Skills Required For Clerical Jobs

Clerical jobs are a backbone of every enterprise.  Although some skills like paper filing, reception and scheduling have reduced in recent years (due to the advent of new media and its influences), these are still considered vital skills to run and maintain companies. Because they provide customer service, administrative tasks and offering assistance in other related issues, people who handle clerical duties are indispensable to organizations.

Clerical jobs entail a plethora of responsibilities, like customer relationship management, various administrative tasks, assisting with filing and documentation, etc. 

These positions involve running and maintaining everyday support functions to almost all departments in an organisation.

Key Skills for Clerical Jobs

Here are some of the key skills that are required for making it big in a clerical job:

●      Superior knowledge and literacy in computers is a huge advantage for people looking for these positions.  With the technology revolution, every office in the globe is computerised.  Having additional know how of various operating systems as well as different software, could also turn the tables in your favour.

●      Every office needs filing and documenting important papers, not only physically but also electronically.  For clerical jobs, this is one of the most basic but most important requirements.  

●      Scheduling is another important aspect of this job.  Being able to maintain appointment schedules for numerous people efficiently is another skill that employers look for. 

●      People looking for clerical jobs should also have a basic understating of operating various machines like faxes, printers, switchboards, copiers and shredders.  Having a know how to troubleshoot any dysfunctional device would also come in handy for these positions.

●      A good level of proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets and web browsing is also a must. 

●      Last but definitely not the least, impressive communication skills are a requirement for this job.  Effective communication with co-workers, clients and business partners will help in getting your work done smoothly and maintaining healthy work relationships.

Although these positions are not in the mainstream job markets, they have a lot of demand in every sector.  Furthermore, these jobs have immense potential when it comes to growth and stability in an organisation.

Why Become an Accounting Clerk

While there are a host of finance jobs in the market, the job of an Accounting Clerk is a great starting point for individuals who intend to get into the accounting industry. In spite of the challenging nature of accounting clerk jobs , it is one of the most preferred positions for fresher’s looking for a career in this field.

What do Accounting Clerk Jobs consist of?

1.      Preparation of a general ledger with financial reports.

2.      Looking after all the accounts pertaining to receivable and payable reports

3.      Payroll management, bookkeeping, data entry and filing of tax returns.

4.      Initiating a comprehensive analysis of the balance sheet and taking up other administrative responsibilities.

5.      Advising clients on budget, risk assessment, investments and tax issues.

6.      Taking up certain secretarial tasks

7.      Monitoring and clearing payments

8.      Research and rectification of financial records

9.      Collection and processing of time cards or other employee logs

10.  Managing data of charges cost of damaged or lost goods, freight charges, rentals and management of petty cash accounts.

Are you Qualified for the Job?

If you intend to take accounting clerk jobs you need to have a minimum of a high school graduation with computer skills. This career allows you to learn on the job and acquiring a bachelor’s degree can help you move into higher accounting positions at a fast pace.

If you are good with numbers, follow high standards in work ethics and professionalism, this career is ideal for you. Taking up this career is the ideal way to leverage your skills in analysis, critical thinking, computers, knowledge in business procedures, efficiency of work on spread sheets and other office applications.

With a strong grasp in management, planning, communications and number crunching you can prove to be a valuable asset in an accounting position.

 

Looking For New Accounting & Finance Jobs

Before you start looking for accounting or finance jobs, you will first need to identify the aspect of the industry that is most viable taking into consideration your education and professional experiences. There is an array of careers in the financial industry and it is important that you conduct comprehensive research before you make any decision.

Here is what you need to take into consideration before you start looking for new accounting and finance jobs –

1.      Start at a Basic, Entry Level Position

<a href=" http://www.americasjobexchange.com/jobs/k-accounting-clerk-jobs "> Accounting clerk jobs </a> and entry level auditing jobs is a great way to start out in the accounting and financial business. This way you can learn about the ground work that goes into this sector and also familiarize yourself with some of the best practices in the financial industry.

