Home  »  Job Description   »   Accounting Clerk

Accounting Clerk

An Accounting Clerk records and categorizes daily financial transactions, such as invoices, receipts, payments, and expenses, into the company’s accounting system. They reconcile bank and vendor statements against the general ledger to identify and correct discrepancies. They process accounts payable and receivable by preparing invoices, tracking customer payments, and scheduling vendor payments. Additionally, they maintain organized financial documentation and generate basic reports—like trial balances and aging summaries—to support month-end closing and audits.

1. Duties and Responsibilities

An Accounting Clerk plays a critical role in maintaining accurate financial records and supporting day-to-day operations. Responsibilities include:

Responsibility Area	Key Activities
Accounts Payable	Process vendor invoices, match with POs, prepare payments, maintain audit logs
Vendor Reconciliation	Compare statements to ledger, resolve issues, escalate as needed
Accounts Receivable	Create and send invoices, monitor AR aging, follow up on overdue payments
General Ledger Maintenance	Post journal entries, verify balances, investigate discrepancies
Month-End / Year-End Support	Prepare account schedules, assist in variance reports and audit support
Document Management	Organize digital/physical files, apply naming conventions, purge per policy
Payroll & HR Support	Input payroll data, handle timesheets, coordinate with HR for updates
Internal & Vendor Communication	Respond to queries, provide documentation, escalate complex issues

What Does an Accounting Clerk Do?

Accounting Clerks ensure financial accuracy by handling transactions like invoicing, reconciliation, and GL entries—forming the backbone of a company’s cash flow and compliance systems.

2. Skills and Qualifications

Skill Area	Details
Accounting Software	Experience with QuickBooks, Xero, SAP, or Oracle
Excel Proficiency	Pivot tables, formulas (VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH), macros
Attention to Detail	Precise data entry, accurate GL coding, pre-submission checks
Accounting Principles	Familiarity with GAAP or IFRS, understanding of accruals, revenue recognition
Organization & Time Management	Task prioritization, use of Asana/Trello, managing multiple workflows
Communication Skills	Clear written emails, vendor/client interaction, escalation handling
Analytical Thinking	Reconciliation issue resolution, process optimization, basic data analysis

Salary Expectations

• Base Salary: $35,000–$45,000 (up to $48K in urban areas)
• Bonus: Up to 5% based on accuracy and performance
• Benefits: Health insurance, PTO, 401(k), certification support

Education & Training

• Minimum: High school diploma
• Preferred: Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Accounting or Finance
• Certifications: AIPB, CPB, Excel Specialist, SAP Associate
• Continuing Education: GAAP workshops, data analytics, Excel macros

Experience Requirements

• Entry-Level (1–2 years): AP/AR cycles, month-end support
• Intermediate (2–3 years): Reconciliations, report generation
• Preferred Sectors: Manufacturing, services, audit support

Job Description Samples for Related Roles

🧾 Accounts Payable Clerk – Acme Manufacturing Inc.

“Process a high volume of vendor invoices, reconcile monthly statements, and manage weekly ACH payment runs.”

🧾 Accounts Receivable Clerk – GlobalTech Solutions

“Issue invoices, post payments, and reduce DSO via proactive collections.”

🧾 Junior Bookkeeper – Sunrise Hospitality Group

“Maintain general ledger, reconcile daily deposits, assist in P&L reporting for multiple units.”

3. Sample Job Description: Accounting Assistant

Duties

• Post month-end entries and reconcile balance sheets.
• Support payroll (calculate OT, benefits, GL entries).
• Assist in audit preparation and variance reporting.

Skills

• Advanced Excel and ERP knowledge.
• Understanding of depreciation and accruals.
• Strong analytical and documentation skills.

Salary

• Range: $42,000–$54,000
• Bonus: Up to 7% based on month-end and audit KPIs

Education

• Bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance preferred
• Excel and ERP certifications are a plus

Experience

• 2–3 years in accounting support
• Public company or SOX experience is a bonus