What Does an Accounting Clerk Do?
An accounting clerk is responsible for supporting a company’s financial operations by maintaining accurate financial records, performing routine bookkeeping tasks, and ensuring transactions are properly documented. They typically handle data entry, invoice tracking, payment processing, and account reconciliation, often under the supervision of a senior accountant or accounting manager. Their work is essential to maintaining an organization’s financial accuracy and compliance with internal policies and regulatory standards.
This role serves as a foundational entry point into the accounting profession and requires a strong focus on detail, time management, and comfort with numbers. Accounting clerks interact frequently with both internal teams and external vendors, playing a key role in the smooth operation of finance departments across all industries.
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Accounting Clerk Core Responsibilities
- Prepare and process invoices, purchase orders, and payment records
- Reconcile bank statements and financial discrepancies
- Maintain accurate ledgers and journals for accounts payable and receivable
- Verify and enter transaction data into accounting software
- Monitor aging reports and follow up on outstanding payments
- Assist with month-end and year-end financial reporting processes
- Support audits by organizing documentation and responding to inquiries
- File and manage financial documents and records both digitally and physically
- Communicate with vendors and clients regarding billing or payment issues
- Collaborate with accountants to ensure accurate financial data
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage, SAP)
- Strong Excel skills, including use of formulas and data sorting
- Understanding of bookkeeping principles and financial terminology
- Ability to reconcile accounts and verify transactional data
- Familiarity with AP/AR processes and invoice matching
Soft skills
- High attention to detail and organizational skills
- Time management and ability to meet deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Confidentiality and professionalism in handling financial information
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate degree in accounting or finance preferred
Certifications
- Bookkeeping or accounting certifications (e.g., Certified Bookkeeper from AIPB) are a plus, but not mandatory
Preferred Qualifications
- One to two years of relevant accounting or clerical experience
- Experience with enterprise financial systems (e.g., Oracle, NetSuite)
- Exposure to financial reporting or audit support tasks
- Bilingual communication skills (for companies with diverse client/vendor bases)
- Familiarity with digital document management tools
National Average Salary
Accounting clerk salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Accounting Clerk is:
$41,870
Sample Job Description Templates for Accounting Clerks
Entry-Level Accounting Clerk
Position Overview
We’re looking for a detail-oriented individual who’s ready to kickstart a career in accounting. As an Entry-Level Accounting Clerk, you’ll play a hands-on role in keeping our financial operations running smoothly. You’ll help process invoices, organize records, and support the accounting team with basic bookkeeping tasks. This is a great opportunity to learn on the job and grow your skills in a professional finance setting.
Accounting Clerk Responsibilities
- Accurately input financial data into accounting software
- Process invoices and match them to purchase orders or receipts
- Assist with bank statement reconciliation and ledger updates
- File and organize financial documents
- Communicate with internal departments for documentation verification
- Perform general office and clerical tasks as needed
Accounting Clerk Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of accounting principles
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
- Ability to learn accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP)
- Data entry speed and accuracy
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Willingness to learn and take direction
- Good organizational and communication skills
- Dependable and team-oriented
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate degree or coursework in accounting preferred
Accounting Clerk Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or part-time experience in finance or clerical role
- Familiarity with document scanning and file management software
Mid-Level Accounting Clerk
Position Overview
We’re hiring a skilled Accounting Clerk with a strong foundation in managing accounts payable and receivable. In this role, you’ll handle day-to-day financial transactions, support month-end close activities, and work closely with vendors and internal teams to ensure our records are accurate and up-to-date. You’ll be part of a collaborative finance team where your attention to detail and problem-solving skills will be valued.
Accounting Clerk Responsibilities
- Process and code accounts payable and receivable transactions
- Reconcile vendor statements and follow up on discrepancies
- Maintain ledgers and prepare journal entries
- Assist with month-end close and reporting
- Communicate with vendors and departments regarding invoice issues
- Track expenses and assist with budget compliance
Accounting Clerk Requirements
Hard skills
- 2+ years of accounting or bookkeeping experience
- Proficiency with accounting platforms (QuickBooks, NetSuite, etc.)
- Experience with invoice processing and account reconciliation
- Intermediate Excel skills (pivot tables, basic formulas)
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Reliable time management and task prioritization
- Clear verbal and written communication
- Self-directed with a high level of accuracy
Educational requirements
- Associate degree in accounting or related field preferred
Accounting Clerk Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of GAAP practices
- Experience supporting audit preparation
Senior Accounting Clerk
Position Overview
We’re seeking a highly experienced Senior Accounting Clerk to take ownership of complex transactional processes and ensure financial accuracy across our accounting systems. You’ll lead reconciliations, support audits, and serve as a go-to resource for junior team members. If you’re confident in your accounting expertise and enjoy working in a fast-paced, detail-driven environment, we want to hear from you.