2.      Budget Analysis & Preparation of Financial Statements –

With some experience you can move on to the job of analyzing company budgets, and making financial statements. If you wish to venture outside of the realms of accounting, consider taking up the position of a financial analyst at a management consultancy, or investment banking firm. These jobs are typically available after acquiring relevant undergraduate degrees in accounting and finance. All these <a href="http://www.americasjobexchange.com"> careers </a> hold a promise of progress in your chosen field.

3.      Top Level Management Accounting, Financial Analysis & portfolio Management –

Relevant work experience, a master’s or doctorate in a relevant field, or a professional certification in the form of a CPA, Financial Planning or CFA enables you to climb up the corporate level to take up a top level position in a corporation or even start your own financial advisory or accounting services firm.

Whether you are looking for an entry level or a top management finance jobs, it is important that you are open minded about your <a href="http://www.americasjobexchange.com">Job search</a> and leverage all online as well as offline resources to achieve professional success.

Writing an Accounting Clerk Resume

If you are looking for an accounting clerk job, you'll want to create a resume that will catch the employer's eye. The most important parts of a resume that you'll want to focus on are the job skills you possess, work history, education, and references. These are the four parts of a resume that the employer wants to know, apart from your name and ideal job title.

First choose a template that can be uploaded from any browser or computer. You'll want a template that is user-friendly and easily readable, free from formatting issues. Have your friends test the template by opening it up on their computers and relaying any problems they notice. Once you've settled on a template, you can begin plugging in your data. Use bullet points to make the resume more readable.

You can choose to add an objective if you think it's necessary. Some employers hate it, while others say it helps them go through stacks of resume a lot faster when it is clear exactly what the candidate is looking for. If you use the objective, be sure you are very specific about what you are looking for, and not just 'a stable job.' An example of an objective is: "Experienced office professional looking for a position as an executive administrative assistant."

Now you can focus on the skills you want front and center. Read over the job description of an accounting clerk to get an idea of what skills the employer is looking for. Accounting clerks are responsible for typing correspondence, documents, reports, and records. They also research, track, and resolve accounting or documentation problems and discrepancies. In addition to this, the clerk updates and maintains accounting journals and other records detailing financial business transactions, such as disbursements, expense vouchers, receipts, and accounts payable. They then compile this data and prepare a variety of reports. They 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. Clerks ensure account reconciliations are correct and completed on time. They also verify the amounts on account payable checks and investigate questionable data.

You can pull your skills from these descriptions if you are confident you have plenty of experience performing these tasks. Next you'll want to add your work history. Many account clerks work in office settings and others are employed in hotels, restaurants, and retail stores and work longer hours during holidays and vacation seasons. Add every job you have had in the last ten years, placing special emphasis on jobs that were in the accounting arena. With these jobs, you'll want to pay close attention to the description of duties you write out for each.

With all of the jobs you've had included, you'll need to turn to education and references. These are brief sections, obviously, because they don't require a lot of information. Add any certifications, licenses, or awards you have received. You may choose to add professional associations you are affiliated with if you wish.

Where to find Accounting Jobs?

If you are looking for an accounting job, it's very likely to assume that most companies are employing these types of workers. Every company needs someone to work in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general accounting.

This important department keeps track of the company's money. Their reporting is what managers look at when determining how well the company is doing, what debts are, and what kind of profits are to be expected in the coming months and years. Governments use the reports to tell how much tax a company should pay. It plays an important role in the price of stock if the company is public, what kind of purchases the company makes, and if the company gets the go-ahead to secure a merger or acquisition.

There are four main types of accountants. Public accountants work for public accounting companies and do auditing, tax, and consulting duties. They also work at independent businesses outside of the company. Management accountants keep track of the money spent and the debts created by the company. Internal auditors ensure the company is utilizing its money according to rules and regulations. They work to detect fraud and embezzlement. Government accountants and auditors ensure that government accounting records are accurate. They also check the records of people who do business with the government. Forensic accountants specialize in investigating white-collar crimes like embezzlement and securities fraud

The job of the accountant varies depending on their specialty. They analyze, disseminate, and communicate financial information for companies, individual clients, and federal, state, and local governments. They also prepare, analyze, and verify financial documents and also perform duties such as financial and investment planning, budget analysis, and legal services related to finances.

