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An accounting clerk assists accounting departments with various tasks. These professionals process invoices, organize office mail, record business transactions, and manage customer accounts on any given day.
This role differs from the work of bookkeepers and accounting assistants. Bookkeepers typically analyze financial information to help organizations make informed decisions. In contrast, accounting clerks organize and verify financial information. While accounting assistants usually help one accountant, accounting clerks may assist entire accounting departments.
Organizations in virtually any industry, including healthcare, finance, and professional services, may employ accounting clerks. Some smaller businesses may only hire one clerk, but large organizations typically employ multiple accounting clerks to meet the needs of busy accounting departments.
According to Zippia data, the United States employs more than 1.3 million accounting clerks, with nearly half holding bachelors degrees. However, it is not uncommon to enter the field with an associate degree and climb the corporate ladder with experience.
Over time, qualified accounting clerks may transition to roles as junior accountants. This position typically includes a higher salary and more accounting-specific responsibilities.
Continue reading to learn more about the accounting clerk job description and what to expect from this career path.
Accounting assistants and accounting clerks are common entry-level roles in the accounting field. While they share some similarities in job duties, there are also key differences between these two roles. Understanding the distinctions can help you decide which career path is the best fit if you’re looking to break into accounting.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll compare accounting assistants versus accounting clerks across a variety of factors
- Job descriptions
- Typical duties
- Educational requirements
- Certifications
- Salary and growth potential
- Work environment
- Job outlook
- Key skills required
Whether you’re a job seeker looking to choose between these roles or a hiring manager trying to determine which role fits your needs, this guide will provide valuable insights. Let’s dive in!
Job Descriptions
Accounting Assistant
An accounting assistant provides clerical and administrative support to accountants and bookkeepers Their responsibilities include tasks like
- Organizing financial records
- Preparing invoices and bills
- Entering data
- Reconciling accounts
- Providing customer service
The main function of an accounting assistant is to handle routine tasks like bookkeeping, documentation, and communications to support the accounting team. This frees up accountants to focus on higher-value analysis and oversight.
Accounting Clerk
An accounting clerk is responsible for the day-to-day processing of basic accounting transactions and maintaining records. Their key duties include:
- Recording journal entries
- Updating general ledgers
- Preparing financial statements
- Reconciling accounts
- Filing paperwork
Accounting clerks are on the frontlines of an accounting department, ensuring daily accounting activities are completed accurately and on time. They provide the foundational data that accountants use for reporting and strategy.
Typical Job Duties
There is some overlap in the typical daily duties of accounting assistants and clerks. However, certain core tasks are more specialized for each role.
Accounting Assistant Duties
- Manage invoices, bills, and payments
- Prepare bank deposits
- Organize paperwork and files
- Track employee hours and PTO
- Provide customer service for billing questions
- Schedule appointments and meetings
- Assist with reporting and auditing
Accounting Clerk Duties
- Classify financial transactions
- Record journal entries
- Update general ledgers
- Draft financial statements
- Reconcile accounts
- Research discrepancies
- Conduct inventory counts
- Close books at month-end
While assistants focus more on administrative tasks, clerks are responsible for the actual accounting workflow. Clerks interact more directly with the core accounting systems and records.
Education and Certifications
The educational requirements differ slightly between accounting assistants and clerks. Certifications can also boost qualifications.
Accounting Assistant Education
Most accounting assistant positions require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or finance is preferred by some employers.
Accounting Clerk Education
Accounting clerks generally need at least an associate’s degree in accounting or a related field such as bookkeeping. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
Certifications
Voluntary certifications can increase job prospects for both roles. Common options include:
- Bookkeeper Certification (CB)
- Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB)
- Enrolled Agent (EA)
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
Certifications demonstrate mastery of core accounting and finance skills. They show commitment to the field.
Salary and Growth Potential
Salaries for accounting assistants and clerks reflect the differences in their typical duties and education levels. Growth potential also varies.
Accounting Assistant Salary
The average accounting assistant makes $41,691 per year in the U.S. With experience, they may move up to positions like senior accounting assistant or team lead. Some become bookkeepers or junior accountants.
Accounting Clerk Salary
On average, accounting clerks in the U.S. earn approximately $43,000 annually. With additional certifications and experience, they may transition into roles like payroll manager, accounting analyst, or assistant controller.
