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Bookkeepers and accounting clerks are financial record keepers. They update and maintain accounting records, including those which calculate expenditures, receipts, accounts payable and receivable, and profit and loss. These workers have a wide range of skills from full-charge bookkeepers who can maintain an entire company’s books to accounting clerks who handle specific tasks.
In small businesses, bookkeepers often have responsibility for some or all of the accounts. They record all transactions and post debits and credits. They also produce financial statements and prepare reports and summaries for supervisors and managers. Bookkeepers also prepare bank deposits by compiling data from cashiers, verifying and balancing receipts, and sending cash, checks, or other forms of payment to the bank. They also may handle payroll, make purchases, prepare invoices, and keep track of overdue accounts.
In large companies, accounting clerks have more specialized tasks. Their titles, such as accounts payable clerk or accounts receivable clerk, often reflect the type of accounting they do. In addition, their responsibilities vary by level of experience. They also may monitor loans and accounts to ensure that payments are up to date. More advanced accounting clerks may total, balance, and reconcile billing vouchers; ensure the completeness and accuracy of data on accounts; and code documents according to company procedures.
How long will it take?
Most bookkeeping and accounting clerks are required to have a high school degree at a minimum. However, having some college is increasingly important and an associate degree in business or accounting is required for some positions.
How much will you earn?
In May 2006, the median wage and salary earnings of bookkeeping and accounting clerks were $30,560.
Where can you work?
Anywhere. Bookkeeping and accounting clerks are hired by all sorts and sizes of companies. The job availability is good in the Amarillo-Panhandle area.
AC can help you get there!
