Bookkeeping Clerk: Duties & Salary

If you work in an organization that uses money (and who doesn't?!), you know that someone has to keep records of where the money is coming from and where it's going. Bookkeeping clerks are the ones who keep those financial records. And the job is anything but simple. The list of tax and accounting rules that bookkeeping clerks need to know seems never-ending. If you're looking to become a bookkeeping clerk, get a head start here.

What does a bookkeeping clerk do?
Bookkeeping clerks are the financial recordkeepers of an organization. They update and maintain accounting records, calculating expenditures, receipts, accounts payable and receivable, and profit and loss. Depending on the company and individual skill level, bookkeeping clerks might handle specific, specialized tasks, or they might maintain an entire company's books. These duties include recording all transactions, posting debits and credits, producing financial statements, preparing reports and summaries, preparing bank deposits, contacting clients, handling payroll, making purchases, preparing invoices, and keeping track of overdue accounts.

Rather than rely on the old paper and pencil method, today's bookkeeping clerks use specialized accounting software, spreadsheets, and databases to maintain the general ledger. Bookkeeping clerks must be completely comfortable using computers to calculate and record data. That being said, bookkeeping clerks still make numerous computations each day, so their math skills must be sharp.

Most bookkeeping clerks work regular business hours and a standard 40-hour week, although some may work evenings and weekends as well. At the end of the fiscal year, during tax time, or when monthly or yearly accounting audits are performed, bookkeeping clerks may put in longer hours to meet deadlines. And those who work in hotels, restaurants, and stores may put in overtime during peak vacation and holiday seasons.

How much do bookkeeping clerks get paid and what kinds of bookkeeping clerk jobs can I get?
In May 2008, median annual earnings of bookkeeping clerks were $32,510, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10 percent of clerks earned more than $49,260, and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,950. Benefits vary by the type and size of establishment, but health insurance and paid leave are common.

In 2006, about 24 percent of bookkeeping clerks worked part time, reports the BLS. Bookkeeping clerk jobs can be found in all companies, in every industry, and at all levels of government. Your best bet for finding work is to start with the industries that employ the most bookkeeping clerks - local government and the accounting, bookkeeping, payroll services, and tax preparation industry. In fact, many companies outsource their bookkeeping departments to these independent financial firms. Just don't overlook potential employment opportunities in other organizations such as hotels, restaurants, and stores.

Employment of bookkeeping clerks is projected to grow 12 percent by 2016, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. But the large size of the bookkeeping clerk occupation translates into lots of job openings, including many opportunities for temporary and part-time work. Certified Bookkeepers and those who can carry out a wide range of bookkeeping activities will have the best job prospects.

Sound Off! Post Your Comments