Growth Potential
Accounting assistants generally have lower earning potential than clerks over the long run. However, both roles can serve as stepping stones to more advanced accounting positions. Continuing education and certifications are key for advancement.
Work Environment
Accounting assistants and clerks typically work in office settings at desks using computers.
Accounting Assistant Work Environment
- Office environment
- Tax offices or accounting firms
- Business services companies
- Insurance companies
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
Accounting Clerk Work Environment
- Office environment
- Manufacturing companies
- Financial services firms
- Healthcare organizations
- Educational institutions
- Local accounting departments
While schedules are often full-time weekday hours, overtime may be required at month end close and reporting cycles. Remote work options are becoming more common for these roles.
Job Outlook
Employment for both accounting assistants and clerks is projected to grow over the next decade.
Accounting Assistant Job Outlook
The number of accounting assistant jobs is projected to grow 7% between 2021-2031 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This matches the average for all occupations. Demand will stem from businesses needing cost-efficient support personnel as they grow.
Accounting Clerk Job Outlook
Employment for accounting clerks specifically is projected to grow 5% from 2021-2031. While still positive, this is slightly below average due to improved software and automation handling some routine clerical tasks. Roles supporting more complex operations will still be needed.
Overall, the long-term outlook remains bright for both accounting assistants and clerks as technology creates opportunities to take on more analytical responsibilities.
Key Skills Required
While accounting assistants and clerks use some similar skills, the emphasis differs based on their particular focus areas.
Key Accounting Assistant Skills
- Organization
- Communication
- Customer service
- Multi-tasking
- Attention to detail
- Data entry
- Scheduling
- General office software
Key Accounting Clerk Skills
- Accounting fundamentals
- Financial reporting
- Spreadsheet proficiency
- Attention to detail
- Analytical thinking
- Data analysis
- Reconciliation
- Accounting software
Accounting clerks need more specialized accounting knowledge and system experience, while assistants require administrative and interpersonal abilities.
Summary
If you’re looking for an entry-level accounting role, weighing factors like job duties, salary outlook, and growth potential can help determine if accounting assistant or accounting clerk is the better match. Both provide a solid foundation for advancing your accounting career.
What advice would you give to students considering this job?
If youre considering a career as an accounting clerk, I recommend taking classes in accounting, finance, and business administration. These courses should give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this field. I also suggest pursuing internships or entry-level positions in accounting to get a feel for the job. And finally, always remember to pay attention to detail.
Bryan Sharpe is a senior accountant at Solar Panels Network USA. He has worked in accounting for over 20 years, and has experience with both small and large businesses. Bryan is a hard worker and takes great pride in his work. He is a detail-oriented individual who pays close attention to the numbers and makes sure that everything is in order.
How did working in accounts payable and receivable prepare you for your current role?
Working in both accounts payable and receivable gave me a well-rounded understanding of the accounting process. I was able to see how all of the different pieces fit together, which has been helpful in my current role as a senior accountant. In addition, working with vendor invoices and customer payments has helped me develop strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
What Is An Accounting Clerk? – CountyOffice.org
What is the difference between accounting assistant and accounting clerk?
These differences usually including the following: Accounting assistants have different daily job duties than accounting clerks do. Typically, professionals in this role have the following duties: Accounting clerks usually have the following job duties: Typically, accounting clerks earn a higher income than accounting assistants do.
How much does an accounting clerk make a year?
Accounting clerks usually have the following job duties: Typically, accounting clerks earn a higher income than accounting assistants do. The national average salary in the United States for an accounting assistant is $28,252 per year. Meanwhile, the national average salary in the United States for an accounting clerk is $43,921 per year.
What is the job outlook for accounting assistants & accounting clerks?
The job outlook for both accounting assistants and accounting clerks is comparable. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t offer specific job outlook information for accounting assistants, but job opportunities for the related role of a financial clerk are expected to decline about 2% from the years 2020-2030.
How much does an accounting assistant make a year?
Typically, assistants also have more administrative duties than clerks. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not separate their salary information related to accounting clerks and accounting assistants. They do report the 2018 median pay for a bookkeeping, accounting, or auditing clerk to be $40,240/year.
