Accounting Clerk Entry Level Jobs
Accounting clerks perform a variety of administrative duties and support functions in business and industry. They prepare financial reports, balance accounts, manage cash flow and credit, and maintain bookkeeping records. They also file documents, answer phones, greeting visitors and correspond with clients.
Accounting Clerk Entry Level Jobs
As an accounting clerk, you will be responsible for assisting management in the preparation of financial statements, monitoring cash flow and accounts receivable, maintaining financial records and handling accounting transactions. Accounting clerks typically work within an organization’s accounting department under the direction of senior-level accountants.
Accounting Clerk Entry Level Jobs
The following are some examples of positions that may be available as Accounting Clerk Entry Level Jobs:
Accounting Clerk Entry Level Jobs
Accounting clerks calculate and process bills, invoices, accounts payable and receivable, budgets and other financial records using manual and computerized systems. You may work for many different types of companies and organizations in the public and private sectors. You may also be known as an accounts payable/receivable clerk. In some countries this job is called “accountant,” but in Ontario, you need a professional designation to call yourself an accountant. Generally, accounting clerks:
- Code, total, batch, enter, check and fix transactions, such as accounts payable and receivable, payroll, purchase orders, cheques, invoices, cheque requisitions and bank statements, using computerized and manual systems.
- Gather budget data and documents based on estimated revenues, expenses and previous budgets.
- Calculate the costs of materials, overhead and other expenses based on estimates, quotations and price lists and prepare cost statements or reports.
- Answer questions and solve problems for customers and vendors about their accounts.
- Maintain filing and record systems, send faxes and make photocopies.
Source: HRSDC
Job Requirements
Education
This job requires: High School
| Job | Level of Education Required |
|---|---|
| Accounting Clerk | High School |
| Bank Clerk | High School |
| Bookkeeper | College or University |
| Loan Officer | College or University |
| Payroll Clerk | High School |
Source: HRSDC
Experience
This job requires 0 – 2 years of work experience.
| Job | Years of Work Experience Required |
|---|---|
| Accounting Clerk | 0 – 2 |
| Bank Clerk | 0 – 2 |
| Bookkeeper | 2 – 5 |
| Loan Officer | 2 – 5 |
| Payroll Clerk | 0 – 2 |
Source: HRSDC
Essential Skills
As an accounting clerk, you need to:
- Speak, read and write English.
- Understand basic accounting procedures.
- Have fast, accurate data entry skills.
- Use word processing, spreadsheet, database and email software.
- Use accounting software such as QuickBooks, MYOB, ACCPAC, and/or Simply Accounting.
- Have good customer service skills.
Source: Ontario Skills Passport
Language Skills
You need to communicate in person, on the phone, and in writing with supervisors, co-workers, customers and suppliers.
Labour Market Information
Trends
Now, most accounting clerks use computerized systems, including accounting and spreadsheet software. Good computer skills are essential.
Prospects
The work prospects for this job are: GOOD
| Job | Work Prospects |
|---|---|
| Accounting Clerk | Good |
| Bank Clerk | Fair |
| Bookkeeper | Good |
| Loan Officer | Good |
| Payroll Clerk | Fair |
Wages
The average hourly wage for this job is: C$20/hour.
| Job | Average Wage/Hour |
|---|---|
| Accounting Clerk | $20.00 |
| Bank Clerk | $19.00 |
| Bookkeeper | $19.23 |
| Loan Officer | $24.00 |
| Payroll Clerk | $24.79 |
Source: HRSDC
Retraining
Educational Programs
These links will give you a list of related educational programs or where you can search for them. There may be other schools that have similar programs, such as private career colleges. You may be able to get advanced standing.
Bridging Programs
Here is a list of some bridging programs. These programs can help you assess your education and skills, get practical training or improve your language skills so that you can work in your field.
- International Accounting and Finance Professionals (IAFP) Program – Ryerson University
- Bridging for Business – York University
- See more bridging programs for accountants
Language Training
Here is a list of some language training programs, such as Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT).
Work Experience Programs
Many college programs and bridging programs in this field include co-operative (co-op) work experience.
