A Clerk Treasurer's Salary

Clerk treasurers are paid to help manage a municipality's financial affairs.

Clerk treasurer positions are usually found in local government agencies that rely on a complex system of rules and regulations to keep their municipalities running. While a bachelor degree in business administration, finance or accounting is helpful, individuals with a two-year degree and significant work experience can also qualify for clerk treasurer roles. Average salaries for clerk treasurers fluctuate among employers and regions. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that municipal clerks--including city clerk treasurers--typically average between $22,370 and $52,470 a year, as of May 2010.

Function

Although clerk treasurers typically fall under the administration department of city governments, they prepare budgets, track payments and oversee the disbursement of city funds. Clerk treasurers update city councils, mayors and other municipal employees on the status and activities of a city’s expenditures and income. They work closely with taxation departments, county auditors, attorneys and state and federal agencies to prepare reports, and process city contracts. Clerk treasurers may also facilitate accounts payable and receivable transactions; manage payroll activities; update financial statements; and supervise junior-level personnel.

Employer and Geography

Factors such as employer and geography impact the salary level of clerk treasurers. For example, the city of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, paid clerk treasurers a salary of $30,500, according to a November 2009 ordinance. Clerk treasurers working for the city of Winchester, Indiana, were paid an hourly salary of $15.97 as of November 2009. However, salaries for clerk treasurers can surpass $40,000 per year in certain states. The BLS revealed that municipal clerks working in California and New York averaged $43,460 and $52,960 respectively.

Advancement

As clerk treasurers build experience and perform more supervisory roles, job advancement to positions such as treasurer and finance officer increase salary potential significantly. The BLS states that average salaries for financial managers across all occupations ranged from $51,120 and $142,210 per year. Average salaries for treasurers and financial managers in local government agencies were $85,290 per year as of May 2010.

Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs for financial managers will increase by 8 percent for the decade from 2008 through 2018, which is on par with overall national growth. Organizations--including city, state and federal governments--will need financial managers and treasurers to help them raise capital, oversee city contracts and manage financial risk. Aspiring clerk treasurers with college education and an in-depth understanding of accounting and finance will have the best job opportunities during this time period. Obtaining professional certification, or licensure to sell insurance and securities, can also help candidates become more competitive in the job market.

References

• Minnesota Rural Water Association: Job Description--Clerk Treasurer
• City of Winchester: Ordinance 2009-9
• Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Employment and Wages: Court, Municipal, and License Clerks; May 2010
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Financial Managers
• Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Employment and Wages: Financial Managers; May 2010
• City of Eureka Springs: Ordinance No. 2109

Resources

• Association for Financial Professionals: Certified Treasury Professional