a bookkeeper, accountant, or auditing clerk.

Online vs. In-Person Accounting Education can be a bit of a trade-off. Students who choose online accounting degrees can complete coursework on their own schedules.

This flexibility is a big plus, as it allows students to balance their studies with work or family responsibilities. Many online accounting degrees are robust and well-designed.

One thing to keep in mind is that online accounting degrees don't require in-person sections or practicums, so students can finish their degrees entirely remotely.

To ensure the quality of an online degree, look for accreditation. Accredited colleges have the appropriate rigor and difficulty for their courses.

Accredited degrees are also more valuable to employers, so it's worth doing your research to find a reputable online program.

If you're considering a career as a bookkeeping, accounting, or auditing clerk, you'll want to know about licenses, certifications, and registrations. To become a Certified Bookkeeper, you'll need at least two years of full-time bookkeeping experience or equivalent part-time work.

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers awards the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation, which shows that you have the skills and knowledge needed to carry out all bookkeeping tasks, including overseeing payroll and balancing accounts.

To obtain the Certified Bookkeeper designation, you'll need to pass a four-part exam and adhere to a code of ethics. The exam covers topics such as adjusting entries, error correction, payroll, depreciation, inventory, internal controls, and fraud prevention.

The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers also offers the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) certification, which requires passing the four-part Uniform Bookkeeper Certification Examination.

Here's a breakdown of the certifications mentioned:

Keep in mind that certification can be a useful way to gain expertise in the field, especially if you don't have postsecondary education.

To be successful in a bookkeeping, accounting, or auditing clerk role, you'll need to possess a range of skills and knowledge. These include computer skills, as most bookkeeping and accounting work is now done on computers and specialized software.

You'll also need to be detail-oriented, as accuracy is critical in financial records. In fact, a single error can have significant consequences.

Some of the key knowledge areas for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks include mathematics, economics and accounting, English language, and law and government. This is because these professionals need to be able to understand and work with financial data, as well as navigate complex regulations and laws.

Here are some of the key knowledge areas for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks:

Bookkeeping and bookkeepers are often used interchangeably, but they're not exactly the same thing. Bookkeeping clerks are the more common version of this profession, and they maintain books, but rarely add line items to financial books or do more advanced tasks.

In contrast, certified bookkeepers have a bookkeeper certification awarded by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. They're allowed to carry out all possible bookkeeping functions.

Certified bookkeepers require additional knowledge, which is why they're often paid more and given more responsibility within a company. Some employers hire bookkeeping clerks without a college degree, but these clerks then spend time obtaining certification to move up the professional ladder.

Here are some key differences between bookkeeping clerks and certified bookkeepers:

In general, only larger companies will have dedicated accountants, while smaller businesses or freelance organizations may contract with a bookkeeper to handle accounting tasks.

To be a successful accountant, you need to possess a range of skills that go beyond just math. According to the article, accountants need to have strong computer skills, as they'll be working with accounting software and databases.

One of the key skills for accountants is attention to detail. As an auditing clerk, you'll be responsible for verifying records and financial statements, which requires a keen eye for accuracy. This is crucial in ensuring that financial records are accurate and compliant with laws and regulations.

Mathematics skills are also essential for accountants. While you don't need to be a math whiz, you should be comfortable with basic arithmetic and able to handle numbers with ease. This will help you perform tasks such as calculating expenditures and creating financial reports.

In addition to technical skills, accountants need to have strong integrity. As a bookkeeper or accountant, you'll be handling sensitive financial information, so it's essential to maintain confidentiality and avoid any conflicts of interest.

Here are some key skills required for accountants:

These skills will serve you well in your role as an accountant, and with practice and experience, you'll become proficient in all aspects of accounting.

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks can expect a median annual salary of $42,410, with top earners making over $63,900.

The median salary varies by industry, with professionals in finance and insurance earning a median of $44,140.

With experience and additional education, some bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks may become accountants or auditors.

Here are some median annual wages for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in different industries:

Employment of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is projected to decline 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, but there will still be around 197,600 openings each year due to the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force.

The salary of an accountant can vary depending on factors like location, industry, and experience. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median yearly salary for accounting, auditing, and bookkeeping clerks was $42,410 as of 2020.

In the top ten percent, accountants can earn more than $63,900 per year. The most common employment industries for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks that year were Professional Services ($44,420), Finance and Insurance ($44,140), Wholesale ($43,370), Health Care and Social Assistance ($41,100), and Retail ($37,230).

Bookkeepers, accountants, and auditing clerks may earn additional money during overtime hours, which are more common during tax season or at the end of a business's fiscal year. Their salaries can range from less than $27,000 to up to $64,000 per year.

Here's a breakdown of the median salaries for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in different industries:

Advancement in the accounting field is definitely possible with the right combination of experience and education. With appropriate experience and additional education, some bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks may become accountants or auditors.

In fact, bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks can also pivot into different industries if needed, such as becoming teachers, statistical analysts, or consultants. An accountant with a degree in statistics and accounting has a lot of employment opportunities.

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks should possess certain qualities to succeed in their roles, including computer skills, detail orientation, integrity, and math skills. They should be comfortable using spreadsheets and bookkeeping software, and be able to pay attention to detail to avoid making errors.

The median annual wage for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks was $45,560 in May 2021, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $29,120 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $61,980.

Here are the median annual wages for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in the top industries in which they worked:

Despite declining employment, about 197,600 openings for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks are projected each year, on average, over the decade.