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Occupation AtlasBookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

O*NET · 43-3031.00

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.

Also called Account Administrator · Account Clerk · Account Information Clerk · Account Receivable Clerk · Accountant Assistant · Accountant Clerk · Accountant Helper · Accounting Assistant
106 more

Accounting Associate · Accounting Bookkeeper · Accounting Clerk · Accounting Coordinator · Accounting Representative · Accounting Specialist · Accounting Technician · Accounts Payable Clerk · Accounts Payable Coordinator · Accounts Payable Specialist · Accounts Payables Clerk · Accounts Receivable Assistant · Accounts Receivable Clerk · Accounts Receivable Specialist · Advice Clerk · Amortization Clerk · Audit Clerk · Audit Control Clerk · Auditing Clerk · Balance Clerk · Bank Reconciliator · Bond Clerk · Booking Clerk · Bookkeeper · Bookkeeper Assistant · Bookkeeping Clerk · Budget Clerk · Budget Technician · Canceling and Cutting Control Clerk · Cash Accounting Clerk · Cash Register Balancer · Chart Calculator · Chart Changer · Chart Clerk · Chart Computer · Chart Picker · Chart Reader · Chart Snatcher · Check Clerk · Check Processing Clerk · Classification Analyst · Classification Control Clerk · Classifier · Clearing House Clerk · Clerk Analyst · Clipman · Collateral Clerk · Collection Clerk · Commodity Loan Clerk · Computer Bookkeeper · Cost Accounting Clerk · Credit Card Clerk · Daily Sales Audit Clerk · Discount Clerk · Distribution Accounting Clerk · Dividend Deposit Voucher Clerk · Document Processor · Escrow Agent · Escrow Closer · Export Clerk · Export Documents Clerk · Field Clerk · Figure Clerk · Finance Assistant · Financial Processing Clerk · Financial Recording Clerk · Financial Specialist · Fiscal Accounting Clerk · Fiscal Technician · Fixed Capital Clerk · Foreclosure Clerk · Foreign Exchange Position Clerk · Full Charge Bookkeeper · General Ledger Bookkeeper · Import and Export Clerk · Journal Clerk · Ledger Clerk · Ledger Poster · Letter of Credit Clerk · Margin Clerk · Mortgage Accounting Clerk · Mortgage Loan Computation Clerk · Office Bookkeeper · Pari Mutual Ticket Checker · Payment Processor · Posting Clerk · Price Checker · Price Clerk · Program Accountant · Reconcilement Clerk · Reconciliation Analyst · Reconciliation Clerk · Remittance Clerk · Reserves Clerk · Returned Item Clerk · Revenue Audit Clerk · Safekeeping Clerk · Sales Audit Clerk · Securities Clerk · Stock Transfer Clerk · Tonnage Compilation Clerk · Trust Vault Clerk · Typing Bookkeeper · Voucher Clerk · Voucher Examiner · Wheelage Clerk

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code CEI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CEIConventional · Enterprising · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional7.00
  • E Enterprising2.87
  • I Investigative2.18
  • R Realistic1.63
  • S Social1.49
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma6%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent41%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate21%
  • Some College Courses5%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree9%
  • Bachelor's Degree12%
  • Master's Degree7%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (24%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (39%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (30%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Mathematicsbasic3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Active Listeningbasic3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Speakingbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Writingbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Monitoringbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Time Management3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Complex Problem Solving2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Service Orientation2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Coordination2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Active Learningbasic2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
Show the other 23

Tasks

13 core · 15 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information.4.8
  2. Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.4.7
  3. Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.4.6
  4. Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.4.5
  5. Receive, record, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers.4.5
  6. Code documents according to company procedures.4.3
  7. Reconcile or note and report discrepancies found in records.4.3
  8. Perform financial calculations, such as amounts due, interest charges, balances, discounts, equity, and principal.4.3
  9. Debit, credit, and total accounts on computer spreadsheets and databases, using specialized accounting software.4.2
  10. Classify, record, and summarize numerical and financial data to compile and keep financial records, using journals and ledgers or computers.4.2
  11. Access computerized financial information to answer general questions as well as those related to specific accounts.4.2
  12. Perform general office duties, such as filing, answering telephones, and handling routine correspondence.4.2
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  1. Match order forms with invoices, and record the necessary information.4.1
  2. Prepare and process payroll information.4.7
  3. Prepare bank deposits by compiling data from cashiers, verifying and balancing receipts, and sending cash, checks, or other forms of payment to banks.4.6
  4. Calculate and prepare checks for utilities, taxes, and other payments.4.4
  5. Reconcile records of bank transactions.4.4
  6. Monitor status of loans and accounts to ensure that payments are up to date.4.4
  7. Compile budget data and documents, based on estimated revenues and expenses and previous budgets.4.3
  8. Calculate, prepare, and issue bills, invoices, account statements, and other financial statements according to established procedures.4.2
  9. Compare computer printouts to manually maintained journals to determine if they match.4.2
  10. Transfer details from separate journals to general ledgers or data processing sheets.4.2
  11. Complete and submit tax forms and returns, workers' compensation forms, pension contribution forms, and other government documents.4.2
  12. Prepare trial balances of books.4.1
  13. Calculate costs of materials, overhead, and other expenses, based on estimates, quotations and price lists.4.1
  14. Prepare purchase orders and expense reports.4.1
  15. 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.4.0
  16. Maintain inventory records.3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.24.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Administrative3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Mathematics3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Economics and Accounting3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
  • English Language3.43.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Computers and Electronics3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Administration and Management2.92.4Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Education and Training2.72.7
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  • Personnel and Human Resources2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Law and Government2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Telecommunications2.00.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Sales and Marketing1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Psychology1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Communications and Media1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Production and Processing1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Public Safety and Security1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Geography1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Mechanical1.50.6Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Transportation1.3—
  • Food Production1.2—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Building and Construction1.1—
  • Chemistry1.1—
  • Design1.1—
  • Engineering and Technology1.1—
  • Foreign Language1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Physics1.1—
  • Biology1.0—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • History and Archeology1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Near Vision3.94.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Written Comprehension3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Number Facility3.53.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Oral Expression3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
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  • Category Flexibility3.13.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Inductive Reasoning3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering3.13.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Speech Recognition3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Deductive Reasoning3.03.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Selective Attention3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Clarity3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Perceptual Speed2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Flexibility of Closure2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Far Vision2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Finger Dexterity2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Memorization2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Speed of Closure2.32.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Fluency of Ideas2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Control Precision2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Manual Dexterity2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Time Sharing2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Visualization2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory Attention1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Originality1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Trunk Strength1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color Discrimination1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.60.9
  • Dynamic Strength1.40.5
  • Depth Perception1.0—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Extent Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Multilimb Coordination1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Reaction Time1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.54.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Getting Information4.34.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.13.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.73.8Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.74.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.73.3Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
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  • Processing Information3.74.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.73.2Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.62.8
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.62.9
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Developing and Building Teams2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Thinking Creatively2.42.8
  • Training and Teaching Others2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.70.9Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.3—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.2—
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.1—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.1—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.9
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.8
  • Telephone Conversations4.8
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.7
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.7
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Contact With Others4.5
  • Spend Time Sitting4.5
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.1
  • Frequency of Decision Making3.9

