If you would like to have a career in the accounting industry, you can get a start by taking the training needed to qualify as an accounting clerk. Many vocational colleges throughout the country offer this one-year course in which you will take courses in the fundamentals of accounting. There are also two-year courses, which will give you an Associate's degree in the accounting field. This involves using accounting software to perform the calculations necessary in the job. Other courses you will need to take include office or business communications, how to use word processing programs and how to use spreadsheets in your duties.
An accounting clerk performs a myriad of duties within an office setting. Depending on the size of the business, you may be the only person working in this capacity and have to perform many different tasks such as:
- Assisting with accounts payable and receivable
- Following up on the collection of overdue accounts
- Preparing invoices for customers
- Pricing products that the company sells
- Updating customer information in the computer database
- Setting up accounts for new customers
Updating and retrieving financial data in the computer system is also one of the responsibilities involved in the job of accounting clerk. You will have to maintain files for financial record keeping and possibly perform other duties as they are assigned to you. Depending on the size of the company, there may be many financial transactions taking place on a daily basis. You will have to check the accuracy of the calculations prior to the release of invoices or statements. Collecting the financial data and organizing it in spreadsheet form is also one of the duties of this job. Managers and supervisors often require spreadsheet displays of the financial data so they can have an overview of the company’s financial situation to help them make decisions regarding budgets and future acquisitions or projects.
Even if you have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, the position of accounting clerk is an entry-level position that will help you get started in your career. Once you have the higher level of qualifications, you can easily advance in the accounting industry without having to take additional courses. You can become certified as an accounts receivable or payable specialist or become certified as an accountant. Your level of qualifications will determine your level of pay. When you possess a Bachelor’s degree, you will gradually be assigned more challenging work so that you gain valuable experience on the job.
When you are looking for a college or university for your training as an accounting clerk, carefully scrutinize the program to make sure that it does contain a work term. During the work term, you will work at the job in an office setting under the guidance and supervision of qualified personnel. Many employers take interns for this position when they are short staffed or they know that there will be a vacancy occurring in the company. By performing well in your work term, you may actually have a job offer before you complete your training.
