An accounting clerk job description is multi-pronged. Accounting clerks are expected to work closely with specific financial applications/software that the business or company utilizes. Additionally, they are required to handle accounts from a multitude of both Federal and private sources. Accounting clerks are usually under the supervision of Financial Managers within a specific department, and are expected to perform financial verifications and also prepare and submit various health or tax applications (depending on their area of expertise) and interview prospective applicants.
Processing of individual accounts including balance entries, correction edits, post payments, refunds billings and making sure debits/credits are posted to their proper accounts are all essential aspects of the job. Additionally, clerks also deal with client correspondence, mail distribution and customer service including verifications and reconciliation of simple bank statements and department records, as well as sorting specific documents. Any problems result from payment or billing delays are also handled by the accounting clerk.
Additionally, clerks are expected to maintain and make necessary adjustments and modifications to records and logs such as journals, payroll, time reports, or property records. Usually, skills demanded of accounting clerks are a fundamental understanding of accounting principles, ethics and a powerful ability to both analyze and interpret important accounting data, while also checking for malpractice issues like code verification of various forms. As expected from most desk jobs, teamwork is essential and thus maintaining strong work relationships is important, as is operating on a computer and using various software packages designed specifically for accounting purposes.
Accounting Clerk Tasks
- Sort documents and post debits/credits to proper account .
- Verify amounts and codes on various forms for accuracy.
- Balance entries and make necessary corrections.
- Maintain and make necessary adjustments to records and/or logs such as journals, payroll/ time reports, or property records.
- Verify and reconcile simple bank statements or department records.