Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Office & Administrative
• O*NET-SOC code: 43-3031
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.
• Receive, record, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers.
• Code documents according to company procedures.
• Perform financial calculations, such as amounts due, interest charges, balances, discounts, equity, and principal.
• Reconcile or note and report discrepancies found in records.
• Perform general office duties, such as filing, answering telephones, and handling routine correspondence.
• Access computerized financial information to answer general questions as well as those related to specific accounts.
• 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.

Tools and technology

Accounting software, Adobe Acrobat, Epic Systems, Google Docs, Intuit QuickBooks, MEDITECH software, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Project

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Billing and Posting Clerks
• Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
• Brokerage Clerks
• Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
• Office Clerks, General
• Tellers
• File Clerks
• Loan Interviewers and Clerks

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.