Occupation · SOC 43-3031
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.
Median wage
$49,210
$34,600–$72,660
Projected growth
-5.8%
Declining
Annual openings
-9,430
per year
Employed (US)
1,455,770
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
464 mapped
Core skills
MathematicsReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningWritingSpeakingTime ManagementMonitoringService OrientationCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningPersuasionNegotiationSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesInstructingManagement of Financial ResourcesLearning StrategiesManagement of Material ResourcesOperations MonitoringProgrammingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignScienceQuality Control AnalysisOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingInstallationEquipment SelectionEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceAdministrativeMathematicsEnglish LanguageEconomics and AccountingComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and ManagementEducation and TrainingPersonnel and Human ResourcesLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsSales and MarketingPsychologyCommunications and MediaPublic Safety and SecurityProduction and ProcessingGeographyMechanicalSociology and AnthropologyTransportationTherapy and CounselingMedicine and DentistryFood ProductionPhilosophy and TheologyForeign LanguagePhysicsChemistryEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsBiology
Technology & tools
ACS Technologies ACS Financial SuiteADP Pay eXpertADP Workforce NowAMS Services AMS SagittaATX Total Accounting OfficeATX Total Engagement OfficeAccounting softwareAccounts payable softwareAccounts receivable softwareAccurate NXGAcornSystems Corporate Performance ManagementAct!Activant Solutions Activant Prophet 21AdaptaSoft CyberPayAdobe AcrobatAdvanced Management Systems Software for WineriesAmerican HealthTech FinancialAsset management softwareAuditWare financial reporting and auditing softwareAuditing softwareAutomation Counselors municiPALBLS Software Invoice!Best MIP Fund AccountingBlackbaud The Financial EdgeBlackbaud The Raiser's EdgeBusiness performance management BPM softwareCCIS AccountAbilityCYMA IV Accounting for WindowsCartesis ES MagnitudeComputerEase construction accounting softwareCorporate Responsibility System Technologies Limited CRSTL Compliance Positioning SystemCost accounting softwareCustomer information control system CICSData entry softwareDatabase softwareDelphi TechnologyDocument management system softwareDropboxEpic SystemsFaceTime
Representative tasks
Working with ComputersGetting InformationDocumenting/Recording InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProcessing InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsPerforming Administrative ActivitiesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsAnalyzing Data or InformationPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesScheduling Work and ActivitiesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersThinking CreativelyTraining and Teaching OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleCoaching and Developing OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersStaffing Organizational UnitsGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesControlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesSelling or Influencing OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Accounting software basics — enter financial transactions under direct supervision using standard bookkeeping programs in an office setting.Numeric data entry — operate a 10-key calculator and keyboard to input figures accurately into ledgers and spreadsheets with guidance from a supervisor.Document verification — check postings and figures for correct entry and proper codes by following a provided checklist in a structured clerical environment.Cash and voucher handling — receive, record, and deposit cash, checks, and vouchers under close oversight in accordance with established office procedures.Company coding procedures — apply standard document codes to invoices and receipts by referencing a procedure manual in a supervised work setting.Regulatory compliance basics — follow federal, state, and company policies when processing financial records under the direction of a senior clerk or supervisor.Basic financial calculations — compute amounts due, discounts, and balances using calculators or software with guidance in a routine clerical context.Record discrepancy identification — flag numerical inconsistencies and mispostings for supervisor review while processing daily transaction records.Written comprehension in practice — read and interpret policy documents, procedure guides, and coding instructions to complete assigned bookkeeping tasks accurately.Time and task organization — manage assigned daily data entry and filing tasks within set deadlines using a supervisor-provided priority schedule.
