What Does an Account Clerk Do? - Master of Finance Degrees

An account clerk is responsible for creating, updating, reviewing, and maintaining accounting records. Also known as accounting technicians and assistants, they work for all types of organizations. Accounting clerks who work for larger businesses can expect more specialized tasks within these companies’ bigger accounting departments. They may also be required to provide assistance to the Certified Public Accountant on staff.

Job Duties of Accounting Clerks

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that accounting clerks use applications such as spreadsheets to process and record finances and data related to internal customer, client, and vendor accounts. They update credit and bank accounting spreadsheets and databases, and they generate records regarding business transactions such as purchase orders and invoices. Accounting clerks may also process and prepare electronic invoices, receipts, and checks via software applications. Other job duties include coding and processing credit card reconciliations, expense reports and payable invoices, as well as maintaining timekeeping systems, preparing monthly payroll reports, and managing paid time off tracking systems. These professionals can work for a number of types of business, but those working within larger companies often assist the CPAs on a daily basis.

Qualities of Successful Accounting Clerks

In order to succeed in the field, one must have a number of characteristics and qualities. Anyone working in finance should be able to use a computer within an office setting, and he or she must maintain a strong attention to detail for extended periods of time. Accounting clerks must also have experience with accounting systems, including QuickBooks or Microsoft Money, as well as Microsoft Excel and other types of spreadsheet software. Accounting clerks must also be able to use their organizational skills to prioritize their duties on a daily basis, and they should be able to work independently and benefit from established methods and rules.

Educational Requirements for Becoming an Account Clerk

Those seeking a career as an accounting clerk should keep in mind that educational requirements vary depending on the specific employer, as well as the responsibility and scope of the individual position. Most accounting clerks have earned an associate’s degree in accounting, finance, or business; very few are hired right out of high school. Many prospective employers require applicants to have completed accounting coursework from an accredited post-secondary educational institution. Most associate’s degrees focus on basic accounting procedures and skills as they relate to computerized accounting techniques. Students can expect to take courses in business law, cost accounting, auditing, taxation, and ethics. Some accounting clerks choose to earn a certification through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers or the National Bookkeepers Association.

If you are looking to pursue a career as an accounting clerk, it is important to develop strong computer and communication skills. You will also be handling highly sensitive financial information, so discretion and confidentiality is a must in this field. Accounting clerks must also be able to ask difficult questions and challenge reconciliations and discrepancies. For this reason, an eye for detail is essential as you will be reconciling bank statements with the general ledger, making sure all invoices match their respective purchase orders, and performing data entry tasks on a daily basis. Those who can demonstrate all of these skills and be comfortable doing so will find success as an account clerk in the field of business and finance.