Accounting Clerk, a career for those with a head for numbers

Someone has to make sure all those dollar signs line up, and accounting clerks have just the know-how to ensure the money gets where it needs to go. Accounting clerks help make sure bills (and employees) are paid and keep the wheels of a business moving.

What do accounting clerks do?

Depending on the size of the company and the level of experience a clerk has, accounting clerks can take on numerous tasks. “After completing the accounting specialist certification, students would be ready to work as an accounting assistant or an accounting clerk,” said Ellen Orr, Seminole State College of Florida program manager of administrative office management. “They will be able to prepare payroll time sheets, paychecks, help with bank reconciliations and more.” Companies rely on accounting clerks to verify data, maintain accounting documents and pay bills on time, making them crucial to a company’s success.

Where do accounting clerks work?

Since bookkeeping is something that every business must do, accounting clerks can be found in every field. They will be on the corporate side, working in offices, though if they work for a firm with multiple clients, site visits may be required to gather necessary information. Accounting clerks must work alongside others in a professional environment, working with accountants, other employees, clients and vendors in regard to payroll timesheets, outstanding balances, purchase orders and more.

What is something people don’t know about the accounting field?

“Accounting does not have to be boring!” said Orr. “I worked in the profession for many years before becoming a professor, and I rarely did the same thing two days in a row. If a student continues with their accounting education, there are many diverse paths an accountant can take.” Even entry-level accounting jobs tackle a variety of tasks depending on what company they work for. Their job depends on whether they are in the public or private sector, what size company they work for or even if they work for a nonprofit.

How can I become an accounting clerk?

“They say the ‘devil is in the details’ and that is certainly true in an accounting clerk’s job,” said Orr. “Being detail oriented, organized and able to work independently are wonderful traits that will lead to success in an entry-level accounting job.” Completing credentials such as the Accounting Specialist Technical Certificate gives students the preparation they need to take on the role of an accounting clerk in just 18 weeks or less. Students can even continue their education and stack the credits they earn in the certificate program toward the Associate in Science in Accounting Technology, which will open even more doors and career opportunities in this crucial field.