Accounting Clerk Responsibilities
- Review and reconcile complex financial transactions
- Support internal and external audits with documentation and reporting
- Oversee preparation of ledgers and month-end closing entries
- Maintain vendor and customer account records
- Train and support junior accounting clerks
- Identify opportunities for process improvements in financial workflows
Accounting Clerk Requirements
Hard skills
- 5+ years of accounting experience
- Advanced skills in Excel and financial software (SAP, Oracle)
- Expertise in account reconciliation and ledger accuracy
- Understanding of tax reporting and financial compliance
Soft skills
- Leadership mindset and mentorship skills
- High attention to financial accuracy and detail
- Effective communication across departments
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines independently
Educational requirements
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
Accounting Clerk Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience with internal controls and financial audits
- Bookkeeping certification (e.g., AIPB Certified Bookkeeper)
Accounting Clerk Team Lead
Position Overview
We’re looking for a seasoned Accounting Clerk Team Lead to oversee daily operations, guide a small team, and maintain accuracy in our financial reporting. This leadership role combines hands-on accounting tasks with people management. You’ll help set priorities, review your team’s work, and serve as the bridge between the clerical staff and senior accounting leadership.
Accounting Clerk Responsibilities
- Supervise and assign work to accounting clerks
- Review and approve journal entries and reconciliations
- Maintain internal accounting controls and compliance
- Collaborate with management on financial process improvements
- Provide training and onboarding support to new team members
- Monitor performance metrics and ensure reporting accuracy
Accounting Clerk Requirements
Hard skills
- 6+ years of accounting or bookkeeping experience
- Team leadership or supervisory experience
- Proficiency with financial software and ERP systems
- Deep understanding of AP/AR, month-end close, and compliance
Soft skills
- Strong interpersonal and leadership abilities
- Ability to coach and mentor junior staff
- Organized and deadline-focused
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking
Educational requirements
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business
Accounting Clerk Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing remote or hybrid teams
- Process improvement certification (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma basics)
Contract Accounting Clerk
Position Overview
We need a reliable and adaptable Contract Accounting Clerk to jump into our finance operations and hit the ground running. Whether it’s clearing backlogged invoices, helping with year-end close, or supporting a software transition, you’ll bring your experience and flexibility to keep things moving. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in short-term, high-impact projects.
Accounting Clerk Responsibilities
- Manage AP/AR tasks for assigned project or business unit
- Ensure timely entry of financial data during high-volume periods
- Assist in financial closeouts, audits, or system transitions
- Resolve vendor or billing discrepancies promptly
- Adapt to varying accounting systems and team environments
Accounting Clerk Requirements
Hard skills
- 3+ years of accounting experience, preferably in contract roles
- Proficiency with multiple accounting platforms
- High-speed data entry and accuracy
- Flexibility to ramp up quickly with limited training
Soft skills
- Adaptability in changing work environments
- Strong communication and follow-through
- Reliability in meeting project-based deadlines
- Problem-solving under time constraints
Educational requirements
- Associate degree in accounting or business preferred
Accounting Clerk Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with system conversions or finance migrations
- Temporary staffing or consulting background
Remote Accounting Clerk
Position Overview
Join our finance team from wherever you work best. As a Remote Accounting Clerk, you’ll manage AP/AR responsibilities, maintain accurate records, and collaborate with coworkers using digital tools. This role is perfect for an organized, self-motivated professional who’s experienced in accounting and comfortable working independently in a virtual environment.
Accounting Clerk Responsibilities
- Process electronic invoices and AP/AR data
- Maintain digital financial records and ledgers
- Communicate via video, chat, and email with vendors and coworkers
- Reconcile accounts using cloud-based accounting platforms
- Participate in virtual team meetings and financial reporting
Accounting Clerk Requirements
Hard skills
- 3+ years of accounting experience
- Experience with remote work tools (Zoom, Slack, shared drives)
- Proficiency in cloud-based accounting systems (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks Online)
- Secure internet connection and dedicated remote workspace
Soft skills
- High level of self-motivation and accountability
- Clear digital communication
- Excellent organizational skills
- Time zone awareness and schedule coordination
Educational requirements
- Associate degree in accounting or related field
Accounting Clerk Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in a fully remote or hybrid finance role
- Remote collaboration or digital workflow certification