Accounting Clerk: Career Guide

What does an Accounting Clerk do?

Accounting clerks handle daily financial transactions, record data, and maintain accurate ledgers. They assist in reconciling accounts, processing invoices, and ensuring the accuracy of the company’s financial records.

Key duties & responsibilities

Accounting Clerks in the Accounting field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

Data Entry & Transactions

• Records daily transactions in the accounting system
• Processes invoices, receipts, and payments accurately

Account Reconciliation

• Reconciles account balances to maintain accuracy
• Helps resolve discrepancies in financial data

Administrative Assistance

• Supports month-end and year-end closing processes
• Assists with other accounting tasks as required

How to become an Accounting Clerk

Launching a career as an Accounting Clerk requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Associate’s degree in accounting or related field
• Previous experience in bookkeeping or data entry
• Proficiency in accounting software

Requirements & skills

• Outstanding proficiency in verbal and written communication
• Demonstrated computer skills in MS Excel, Word, and Salesforce
• Aptitude for thriving in a dynamic and fast-paced professional office environment

Accounting Clerk salary guide

Wondering what Accounting Clerks earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

Job	Branch	Avg. US salary
Accounting Clerk	Accounting	39,870 USD

The average salary for an Accounting Clerk in the U.S. is approximately $39,870 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Accounting Clerks may receive a wide range of benefits.

Accounting Clerk salary career steps

Level	Experience	Avg. salary per year
Entry Level	0-2 years	$29,903
Mid Level	3-5 years	$35,883
Experienced	6-10 years	$39,870
Senior	11+ years	$43,857
Veteran	20+ years	$49,838

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale, expert interviews

How to advance your career

Accounting Clerks have several opportunities for career advancement. Initially starting in entry-level positions, they can move up to positions such as Senior Accounting Clerk, Accounts Payable/Receivable Manager, or even into supervisory roles within the accounting department.

Further education and certifications, such as becoming a Certified Bookkeeper (CB) or earning an associate's degree in accounting, can accelerate their advancement opportunities. With significant experience and additional education, some may even rise to the level of Accountant or Financial Analyst, overseeing broader aspects of their organization's financial management.

Typical work environment

Accounting Clerks typically work in an office setting, spending most of their time at desks equipped with computers and other necessary technology to manage financial records and perform calculations. The environment is generally well-lit and climate-controlled, making it comfortable for long periods of seated work.

Work hours for Accounting Clerks are usually full-time; however, they might have to work additional hours during end-of-month, end-of-quarter, or year-end closing periods when there is an increased need to reconcile accounts and prepare reports for management. Some positions may offer part-time schedules or flexible working hours, and as technology advances, remote work opportunities are becoming more common in this field.