Technology

118 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (5)

  • Intuit QuickBookshot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • SAP softwarehot

Hot (14; 5 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Epic Systems
  • Google Docs
  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • SAP Concur
  • Yardi software
Other tools (99)
  • Accounts payable software
  • Accounts receivable software
  • Accurate NXG
  • AcornSystems Corporate Performance Management
  • ACS Technologies ACS Financial Suite
  • Act!
  • Activant Solutions Activant Prophet 21
  • AdaptaSoft CyberPay
  • ADP Pay eXpert
  • ADP Workforce Now
  • Advanced Management Systems Software for Wineries
  • American HealthTech Financial
  • AMS Services AMS Sagitta
  • Asset management software
  • ATX Total Accounting Office
  • ATX Total Engagement Office
  • Auditing software
  • AuditWare financial reporting and auditing software
  • Automation Counselors municiPAL
  • Best MIP Fund Accounting
  • Blackbaud The Financial Edge
  • Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
  • BLS Software Invoice!
  • Business performance management BPM software
  • Cartesis ES Magnitude
  • CCIS AccountAbility
  • ComputerEase construction accounting software
  • Corporate Responsibility System Technologies Limited CRSTL Compliance Positioning System
  • Cost accounting software
  • Customer information control system CICS
  • CYMA IV Accounting for Windows
  • Data entry software
  • Database software
  • Delphi Technology
  • Document management system software
  • Dropbox
  • FaceTime
  • Fifth Walk BillingTracker
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Financial compliance software
  • Financial reporting software
  • Financial statement software
  • FlexiFinancials FlexiLedger
  • Fund accounting software
  • General ledger software
  • Google Drive
  • HCSS HeavyBid
  • HCSS HeavyJob
  • Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
  • Heron CrossTie General Ledger
  • HMS
  • Human resource management software HRMS
  • IBM Cognos Impromptu
  • IBM Notes
  • Infor Global Solutions Starbuilder
  • Intrax ProcedureNet
  • Iron Mountain Accutrac records management software
  • LexisNexis
  • Medical condition coding software
  • Medical procedure coding software
  • MethodWare ProAudit Advisor
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Dynamics GP
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • NetSuite ERP
  • New Millennium Communications Genesis Accounting
  • OmniRIM Records Management Suite
  • Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
  • Oracle Fusion Applications
  • Oracle Hyperion
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
  • Oracle PeopleSoft Financials
  • Paisley AutoAudit
  • Paisley Cardmap
  • Paisley Focus Control Assurance
  • Paisley IssueTrack
  • Paisley RiskNavigator
  • Payroll software
  • Pentana audit work system PAWS
  • PROPHIX Enterprise
  • Quicken
  • Records management software
  • Roundtable Software Advantage Accounting System
  • RSM McGladrey Advanced Practice Solutions Paperless Audit
  • RSM McGladrey Auditor Assistant
  • Sage 100 Contractor
  • Sage 100 ERP
  • Sage 50 Accounting
  • Sage EDP Payroll Tax
  • SAP Business Objects
  • SAP BusinessObjects Data Integrator
  • SAP Crystal Reports
  • Skype
  • Softrax Revenue Management
  • Tax software
  • Tumbleweed SecureTransport
  • UA Business Software Professional Edition

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Billing and Posting Clerks
  2. Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
  3. Brokerage Clerks
  4. Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
  5. Office Clerks, General
  6. Tellers
  7. File Clerks
  8. Loan Interviewers and Clerks
  9. Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
  10. New Accounts Clerks

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.