How To Become A Bookkeeping Clerk: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2024)

Key steps to become a bookkeeping clerk

1. Explore bookkeeping clerk education requirements

   The educational requirements for a bookkeeping clerk typically include a high school diploma, with some positions requiring a certificate or an associate's degree in business, accounting, or a related field. According to Qian Song Ph.D., Associate Professor of Accounting at Saunders College of Business, "Certifications in data analytics and other technological skills are expected to have the biggest impact on future job prospects for bookkeeping clerks." Institutions such as MIT, Cornell, Columbia, and organizations like IBM, Dell, and Microsoft are offering certifications in data analytics and other technology.

   Most common bookkeeping clerk degrees

   Bachelor's

   35.6

   %

   Associate

   31.0

   %

   High School Diploma

   See Also

   19 Pros and Cons of Being a Bookkeeper

   21.6

   %

2. Start to develop specific bookkeeping clerk skills

   In their role, bookkeeping clerks perform a range of tasks related to financial record keeping, such as preparing bank reconciliations, financial reports, and data reports, as well as performing data entry, word processing, and filing. Many also handle cash transactions, including receiving and processing checks and deposits, balancing cash registers, and reconciling bank statements. They also manage inventory, process payroll, and perform general office duties like filing, answering phones, and responding to inquiries. To succeed as a bookkeeping clerk, it's important to be familiar with basic office equipment and software, as well as possess strong organizational and bookkeeping skills.

   Skills	Percentages
   Customer Service	17.94%
   Data Entry	9.98%
   Check Deposits	9.66%
   Vendor Invoices	6.75%
   Computer System	4.31%

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3. Complete relevant bookkeeping clerk training and internships

   Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New bookkeeping clerks learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a bookkeeping clerk based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real bookkeeping clerk resumes.

4. Research bookkeeping clerk duties and responsibilities

   They perform bookkeeping duties like preparing deposits, reconciling bank statements, and maintaining filing systems. They also process customer payments and handle cash transactions. They may assist in the preparation of financial reports, and perform basic office tasks like data entry. They also manage inventory, and handle accounts payable and accounts receivable. They reconcile bank accounts, and prepare statements for accountants. They also perform accounting tasks like auditing and processing attorney expense reports.

   • Manage revenue ledger including other subsidiary ledgers and responsible for the reconciliation of various income accounts to ensure accuracy of postings.
   • Supervise invoice processing, purchase orders, expense reports, credit memos and payment transactions.
   • Verify automated teller machine (ATM) daily deposits.
   • Manage revenue ledger including other subsidiary ledgers and responsible for the reconciliation of various income accounts to ensure accuracy of postings.

5. Prepare your bookkeeping clerk resume

   When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your bookkeeping clerk resume.

   You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a bookkeeping clerk resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

   Choose From 10+ Customizable Bookkeeping Clerk Resume templates

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   Bookkeeping Clerk

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6. Apply for bookkeeping clerk jobs

   Now it's time to start searching for a bookkeeping clerk job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

   1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
   2. Consult your professional network
   3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
   4. Watch out for job scams

How do bookkeeping clerks rate their job?

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.