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.