Accounting clerks research, track, and resolve accounting or documentation problems and discrepancies. They update and maintain accounting journals and other records detailing financial business transactions, such as disbursements, expense vouchers, receipts, and accounts payable. They then compile this data and prepare a variety of reports. They must always be  verifying numbers and accounting functions and ensuring account reconciliations are accurate.

All of these jobs can be found within most companies, both large and small. Accountants in the private sector work in private offices. This may be in a manufacturing, service or merchandising business, or in the offices of a non-profit organization or bank. Public accountants work in the office of their clients. They also have offices within their accounting firm. Still many work from home.

Government accountants work from the offices of state and local agencies. IRS auditors travel a lot and work within the offices of their auditing subjects.

According to the Labor Department, the median annual salary for an accountant was $61,690 in 2010. The best-paid 10 percent earned roughly $106,880, while the lowest-paid made approximately $38,940. The outlook for these jobs is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15.7 percent growth for accountants between 2010 and 2020, which is much faster than the average growth for most other professions.

Most of these professions require a bachelor's degree and an even more advanced degree. It's important to check on the requirements of each position before applying for accounting jobs.

The Future of Accounting Jobs

The future of accounting jobs remains bright. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow 16 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This is great news for those looking to go into accounting.

The main reason for this increase is an increased focus on accounting in response to corporate scandals and the recent financial crises. Because stricter regulations will be implemented across the board to prevent another crisis, many new accounting jobs will open up in both large and small firms.

Additionally, tighter lending standards are expected to increase the importance of audits. This is a key way for organizations to demonstrate their creditworthiness. More audits will take place, creating the need for more accountants. Auditors may be internal or external.

In addition continued globalization of business should lead to more demand for accounting expertise and services related to international trade and international mergers and acquisitions.

The duties of accountants vary depending on the size of the company they work for and their specialty. They analyze, disseminate, and communicate financial information for companies, individual clients, and federal, state, and local governments.

They prepare, analyze, and verify financial documents and also perform duties such as financial and investment planning, budget analysis, and legal services related to finances.

So who will have the best job prospects? Auditors, accountants, or accounting clerks? The BLS predicts that certified public accountants will enjoy the most prospects. CPAs are licensed by their state’s Board of Accountancy. Becoming a CPA requires passing a national exam and meeting other state requirements. It is often a lengthy and very difficult process, so becoming a CPA is no small feat. In fact, 46 states and the District of Columbia require CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college coursework, which is 30 hours more than the usual 4-year bachelor's degree. In addition, most states require experience before an accountant can apply for a CPA license.

Forensic accountants will also be highly sought after. These accountants specialize in investigations that involve white collar crime such as embezzlement, fraud, or money laundering. These accountants work with law enforcement officials and executives within businesses to achieve an outcome. They may spend weeks, months, even years investigating these crimes and checking numbers.

Internal auditors work to prevent fraud from occurring within the company. They have a system of checks and balances to detect mismanagement of funds, money laundering, or embezzlement. If these are caught internally and dealt with, it may prevent the interference of an outside entity.

The minimum degree level required to edit the accounting field is a bachelors degree in accounting or finance. A master's degree and/or the obtainment of the Certified Public Accountant certificate is also preferred. Obviously these degrees will include an increase in salary as well.

The average salary for a starting accounting is approximately $48,933. Those with a master’s degree starting out can expect to earn around $49,786 or more. This number can be a lot more depending on the size of the company. In a position for the federal government, an accountant can expect upwards of $53,660 starting out.

Where the Accounting Clerk Jobs Are

If you are looking for an accounting clerk jobs, the best place to look is within businesses and at financial firms. Businesses are always looking for someone to keep an eye out on the books and check for financial errors.

The accounting clerk is typically responsible for calculating, posting and verifying duties to obtain and record financial data for use in maintaining accounting and statistical records. They assist accountants and department managers.

Duties of the clerk include operating computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information, compiling statistical, financial, accounting or auditing reports and tables pertaining to such matters as cash receipts, expenditures, accounts payable and receivable, and profits and losses, classifying, recording, and summarizing numerical and financial data to compile and keep financial records, using journals and ledgers or computers, checking figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes, and operating 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.

