Accounting Bookkeeping & Accounting Clerk Careers

A company bookkeeping or accounting clerk will maintain accurate financial records for their employers by using their skills to conduct calculations and deal with financial numbers. Those with less experience use 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines, while those with more experience may use computers and accounting software packages. Just because you don’t have the initial experience doesn’t mean you can’t work in an accounting department or that you can’t be the main bookkeeper. Many small business owners today can’t hire an accountant but still require someone to maintain their sales books and keep them on budget. Bookkeeping clerks maintain records of accounts and financial arrangements by verifying and entering information into computers or ledgers, balancing the books, compiling reports and statements, balancing checkbooks monthly, and calculating employee wages.

Accounts payable clerks, accounts receivable clerks, or assistant bookkeepers, keep up-to-date records of financial and statistical documents by calculating, posting, and verifying financial data. Auditing clerks verify the accuracy of other workers' figures and calculations. They verify expense accounts, sales commission’s payments, receipts, bank statements and inventory records, and correct any mistakes that need to be corrected.

Job Skills for Bookkeepers & Accounting Clerks

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks need to have an aptitude for mathematics and be able to use a 10-key adding machine. To be successful you need to be very detail-oriented and be able to complete your work with a high degree of accuracy and speed. Employers look for people with good communication skills and computer ability. They must also be willing to sit for lengthy periods of time and complete a high volume of mathematical calculations. Almost every business today has some use for a bookkeeper and this is a great career choice for those entering into the job market or want to be in an accounting department setting but don’t currently have the qualifications to become an accountant.

What type of Training and Education is needed

Most employers require a high school diploma but some will make sure you have a degree from a business college or some form or business degree or courses from a community college. Others prefer candidates with at least two years of bookkeeping experience but there is lots to be said for people who are just willing to learn and work hard. You will need to get training in typing, bookkeeping, and computer accounting although most companies have their own accounting programs and you’ll learn what they are using with on the job training. If you have ever ran your own business before you might be seen as a higher candidate for the job, especially since most business owners do all their own books.

Income for Accounting Bookkeepers

The income of bookkeeping or auditing clerk really depends on a number of factors such as where you are located, the job market, years of experience, level of responsibility, and skill set. Entry level clerks may start at minimum wage up to $12.50 per hour. More experienced clerks may make up to $15.00 per hour, while clerks who work more than three years with a particular firm may make up to $25.00 per hour. They usually work a standard 40-hour work week. Many employers offer benefits such as paid vacations, 401K plans, sick and PTO time off, health insurance, bonuses and even retirement plans.

Job Outlook for Bookkeepers

Job opportunity for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is expected to grow about as fast as the average. This means that more and more jobs are available for new employees. New jobs will account for some of the growth, while job openings resulting from workers retiring or changing occupations will account for the rest. Because more and more business owners are using computerized systems it doesn’t mean you are out of a job, it means that someone still needs to supervise the department. This is where more and more computer skills will only help you once your training is done and it now comes a time to find that job.

Westwood College - Online Financial Accounting Programs

Kaplan College - Accounting Degrees Associates/Bachelors

ITT Technical Institute - Business Account Degrees

AIU - Accounting Degrees

CTU - Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Accounting

ECPI - Accounting Administration

Ashworth Career School - Accounting Certificate

Everest University ONLINE FLORIDA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

Saint Leo University - Bachelors Degree in Accounting

Keller Graduate School of Management - MBA Degrees

Baker Online - Accounting - MBA

Grand Canyon University Online

Rasmussen College Online - Associates in Accounting

Common Questions about Accounting Careers

What are the Three Top Accounting Careers?

1. Internal Auditor for Large Corporations

One of the hottest jobs most accounting professionals are after are to become an internal auditor for a large corporation. The job requires you to improve internal controls and meets all government and compliance mandates. You will deal mostly with operations of the business including financial reporting, investigating possible corporate fraud and auditing internal mechanisms of both the company as a whole but also its staff. With corporate fraud increasing year after year it is no wonder why corporations are paying big money to have internal auditors making sure their business is sound.

This position typically works with the board of directors at the corporation and reports their finding and recommendations. The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation is the only globally accepted certification for internal auditors which is a must if going into this line of work. Salary for this accounting career is expected to climb 6% this year to an average range of $77,500 to over $100,000.

2. Accounting Compliance Executive

This is a very important for a company. Without a tight compliance department the company is subject to possible lawsuits. This job requires you to know all the state and federal laws regarding accounting for your industry. If rules and regulations don’t exist then you’ll need to come up with guidelines for the company to follow.

If you have U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reporting experience they you would be in demand. Because of the high demand for this position they only hire the best. Be sure you get the proper education to land you this dream job that is expected to increase 14.4% this year from 2006 levels.

3. Financial Analyst

Financial analyst accountants are used by companies for forecasting budgets and are essential for increasing profitability. When you become a financial analyst you can work for securities, the banking industry, insurance companies and even mutual fund companies. You will read financial statements prepared by the accounting department in an effort to help control costs, expenses, sales, taxes and then come up with recommendations. They will work directly with top management to gather information to assess the current trends in the business to predict sales.

The demand for this career has increased over the years as financial analysts can save a company big money. Salaries expect to increase an average of 5% over the next few years. There has never been a better time to get your accounting degree and work towards a job as a financial analyst.

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