CareerGPS

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Summary Occupational Forecast Data for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Employment Employment Change Average Annual Job Openings Wage & Training Levels
2020 2025 Numerical Percent New Jobs Replacement Jobs Total Median Hourly Median Annual Training Levels
13,734 14,281 546 3.98% 109 1,958 2,067 $23.01 $47,868 Some college
Description: 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.
Forecast Data Source: EMSI (4th Quarter 2023)

Occupation Details

The information in this section represents occupational characteristics included in O*NET which defines key features of an occupation as a standardized, measurable set of variables called "descriptors". These distinguishing characteristics of an occupation are described in greater detail in the O*NET Content Model. All items are listed in descending order of importance.

  • Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.
  • Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information.
  • Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Debit, credit, and total accounts on computer spreadsheets and databases, using specialized accounting software.
  • Classify, record, and summarize numerical and financial data to compile and keep financial records, using journals and ledgers or computers.
  • Compile statistical, financial, accounting or auditing reports and tables pertaining to such matters as cash receipts, expenditures, accounts payable and receivable, and profits and losses.
  • Code documents according to company procedures.
  • Access computerized financial information to answer general questions as well as those related to specific accounts.
  • Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.
  • Reconcile or note and report discrepancies found in records.
  • Perform general office duties such as filing, answering telephones, and handling routine correspondence.
  • Receive, record, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers.
  • Match order forms with invoices, and record the necessary information.

Knowledge

75%
Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
68%
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
67%
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
63%
Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
62%
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
51%
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Skills

60%
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
60%
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
60%
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
56%
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
56%
Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
56%
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
56%
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
56%
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
53%
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Abilities

69%
Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
69%
Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
69%
Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
65%
Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
65%
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
65%
Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
62%
Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
60%
Number Facility - The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
56%
Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
56%
Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
53%
Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
53%
Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
53%
Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
53%
Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
53%
Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Work Activities

86%
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
85%
Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
78%
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
74%
Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
70%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
68%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
67%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
65%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
64%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
61%
Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
60%
Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
57%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
54%
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
51%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
50%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Title Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Overall Experience Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.
Education Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Interests

Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Work Styles

Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Work Values

Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.