Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

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.

Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

1. Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.

2. Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information.

3. Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.

4. Debit, credit, and total accounts on computer spreadsheets and databases, using specialized accounting software.

5. Classify, record, and summarize numerical and financial data to compile and keep financial records, using journals and ledgers or computers.

6. Calculate, prepare, and issue bills, invoices, account statements, and other financial statements according to established procedures.

7. Compile statistical, financial, accounting or auditing reports and tables pertaining to such matters as cash receipts, expenditures, accounts payable and receivable, and profits and losses.

8. Code documents according to company procedures.

9. Access computerized financial information to answer general questions as well as those related to specific accounts.

10. Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.

11. Reconcile or note and report discrepancies found in records.

Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$25,130 for entry level workers, and $42,320 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Very Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 142,830 Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 153,440  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 1,060 job(s) each year, and a total of 2,240 job openings each year.

Certified Public Accountants Career Opportunities Handbook - Provides CPA job seekers with a guide to small and medium sized firms from around the New York State area. Firms which accept applications from entry level accountants and those which feature internships are highlighted.

Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP) - COAP, a summer program for high school juniors, is held at several college campuses across New York State. The program is an important component of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants efforts to recruit young people into the CPA profession.

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Finance and Accounting Specialists - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

Billing, Cost, and Rate Clerks - Compile data, compute fees and charges, and prepare invoices for billing purposes. Duties include computing costs and calculating rates for goods, services, and shipment of goods; posting data; and keeping other relevant records. May involve use of computer or typewriter, calculator, and adding and bookkeeping machines.

Billing, Posting, and Calculating Machine Operators - Operate machines that automatically perform mathematical processes, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, to calculate and record billing, accounting, statistical, and other numerical data. Duties include operating special billing machines to prepare statements, bills, and invoices, and operating bookkeeping machines to copy and post data, make computations, and compile records of transactions.

Brokerage Clerks - Perform clerical duties involving the purchase or sale of securities. Duties include writing orders for stock purchases and sales, computing transfer taxes, verifying stock transactions, accepting and delivering securities, tracking stock price fluctuations, computing equity, distributing dividends, and keeping records of daily transactions and holdings.

Loan Interviewers and Clerks - Interview loan applicants to elicit information; investigate applicants' backgrounds and verify references; prepare loan request papers; and forward findings, reports, and documents to appraisal department. Review loan papers to ensure completeness, and complete transactions between loan establishment, borrowers, and sellers upon approval of loan.

Secretaries, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive - Perform routine clerical and administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.

Office Clerks, General - Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring limited knowledge of office management systems and procedures. Clerical duties may be assigned in accordance with the office procedures of individual establishments and may include a combination of answering telephones, bookkeeping, typing or word processing, stenography, office machine operation, and filing.