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.
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks earn a median of $24.36/hr — about $50,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $17.31/hr; the top 10% earn $35.84/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information.
- Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.
- Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.
- Receive, record, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers.
- Code documents according to company procedures.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Some college. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
The feel of the work
The work splits time indoors and out; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 5.2% of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are organized and detail-focused.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
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Quick questions
- How much does a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk make?
- The median pay is $24.36 per hour — roughly $50,500 a year, with the real range running from about $17.31/hr (10th percentile) to $35.84/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk?
- The typical entry-level education is: Some college. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
- What does a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk actually do all day?
- Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information. Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes. Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
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