Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk
1. OVERVIEW
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks help organizations track financial transactions accurately. They are essential for maintaining general ledgers, producing financial reports, and reconciling records. These roles are foundational for accounting teams across industries.
2024 Median Pay: $49,210/year
Job Growth (2023–2033): -5% (decline due to automation)
Typical Entry-Level Education: Some college or postsecondary courses
Job Openings/Year: ~174,900 (mainly replacement needs)
2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL
ENTRY LEVEL
Job Titles: Bookkeeping Clerk, Accounts Payable Clerk, Billing Clerk
Education: High school diploma or some college in accounting
Experience: 0–1 year; on-the-job training
Certifications (Optional): Certified Bookkeeper (CB), CPB (Certified Public Bookkeeper)
Core Duties:
Enter financial transactions in software (e.g., QuickBooks)
Maintain accounts payable and receivable records
Assist with payroll, invoicing, and basic reconciliations
Produce reports like income statements
Salary Range: $35,000–$45,000
MID LEVEL
Job Titles: Accounting Clerk, General Ledger Clerk, Junior Auditor
Education: Postsecondary coursework or associate degree
Experience: 2–5 years
Certifications (Recommended): CB, CPB, QuickBooks Certification
Core Duties:
Reconcile bank statements and identify discrepancies
Assist with month-end closings and payroll processing
Generate and validate journal entries
Use ERP/accounting systems and spreadsheets extensively
Salary Range: $45,000–$58,000
SENIOR LEVEL
Job Titles: Full-Charge Bookkeeper, Senior Accounting Clerk, Bookkeeping Supervisor
Education: Associate degree or bachelor’s in accounting (preferred)
Experience: 5–10+ years
Certifications (Preferred): CB, CPB, plus specialized software certifications
Core Duties:
Oversee all ledgers and produce financial statements
Supervise clerical staff or junior bookkeepers
Maintain audit readiness and ensure compliance with company policies
Manage budgeting support and advanced reconciliations
Salary Range: $58,000–$72,000+
3. HOW TO BECOME ONE
Education: High school diploma is the baseline; most employers prefer postsecondary courses in accounting
Training: Moderate on-the-job training, often shadowing experienced staff
Certifications: CB (American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers), CPB (NACPB)
Professional Associations:
American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)
National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB)
4. IMPORTANT SKILLS
Math and analytical ability
Attention to detail
Spreadsheet proficiency (Excel, Google Sheets)
Bookkeeping software (QuickBooks, Xero, Sage)
Integrity and confidentiality
Communication skills
5. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Mostly full-time office settings
Employed in professional services, construction, retail, healthcare, and finance
May work longer hours during tax season or fiscal closings
Often collaborate with accountants, payroll specialists, and auditors
6. JOB OUTLOOK & CHALLENGES
Employment projected to decline 5% from 2023–2033 due to automation
Despite decline, ~175,000 job openings/year expected for retirements and transfers
Software advancements will shift focus to analysis, reconciliation, and advisory roles
7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS
Role: Accountants & Auditors | Salary: $81,680 | Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree
Role: Financial Clerks | Salary: $48,650 | Education Level: High School Diploma
Role: Tax Examiners | Salary: $59,740 | Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree
Role: Loan Officers | Salary: $74,180 | Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree
Role: Bill & Account Collectors | Salary: $46,040 | Education Level: High School Diploma
8. RESOURCES FOR FURTHER LEARNING
Certifications & Associations
Free & Paid Courses
LinkedIn Learning – Bookkeeping Foundations
Coursera – Fundamentals of Accounting Specialization
