Bookkeeping Clerk
O*NET-SOC: 43-3031.00
Records financial transactions, updates ledgers, reconciles accounts, and produces financial reports for organizations, ensuring accurate and timely documentation of all monetary activity.
About this Role
Bookkeeping clerks keep an organisation's financial records accurate and up to date by recording transactions, reconciling accounts, and making sure bills get paid and payments get collected. A typical day involves logging into accounting software, importing bank statements, and matching each transaction to the correct account - flagging anything that does not line up for further investigation. They process invoices from vendors, issue payments, send reminders to customers with overdue balances, and prepare basic financial reports that managers use to track how the business is doing.
A Day in the Life
8:30 AM
Bank reconciliations
Import bank statements into accounting software, match each transaction to the correct record, and flag anything that doesn't line up.
9:30 AM
Overdue invoice review
Run an aging report to see which customers haven't paid, then send reminders or statements to overdue accounts.
11:00 AM
Invoice processing
Enter incoming vendor bills into the system, assigning each one to the correct expense category in the ledger.
12:00 PM
Lunch break
Step away from the screen, stretch, and take a break before the afternoon tasks.
12:45 PM
Payment batch prep
Review and approve outgoing payments, then schedule checks or electronic transfers to vendors.
2:00 PM
Payroll support
Verify that employee hours have been imported correctly and run a preview of the payroll before it's finalised.
3:30 PM
Expense reports
Process employee expense claims, verify that receipts are attached, and issue reimbursements.
4:30 PM
Day-end close
Post the day's journal entries, back up files, and make sure all records are saved and up to date.
Tools & Technologies
Accounting
- QuickBooks
- SAP Concur
- Accurate NXG
- ACS Technologies ACS Financial Suite
- Activant Solutions Activant Prophet 21
ERP Systems
- SAP
- PeopleSoft
- AcornSystems Corporate Performance Management
- Advanced Management Systems Software for Wineries
- AMS Services AMS Sagitta
Word Processing
- Microsoft Word
- Google Docs
Document Management
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Iron Mountain Accutrac records management software
- OmniRIM Records Management Suite
Databases & Data Tools
- Microsoft Access
- Oracle Database
- FileMaker Pro
- Sage 100 Contractor
Medical & Health Records
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH
- HCPCS
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $41K and $60K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $35K |
| 25th | $41K |
| 50th (Median) | $49K |
| 75th | $60K |
| 90th | $73K |
Certifications & Training
Recommended
Intuit QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor
Intuit
Validates proficiency in QuickBooks for bookkeeping tasks.
Certified Bookkeeper (CB)
American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers
Demonstrates core bookkeeping competencies and ethics.
Helpful
Intuit Bookkeeping Professional Certification
Intuit Academy
Covers fundamentals of bookkeeping and financial statements.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- Fully Remote
- Work Setting
- Traditional office / indoor
- Physical Activity
- Mostly sedentary
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (43)
- Active LearningPartial Match
- Social PerceptivenessPartial Match
- Judgment and Decision MakingPartial Match
- PersuasionPartial Match
- NegotiationPartial Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bookkeeping Clerk a good career?
Bookkeeping Clerk can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $49K and job outlook is stable (-3% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Bookkeeping Clerk?
The typical education requirement for a Bookkeeping Clerk is a High School Diploma. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Bookkeeping Clerk?
Becoming a Bookkeeping Clerk typically requires about 4 years of high school education. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Bookkeeping Clerk?
The work-life balance for a Bookkeeping Clerk is generally considered good, with reasonable hours and manageable workloads. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Bookkeeping Clerk?
The job outlook for Bookkeeping Clerk is stable. Employment is projected to decline by 3% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.