Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Accounts Clerk
💰 $35,000 - $50,000
🎯 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
- Record and maintain financial transactions including accounts payable and accounts receivable entries.
- Process invoices, receipts, and payments accurately and in a timely manner.
- Reconcile ledger accounts and resolve discrepancies as required.
- Prepare financial statements, reports, and summaries for management review.
- Monitor and track outstanding balances, ensuring timely collections and payments.
- Maintain accurate records of all financial transactions for audit and compliance purposes.
- Assist in month-end and year-end closing processes, including journal entries and accruals.
- Verify invoices and payment requests against purchase orders and contracts.
- Prepare daily cash and bank reconciliation reports.
- Assist in payroll preparation and processing under supervision.
- Maintain organized filing systems for invoices, receipts, and financial documentation.
- Liaise with vendors, suppliers, and internal departments to resolve accounting issues.
- Assist in budget preparation and expense tracking.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.
- Monitor accounts for overdue payments and follow up with clients or vendors as necessary.
- Prepare and submit reports for tax compliance and statutory requirements.
- Assist with internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and reconciliations.
- Support implementation and maintenance of accounting systems and ERP software.
- Identify and recommend improvements in accounting processes and workflow efficiency.
- 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.