What does an Accounting Clerk do?
An Accounting Clerk is responsible for inputting financial data into a company’s accounting records or bookkeeping software. They keep records of any financial transactions that take place, including customer orders, stock purchases and credit notes. Accounting Clerks also create invoices, pursue late payments and issue receipts against the company ledger.
Accounting Clerks work as part of a larger accounting team within a company. Often, they assist Accountants or Senior Accountants with the compiling of financial statements and reports. They can help to create profit and loss charts, annual economic forecasts and report financial analytics.
Accounting Clerk skills and qualifications
Accounting Clerks need practical accountancy skills and qualifications to succeed in their day-to-day duties. Employers expect accurate arithmetic capabilities, knowledge of accounting systems and the ability to communicate and work as a team. A successful Accounting Clerk candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications, they typically include:
- Excellent accuracy and attention to detail
- Excellent analytical and reporting abilities
- Ability to organise work, prioritise tasks and work to deadlines
- Ability to communicate complex financial information in an easy to understand format
- Ability to use mathematical skills for accurate accounting
- Computer literacy and IT skills transferable to bookkeeping software
- Customer service skills for dealing with clients or suppliers directly
Accounting Clerk experience requirements
Most employers prefer a candidate with at least one to two years of experience in accounts payable (A/P) and accounts receivable (A/R) duties with data input. Experience of working directly in an accounting role with responsibility for keeping records is also helpful. Usually, a good job description mentions detailed A/P and A/R duties experience with spreadsheets and accounting software such as Excel with pivot tables, QuickBooks, while software such as Xero or QUBE Accounting is an essential. If a company has proprietary accountancy systems, then prospective candidates must have a proven track record of picking up new skills and learning to use software with efficiency.
Accounting Clerk education and training requirements
An Accountancy Clerk needs GCSEs in maths, English and IT with A-Levels in maths and English. Entry-level applicants can learn specific skills through an apprenticeship. Some employers also consider a Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping or a Level 2 Certificate in Accounting with additional certifications in Microsoft Office Suite. Optional certifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or maths or an approved accountancy course from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Accounting Clerk salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Accounting Clerk is £30,075 per year. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and company.
Job description samples for similar positions
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