The clerk will also utilize and maintain the time and attendance system and process daily, weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payroll and related information to include payroll hours, verifying payroll information, recording miscellaneous earnings/deductions. They review and ensure accuracy and appropriateness of all payroll input and output. They also monitor, prepare, and communicate financial reports.

Accounting clerks have many more duties. They retrieve and process all deposits in accordance with company standards. They prepare cash over/short reports on a regular basis and maintain an adequate supply of cash/change to departments as needed. They must also process petty cash receipts and reimbursements on a regular basis and inform management of any deviation to policy.

Accounting clerks need to always be checking for errors and consistency. They provide customers with accurate and timely invoices, statements, and schedules. The clerk should follow up to ensure the customer or client receives each invoices.

Other duties include keeping management aware of any unusual operation or financial occurrences and/or significant deviations from policies and procedures, maintaining an efficient collection process to include an organized filing and tracing system, issuing letters, monitoring returned checks and charge backs, performing collection calls and preparing bad debt write-offs, and responding to customer inquiries in a timely fashion and communicate all issues and/or disputes to the appropriate supervisors.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks are employed in many industries, including firms that provide accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services; federal, state, and local governments; and schools. About 1 of 4 bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks worked part time in 2010.

Mostly accounting clerks worked full time and typically 40 hours a week. During tax season or mergers hours can be longer.

Fortunately for accounting clerks job growth looks good. This segment is expected to grow 14 percent over the next decade. This is as fast as the average occupation. As the number of organizations increases and financial regulations become stricter, there will be greater demand for these workers to maintain books and provide accounting services.

Things you should know about Account Clerk jobs

Account clerks are an integral part of an accounting department. They provide accounting and clerical support to department personnel. This includes maintaining accounting document files, keying in daily worksheets in the general ledger system, and printing accounts payable checks for mailing.

An account clerk has many of the same duties as an administrative assistant who supports an executive.  They are responsible for typing correspondence, documents, reports, and records. They also research, track, and resolve accounting or documentation problems and discrepancies. In addition to this, the clerk updates and maintains accounting journals and other records detailing financial business transactions, such as disbursements, expense vouchers, receipts, and accounts payable. They then compile this data and prepare a variety of reports. 

The account clerk plays a key role in ensuring communication between accounting personnel is ongoing and effective. They keep management informed of department activities and report significant problems.

A large part of the account clerk role involves verifying numbers and accounting functions. The account clerk ensures account reconciliations are correct and completed on time. They also verify the amounts on account payable checks and investigate questionable data. 

Some account clerks have more specialized job duties than others, depending on where they are employed. Some 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.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks held about 2.1 million jobs in 2008 and are employed in nearly every industry. State and local government, educational services, healthcare, and the accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services industries are among the individual industries employing the largest numbers of these clerks.

Most clerks work in an office setting, where they can have access to financial software and work alongside other department members. Many work a standard 40-hour week, although more advanced clerks may work longer hours to meet deadlines.

While many account clerks work in office settings, others are employed in hotels, restaurants, and retail stores and work longer hours during holidays and vacation seasons.

Most account clerks have at least a high school diploma, but it's not uncommon for many to have a post-secondary education. For most at least an associate's degree in accounting is preferred.

When employers look for account clerks, they most often talk about wanting someone who is detail-oriented. It is the sharp eyes of the account clerk that picks out discrepancies in row after row of numbers. The account clerk must also be very meticulous to avoid making errors and should always remain focused and diligent. Good communication skills are a necessity given that account clerks liaise with several different department members. 

Knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting software is preferred. An account clerk should also be able to use a computer and a calculator. 

According to the BLS, job growth for account clerks is projected to be as fast as the average. There will be plenty of job opportunities for account clerks in many different industries.  Employment of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is projected to grow by 10 percent during the 2008–18 decade. This is a direct result of a growing economy that will demand more financial transactions and the monitoring and recordkeeping of financial activities. In addition, new regulations and reporting methods, including the use of International Financial Reporting Standards, should result in additional demand for clerks.