Bookkeeping Clerk Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s business world, the importance of bookkeeping clerks is increasingly significant.

As companies grow and financial transactions multiply, the demand for proficient individuals who can organize, monitor, and maintain our financial records escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a bookkeeping clerk?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricate details of bookkeeping,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable bookkeeping clerk job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get straight into it.

Bookkeeping Clerk Duties and Responsibilities

Bookkeeping Clerks are responsible for maintaining an organization’s financial records, recording transactions, updating statements, and checking financial records for accuracy.

They play a crucial role in any business’s financial health, ensuring that all transactions are recorded correctly and that all records are kept organized and up-to-date.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Recording daily financial transactions and maintaining a comprehensive set of records
• Verifying and balancing receipts
• Sending out invoices to clients and suppliers and tracking their payment status
• Reconciling reports to third-party records such as bank statements
• Tracking all business expenses and ensuring they are properly documented
• Preparing financial reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing account information
• Processing payroll and maintaining employee records
• Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and internal policies
• Assisting with audits, fact checks, and resolving discrepancies
• Updating and maintaining a system for managing bookkeeping, including filing and storage

 

Bookkeeping Clerk Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a diligent bookkeeping clerk to manage our financial records, including purchases, sales, receipts, and payments.

Responsibilities for the Bookkeeping Clerk will include creating and analyzing financial reports, ensuring legal requirements compliance, process accounts payable and receivable and manage invoices and tax payments.

Our ideal candidate holds a Finance degree (preferably followed by accounting CPE courses) and is familiar with accounting software packages.

Ultimately, the bookkeeping clerk’s responsibilities are to accurately record all day-to-day financial transactions of our company.

 

Responsibilities

• Record day to day financial transactions and complete the posting process
• Verify that transactions are recorded in the correct day book, suppliers ledger, customer ledger and general ledger
• Bring the books to the trial balance stage
• Perform partial checks of the posting process
• Complete tax forms
• Enter data, maintain records and create reports and financial statements
• Process accounts receivable/payable in a timely manner

 

Qualifications

• Proven bookkeeping experience
• Solid understanding of basic bookkeeping and accounting payable/receivable principles
• Proven ability to calculate, post and manage accounting figures and financial records
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel, and familiarity with relevant accounting software
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Degree in Finance, Business or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Bookkeeping Clerk
• Work Environment: Office setting with potential for remote work.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Bookkeeper or Accounting Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $55,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Bookkeeping Clerk Do?

Bookkeeping Clerks, also known as Bookkeepers, are professionals who handle financial transactions for a business or organization.

Their primary task involves maintaining complete and accurate financial records.

They are responsible for recording financial transactions, updating statements, and checking financial records for accuracy.

Bookkeeping clerks often deal with accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and bank reconciliations.

They may also prepare financial reports, assist in preparing budgets, and support auditing processes.

They use software applications to automate the process of keeping track of transactions and often work closely with accountants when preparing financial statements or during tax season.

Bookkeeping clerks are an essential part of an organization as their work ensures the smooth financial operations of the business, which is crucial for making informed decisions and planning for the future.

 

Bookkeeping Clerk Qualifications and Skills

A proficient bookkeeping clerk should possess skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong mathematical skills to accurately perform calculations and manage finances
• Proficient knowledge of bookkeeping software and other related financial systems to efficiently manage and record financial data
• Exceptional attention to detail to ensure all financial data is accurate and up-to-date
• Strong organizational skills to keep financial information easily accessible and understandable
• Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with colleagues and superiors, as well as explain complex financial data in simple terms
• Problem-solving skills to identify and rectify discrepancies in financial data
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, as they will be dealing with sensitive financial information
• Understanding of basic accounting principles to accurately record and interpret financial data
• Time management skills to ensure tasks are completed within set deadlines

 

Bookkeeping Clerk Experience Requirements

Entry-level bookkeeping clerks may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through an internship, part-time role, or assistant role in a finance department.

This experience will allow them to familiarize themselves with basic bookkeeping principles and software, as well as to understand how to properly keep and organize financial records.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience likely have spent time in junior or intermediate bookkeeping roles.

They have developed their skills in financial reporting, reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, and have a good understanding of tax laws and regulations.

Bookkeeping clerks with more than 5 years of experience will have honed their skills in various financial management systems, have a deep understanding of financial and accounting principles, and will likely have experience in supervisory roles.

At this level, candidates are usually ready for senior roles or managerial positions within a finance department.

Furthermore, continuous professional development and up-to-date knowledge of advancements in bookkeeping software and technologies will be highly advantageous in this role.

 

Bookkeeping Clerk Education and Training Requirements

Bookkeeping Clerks typically need a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Some Bookkeeping Clerks may gain their skills through on-the-job training, but many employers prefer candidates with postsecondary education in the form of a certificate or associate’s degree in accounting or a related field.

There are also several courses available in colleges and universities that include subjects such as business mathematics, computer applications, principles of accounting, and other courses that could be beneficial for a career in bookkeeping.

Having knowledge in software programs such as QuickBooks and Excel is usually preferred by employers.

Some Bookkeeping Clerks may also decide to obtain certification to showcase their skills and proficiency in this field.

The Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation, awarded by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, shows that an individual has the skills and knowledge needed for carrying out all bookkeeping tasks, including managing payroll and making lower-level accounting decisions.

Continuous professional development is encouraged, as changes in financial regulations and bookkeeping software often occur.

A commitment to lifelong learning ensures that a Bookkeeping Clerk’s skills remain up-to-date.

 

Bookkeeping Clerk Salary Expectations

A Bookkeeping Clerk can expect to earn an average salary of $40,240 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can fluctuate depending on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the location of the job, and the size and industry of the employing company.

 

Bookkeeping Clerk Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Bookkeeping Clerk need?

Bookkeeping Clerks need to possess strong numeracy skills and attention to detail as they deal with financial data.

They should be proficient in using accounting software and spreadsheets.

Organizational skills are also important to manage multiple ledgers and accounts.

Additionally, they should have good communication skills to interact with clients and other members of the team.

 

Do Bookkeeping Clerks need a degree?

While it’s not mandatory for Bookkeeping Clerks to hold a degree, most employers prefer candidates with an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.

However, a high school diploma combined with relevant work experience may also be acceptable.

 

What should you look for in a Bookkeeping Clerk’s resume?

A Bookkeeping Clerk’s resume should highlight their experience with financial record keeping, proficiency with accounting software, and understanding of bookkeeping principles.

It’s essential to look for demonstrated numerical accuracy and attention to detail.

Certifications, such as Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation, can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Bookkeeping Clerk?

A good Bookkeeping Clerk is meticulous, reliable, and has a strong sense of integrity, as they handle sensitive financial information.

They should be able to work independently, manage their time effectively, and meet tight deadlines.

Strong problem-solving skills are also important to resolve discrepancies in financial data.

 

Is it difficult to hire Bookkeeping Clerks?

Hiring a Bookkeeping Clerk can be challenging as it requires finding a candidate who is not only proficient in bookkeeping tasks but also trustworthy.

You may need to conduct thorough background checks to ensure the candidate’s reliability.

Offering competitive salaries, a good work-life balance, and opportunities for professional development can attract high-quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the world of a bookkeeping clerk.

And guess what?

It’s not just about managing numbers.

It’s about overseeing a company’s financial health, one transaction at a time.

With our comprehensive bookkeeping clerk job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make a move.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every financial transaction contributes to the larger fiscal narrative.

Let’s shape that story. Together.

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