Accounting Clerk job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is an Accounting Clerk?
Accounting Clerks work in accounting departments in companies, where they provide assistance with accounting and clerical duties.
They are responsible for preparing and maintaining financial records and other documents, receiving and verifying invoices and payments, and generally providing any support or assistance to Accountants and other financial staff.
The top Accounting Clerk skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
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Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are searching for an organized Accounting Clerk to join our accounting department and contribute to our mutual business growth. As an Accounting Clerk, you will work alongside accountants and other financial staff. Your job will be to assist and provide support in accounting, clerical, and administrative duties in the department. Some of those tasks include preparing and maintaining accounting documents, records, and files, and entering financial data in the database.
Our ideal new team member should be able to handle communication with superiors, clients, and colleagues and maintain healthy and professional relationships. This job requires a certain set of skills in order for you to be successful. Digital literacy, communication, attention to detail, organization, and confidentiality are all skills that we value and look for in every employee.
Duties and responsibilities
- Assist in accounting, clerical, and administrative duties in the accounting department
- Type, prepare, and maintain accounting and financial documents and records
- Enter financial transaction data in the database
- Research, track, and resolve accounting or documentation issues or discrepancies
- Provide suitable resources to accounting staff
- Protect financial and confidential information by completing database backups
- Answer phone calls, respond to emails, and process mail
- Prepare and maintain checks, deposits, budgets, and financial reports
- Collect and sort checks, invoices, and other documentation
- Keep records of all company charges and refunds that have been issued
- Maintain records by making copies and filing documents
- Maintain and update ledgers
- Receive and verify invoices and payments
- Work in accordance with established standards, laws, and regulations
Requirements
- An Associate’s or a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
- Additional certification (CPA certificate) is a plus
- Prior accounting experience, or relevant training or certification
- Deep understanding of accounting and financial principles and bookkeeping
- Knowledge of MS Office and accounting software
- Accuracy in data entry and usage of spreadsheets
- Communication and teamwork
- Organization and time management
- Attention to detail and confidentiality
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Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
Degree first, then the certification.
Even though some candidates can be hired with just a High school diploma or a GED, there are employers who require a degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
Accounting Clerks usually receive on-the-job training from older and more experienced colleagues to learn the basics of the job and how to complete tasks.
Candidates with no postsecondary education often choose to receive relevant certification to gain the necessary knowledge and expertise in the accounting field.
The most common certification is the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation.
Certified Bookkeeper
Demonstrates proficiency in bookkeeping and accounting principles.
American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)Certified Public Accountant
Indicates advanced knowledge and expertise in accounting practices.
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)Sample interview questions for an Accounting Clerk.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- Have you ever wanted to become an Accounting Clerk?
- What does your ideal free day look like?
- Who would you want to play your part in a movie?
- Could you briefly describe your working experience so far?
- In a room full of candidates, what trait distinguishes you the most?
- What do you know about the tasks and responsibilities of an Accounting Clerk?
- Would you be willing to work late in order to meet a deadline or finish a certain task?
- Are you more of a team player, or do you enjoy working alone?
- How do you stay organized and motivated when having a lot of work?
- Do you have experience working with databases, spreadsheets, and accounting software?
- How do you ensure confidential financial information is protected and secured?
- What methods do you use to ensure accuracy and avoid errors?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $11 at the 10th percentile to $23 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Accountant
An accountant is a professional who provides financial services to individuals or businesses.
$68,326 medianAccounts Payable Clerk
An Accounts Payable Clerk is a professional responsible for managing a company's financial obligations to vendors and suppliers.
$43,831 medianAccounting Coordinator
An Accounting Coordinator is a professional responsible for overseeing and facilitating various accounting functions within an organization.
$51,262 medianFrequently asked questions.
What makes a successful Accounting Clerk?
A successful Accounting Clerk must have an eye for detail, strong computer skills, organization, and communication skills, as well as the ability to keep financial information private.
Accounting Clerks are also required to be team players.
Who do Accounting Clerks work with?
Accounting Clerks work in financial or accounting departments with accountants and other accounting or financial staff.
They may report to the Accounting Manager or Accounting Coordinator about issues or important work information.
What are the differences between an Accounting Clerk and an Accountant?
Both Accounting Clerks and Accountants work in financial or accounting departments.
However, Accountants have a higher educational level and therefore more experience and responsibilities.
Accountants focus on analyzing data, while Accounting Clerks organize and collect them.
Accountants are also responsible for checking the accuracy of Accounting Clerks’ work and overseeing their performance.
How much do Accounting Clerks earn per year?
Accounting Clerks typically earn between $21,500 and $48,500, and their median annual salary is approximately $38,217.
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