Job Description for a Bookkeeping Clerk

Bookkeeping clerks are responsible for performing financial calculations and ensuring that a company's financial records are adequately maintained. They may work for a small business or a large business. Those who work for larger businesses may oversee larger accounts and have specialized tasks. Those in this occupation may also become certified, which may lead to promotion. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of bookkeeping jobs is expected to grow by 10 percent in the decade 2008 to 2018.

Responsibilities

Bookkeeping clerks are required to maintain a company's financial records such as income and expenses. The main responsibility of the bookkeeping clerk may vary from handling specific tasks or maintaining an entire company's books. Most of a bookkeeping clerk's duties are performed on a computer, and many use financial software to manage company records.

Features

Bookkeeping clerks record financial transactions such as bill payments and payroll, and may also prepare reports and summaries for supervisors and managers. They will prepare bank deposits using data from a company's cash receipts, checks and any other financial transactions. They may also monitor loans and other accounts to ensure payments are current.

Education

Most employers require their bookkeeping clerks to have at least a high school diploma. In some cases, they are also required to have an associate's degree. The most common degrees for this career are business or accounting degrees. Many local colleges offer associate's degree in business and accounting; candidates may also seek degrees at a 4-year university. Although a bachelor's degree may not be required for employment, it can be beneficial to those seeking supervisor positions. In addition to a degree, individuals can obtain a certification in bookkeeping to help advance their degree. The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers offers certifications for bookkeeping personnel.

Skills

Bookkeeping clerks are expected to have good speaking and writing skills. Since they are responsible for maintaining a company's financial records, they should be detail oriented. It helpful to have adequate computer skills, and previous office experience is important. Some employers may expect their clerks to have knowledge of spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel, and accounting software such as QuickBooks.

Warnings

Since bookkeeping clerks are responsible for a company's financial records, they may experiences stress in ensuring there are no mistakes in their accounting ability. They may also be expected to work long hours and weekends during the end of the fiscal year or during tax time. In addition, eye and back strain can occur as a result of working on a computer on a continuous basis.

References

• BLS: Bookkeeping Clerk
• NACPB: Bookkeeping Certifications