developing
Accounting software operations — record, store, and analyze financial data independently using accounting or ERP software in a multi-account office environment.Figure and posting review — conduct routine accuracy checks on entries, mathematical totals, and document codes across a set of accounts without direct oversight.Compliance maintenance — apply federal, state, and organizational regulations consistently when processing payroll, invoices, and financial records in day-to-day operations.Cash receipts management — receive, reconcile, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers across multiple transaction types within established internal controls.Document coding and classification — assign correct codes to a range of financial documents according to company chart-of-accounts procedures with minimal supervision.Financial calculation proficiency — perform interest charges, equity, principal, and balance computations reliably using financial analysis or billing software.Discrepancy reconciliation — identify, document, and report record inconsistencies to supervisors and follow up to ensure timely correction in accounting systems.Billing and invoicing workflow — generate and process invoices and billing statements using billing software, ensuring accuracy before client delivery.Time accounting and reporting — track employee or project hours using time accounting software and compile summary reports for management review.Active listening and communication — clarify assignment requirements and resolve data questions with colleagues and clients through clear verbal and written exchanges.
proficient
Full-cycle bookkeeping — manage the complete recording, classification, and reconciliation of financial transactions autonomously across general ledger accounts in a mid-size organization.ERP system utilization — configure and operate enterprise resource planning software to integrate accounts payable, receivable, and payroll data across departmental workflows.Complex reconciliation — investigate and resolve multi-period discrepancies in bank statements, subsidiary ledgers, and trial balances without supervisory escalation.Regulatory compliance oversight — interpret and apply evolving federal and state financial regulations, proactively updating procedures to keep the organization in full compliance.Advanced financial analysis — use financial analysis software to produce variance reports, cash flow summaries, and equity calculations that inform management decisions.Cross-system data integrity — audit transaction records across accounting, CRM, and document management systems to ensure consistency and accuracy of financial information.Non-routine problem resolution — apply critical thinking and inductive reasoning to diagnose unusual account imbalances and design corrective journal entries independently.Compliance software management — operate compliance and transaction server software to monitor regulatory requirements and generate audit-ready documentation.Mentoring junior clerks — guide emerging and developing clerks through complex coding, reconciliation, and software tasks using structured on-the-job coaching.Reporting and written communication — prepare clear, accurate financial summaries and discrepancy reports for management audiences using professional written expression standards.
advanced
Bookkeeping framework design — establish organization-wide accounting policies, chart-of-accounts structures, and coding standards that align with regulatory and business requirements.Technology stack leadership — evaluate, select, and implement accounting, ERP, and compliance software platforms to optimize financial operations across the organization.Compliance program ownership — develop and maintain a comprehensive compliance program covering federal, state, and internal regulations, including audit response strategies.Financial controls architecture — design and enforce internal control systems for cash handling, document management, and transaction processing to mitigate financial risk.Staff development and training — create and deliver competency-based training curricula for bookkeeping staff at all levels, elevating team accuracy and regulatory knowledge.Strategic financial reporting — direct the preparation of high-level financial analyses, period-end reports, and KPI dashboards that guide executive and operational decision-making.Cross-functional process integration — lead the alignment of bookkeeping workflows with HR, procurement, and operations systems to eliminate redundancy and improve data quality.Audit and examination leadership — coordinate internal and external audit processes, preparing documentation packages and representing the accounting function to regulators and auditors.Continuous improvement governance — identify systemic inefficiencies in financial recording and reconciliation processes and direct improvement initiatives using performance monitoring data.Organizational risk advisory — advise senior leadership on financial exposure, discrepancy trends, and compliance gaps, translating bookkeeping data into strategic risk management recommendations.
Also known as
114 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Account AdministratorAccount ClerkAccount Information ClerkAccount Receivable ClerkAccountant AssistantAccountant ClerkAccountant HelperAccounting AssistantAccounting AssociateAccounting BookkeeperAccounting ClerkAccounting CoordinatorAccounting RepresentativeAccounting SpecialistAccounting TechnicianAccounts Payable ClerkAccounts Payable CoordinatorAccounts Payable SpecialistAccounts Payables ClerkAccounts Receivable AssistantAccounts Receivable ClerkAccounts Receivable SpecialistAdvice ClerkAmortization ClerkAudit ClerkAudit Control ClerkAuditing ClerkBalance ClerkBank ReconciliatorBond ClerkBooking ClerkBookkeeperBookkeeper AssistantBookkeeping ClerkBudget ClerkBudget TechnicianCanceling and Cutting Control ClerkCash Accounting ClerkCash Register BalancerChart Calculator