Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Description

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

Tasks

  • Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information.
  • Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.
  • Classify, record, and summarize numerical and financial data to compile and keep financial records, using journals and ledgers or computers.
  • Debit, credit, and total accounts on computer spreadsheets and databases, using specialized accounting software.
  • Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.
  • Receive, record, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers.
  • Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Compile statistical, financial, accounting or auditing reports and tables pertaining to such matters as cash receipts, expenditures, accounts payable and receivable, and profits and losses.
  • Code documents according to company procedures.
  • Reconcile or note and report discrepancies found in records.
  • Access computerized financial information to answer general questions as well as those related to specific accounts.
  • Match order forms with invoices, and record the necessary information.
  • Perform general office duties such as filing, answering telephones, and handling routine correspondence.
  • Perform personal bookkeeping services.
  • Prepare bank deposits by compiling data from cashiers, verifying and balancing receipts, and sending cash, checks, or other forms of payment to banks.
  • Prepare trial balances of books.
  • Calculate, prepare, and issue bills, invoices, account statements, and other financial statements according to established procedures.
  • Calculate and prepare checks for utilities, taxes, and other payments.
  • Compute deductions for income and social security taxes.
  • Prepare and process payroll information.
  • Compare computer printouts to manually maintained journals to determine if they match.
  • Reconcile records of bank transactions.
  • Transfer details from separate journals to general ledgers or data processing sheets.
  • Complete and submit tax forms and returns, workers' compensation forms, pension contribution forms, and other government documents.
  • Prepare purchase orders and expense reports.
  • Monitor status of loans and accounts to ensure that payments are up to date.
  • Perform financial calculations such as amounts due, interest charges, balances, discounts, equity, and principal.
  • Calculate costs of materials, overhead and other expenses, based on estimates, quotations and price lists.
  • Compile budget data and documents, based on estimated revenues and expenses and previous budgets.
  • Maintain inventory records.

Knowledge

Clerical
Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Economics and Accounting
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Skills

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.

Abilities

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Work Activities

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Interacting With Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Work Context

Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
Electronic Mail
How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Frequency of Decision Making
How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
Spend Time Sitting
How much does this job require sitting?
Structured versus Unstructured Work
To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
Contact With Others
How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Interests

Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Social
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Artistic
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Work Style

Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Self Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Work Values

Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Recognition
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Lay Titles

Account Administrator
Account Information Clerk
Accountant Assistant
Accountant Clerk
Accountant Helper
Accounting Analyst
Accounting Assistant
Accounting Associate
Accounting Bookkeeper
Accounting Clerk
Accounting Representative
Accounting Specialist
Accounting Technician
Accounts Payable Administrator
Accounts Payable Clerk
Accounts Payable Coordinator
Accounts Payable Manager
Accounts Payable Representative
Accounts Payable Specialist
Accounts Payables Clerk
Accounts Receivable Assistant
Accounts Receivable Clerk
Accounts Receivable Specialist
Advice Clerk
Amortization Clerk
Audit Clerk
Audit Control Clerk
Auditor Sales
Balance Clerk
Bank Reconciliator
Billing Checker
Billing Clerk
Bond Clerk
Book Keeper
Booking Clerk
Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper and Clerk
Bookkeeper Assistant
Bookkeeping Clerk
Budget Clerk
Budget Technician
Canceling and Cutting Control Clerk
Cash Accounting Clerk
Cash Register Balancer
Chart Calculator
Chart Changer
Chart Clerk
Chart Computer
Chart Picker
Chart Reader
Chart Snatcher
Check Clerk
Check Out Clerk
Check Processing Clerk
Chief Wheelage Clerk
Classification Analyst
Classification Control Clerk
Classifier
Clearing House Clerk
Clerk Analyst
Clerk and Bookkeeper
Clipman
Collateral and Safekeeping Clerk
Collateral Clerk
Collection Clerk
Commodity Loan Clerk
Computer Bookkeeper
Cost Accountant
Cost Accounting Clerk
Credit Card Clerk
Daily Sales Audit Clerk
Discount Clerk
Distribution Accounting Clerk
Dividend Deposit Voucher Clerk
Document Processor

National Wages and Employment Info

Median Wages (2008):
$16.91 hourly, $35,170 annual.
Employment (2008):
1,606,260 employees