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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Accounts Clerk

💰 $35,000 - $50,000

AccountingFinanceAccounts ManagementBookkeeping

🎯 Role Definition

An Accounts Clerk is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, processing invoices and payments, and supporting day-to-day accounting operations. This role ensures timely recording of transactions, reconciliations, and compliance with financial regulations. The Accounts Clerk serves as a key contributor to the finance team, assisting with bookkeeping, reporting, and operational financial tasks to support organizational efficiency and financial accuracy.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Finance Assistant
  • Junior Accountant
  • Administrative Clerk (Finance)

Advancement To:

  • Accounts Officer
  • Accounts Executive
  • Senior Accounts Clerk

Lateral Moves:

  • Accounts Payable Clerk
  • Accounts Receivable Clerk

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  1. Record and maintain financial transactions including accounts payable and accounts receivable entries.
  2. Process invoices, receipts, and payments accurately and in a timely manner.
  3. Reconcile ledger accounts and resolve discrepancies as required.
  4. Prepare financial statements, reports, and summaries for management review.
  5. Monitor and track outstanding balances, ensuring timely collections and payments.
  6. Maintain accurate records of all financial transactions for audit and compliance purposes.
  7. Assist in month-end and year-end closing processes, including journal entries and accruals.
  8. Verify invoices and payment requests against purchase orders and contracts.
  9. Prepare daily cash and bank reconciliation reports.
  10. Assist in payroll preparation and processing under supervision.
  11. Maintain organized filing systems for invoices, receipts, and financial documentation.
  12. Liaise with vendors, suppliers, and internal departments to resolve accounting issues.
  13. Assist in budget preparation and expense tracking.
  14. Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.
  15. Monitor accounts for overdue payments and follow up with clients or vendors as necessary.
  16. Prepare and submit reports for tax compliance and statutory requirements.
  17. Assist with internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and reconciliations.
  18. Support implementation and maintenance of accounting systems and ERP software.
  19. Identify and recommend improvements in accounting processes and workflow efficiency.
  20. Maintain confidentiality and security of financial data.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc financial analyses and reporting requests.
  • Contribute to process improvement initiatives in accounting operations.
  • Collaborate with other finance team members to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
  • Participate in training sessions and professional development programs to enhance accounting knowledge.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, Tally, or NetSuite)
  • Solid understanding of GAAP and basic accounting principles
  • Experience with accounts payable and accounts receivable processes
  • Knowledge of general ledger management and reconciliations
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas)
  • Familiarity with payroll processing and tax compliance
  • Data entry accuracy and attention to numerical detail
  • Ability to prepare financial reports and statements
  • Experience with ERP systems and accounting automation tools
  • Knowledge of auditing and documentation standards

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving capability
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively
  • Team collaboration and interpersonal skills
  • Professionalism and ethical handling of financial data
  • Adaptability to evolving accounting systems and business processes
  • Customer service orientation in dealing with clients and vendors
  • Proactive approach to process improvement
  • Ability to work efficiently in a deadline-driven environment

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Education:
Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
1–3 years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or finance support roles

Preferred:
2+ years of experience in accounts management, ERP systems, financial reporting, and reconciliations in corporate or organizational finance environments.