Bookkeeper

In smaller companies, bookkeepers handle all financial transactions and recordkeeping. They record all
transactions, post debits and credits, produce financial statements, and prepare reports and summaries
for supervisors and managers. Bookkeepers also prepare bank deposits by compiling data from cashiers,
verifying and balancing receipts, and sending cash, checks, or other forms of payment to the bank. They
also may handle payroll, make purchases, prepare invoices, and keep track of overdue accounts.

In larger offices and accounting departments, bookkeepers/accounting clerks have more specialized tasks.
Their titles, such as accounts payable clerk or accounts receivable clerk, often reflect the type of accounting
they do. In addition, their responsibilities vary by level of experience. Entry-level accounting clerks post
details of transactions, total accounts, and compute interest charges. They also may monitor loans and accounts to ensure that payments are up to date.

Most bookkeeping and accounting clerks are required to have a high school degree at a minimum. However,
having some college is increasingly important and an associate degree in business or accounting is required
for some positions. Although a college degree is rarely required, graduates may accept bookkeeping and
accounting clerk positions to get into a particular company or to enter the accounting or finance field with
the hope of eventually being promoted to professional or managerial positions.

Experience in a related job and working in an office environment also is recommended. Employers prefer
workers who are computer-literate with Microsoft Office software, including Excel, Word and Access
programs.