How to become a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks do

• Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.
• Debit, credit, and total accounts on computer spreadsheets and databases, using specialized accounting software.
• Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.
• Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Code documents according to company procedures.
• Perform financial calculations, such as amounts due, interest charges, balances, discounts, equity, and principal.

Skills that matter most

• Mathematics
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Writing
• Speaking
• Monitoring
• Active Learning

Is bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 1% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• District of Columbia $65,180
• Connecticut $59,970
• Massachusetts $59,830
• California $59,230
• Washington $58,620

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.