Accounting clerks help keep a business’s financial records accurate, organized and up to date. They may record payments, process invoices, enter account data, reconcile transactions or help prepare information the accounting team uses for financial reporting.
Accounting clerks typically work in office settings, but some accounting clerk jobs may offer remote or hybrid options depending on the employer and the type of work involved. This role is often a fit for someone looking for an entry level accounting clerk position or an early career path in business, finance or accounting. Training and education will vary, but can often be obtained in less than a year.
If you enjoy working with details, numbers and organized processes, this role can be a practical entry point into accounting and business finance.
If you’re wondering how to become an accounting clerk, the path can vary by employer.
Some accounting clerks start with a high school diploma and on-the-job training, while others build skills through postsecondary education, an accounting clerk program or an associate degree.
The path you choose will depend on where you want to work.
Accounting clerk education options
There is more than one way to become an accounting clerk. Some accounting clerk jobs may require only a high school diploma or GED, while many employers prefer candidates with postsecondary education, formal training or experience with accounting software.
The right path can depend on your goals, timeline and career path. A short accounting clerk program may help you build entry-level skills quickly, while an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in accounting will start you on a path to other career options in the field.
Accounting certificate programs
An accounting certificate program can be a practical option for students who want focused training in as few as 9 months. These programs often cover bookkeeping basics, accounting software, data entry, computer skills and common office tools.
Certificate programs may be helpful for people looking for entry level jobs or a faster way to build job-ready skills. Some programs may also offer job placement assistance, which can help students connect with employers or find opportunities for on-the-job training.
For tuition details, timing and more, check out our Accounting Certificate program page.
Associate degree options
An associate degree in accounting or a related field can provide a broader foundation than a short certificate program. Students may study accounting principles, financial reporting, internal controls, tax preparation and business practices.
This additional education can help students understand not only how to complete specialized tasks, but why those tasks matter within a larger accounting system. For someone who wants to grow beyond an entry-level accounting clerk role, an associate degree may also support long-term career advancement.
An associate's in accounting can take as few as 18 months, and can be a good option for more competitive positions.
Bachelor’s degree and advancement
A bachelor’s degree is not usually required for entry-level accounting clerk jobs, but it may be useful for people who want to move into more advanced accounting roles later.
With further education and experience, advanced accounting clerks may pursue roles such as staff accountant, financial analyst or another accounting position.
Certifications for accounting clerks
Certifications are not always required, but they can help accounting clerks show employers that they have specific software, bookkeeping or office skills.
Common options may include...
QuickBooks Certified User and Microsoft Office Specialist ( or MOS certification especially in Microsoft Excel).
Experienced clerks may also look into a certified bookkeeper or certified public bookkeeper credential through professional organizations such as the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB).
Before choosing a professional certification, check the experience, exam and continuing education requirements. Some credentials are better suited for entry-level clerks, while others may make more sense after formal training and additional education.
Skills accounting clerks need
Accounting clerks need a mix of technical skills and workplace habits. Because they work with account data, financial records and business documents, accuracy matters in nearly every task.
Software and spreadsheet skills
Computer skills are important for accounting clerk roles. Many clerks use accounting software to enter transactions, update records, process invoices and review account information.
Experience with Microsoft® Office® can also be helpful, especially Microsoft® Excel®. Clerks may use spreadsheets to organize financial data, review totals, sort account data or support basic data analysis.
Basic math and accuracy
Accounting clerks do not need advanced math skills for most entry-level roles, but they should be comfortable with basic calculations, percentages and checking numbers for accuracy.
Small mistakes can create larger problems later. Strong attention to detail helps clerks catch errors before they affect invoices, reports, payments or financial records.
Checking for errors and reconciling
Accounting clerks may also help with reconciliation tasks, especially near the end of the month. This can include reconciling bank statements, checking account balances and reviewing records for missing or incorrect entries.
This work helps the accounting team keep accurate financial records and prepare financial statements, balance sheets or other financial reporting materials. More advanced accounting clerks may gather documents or organize account details that a staff accountant uses to finalize reports.
Organization and attention to detail
Accounting work depends on clear records and consistent processes. Clerks need to follow the organization’s procedures, keep documents organized and understand how their work supports the larger accounting team.
This can be especially important when managing invoices, account updates, bank records or other time-sensitive tasks.
Many accounting clerks spend part of their day entering data into accounting software. This may include recording business transactions, updating financial data, coding documents and making sure information is assigned to the correct accounts.
These tasks may sound simple, but they are important. Accurate data entry helps the accounting team manage transactions, support internal controls and prepare reports that other leaders rely on.
Communication with other departments
Accounting clerks often communicate with other departments to answer questions, find missing documents or resolve billing issues. They may also work with vendors, customers or employees depending on the role.
For someone moving from an accounting assistant position into a clerk role, the appropriate experience often comes from learning how financial information moves through an organization and how to keep that information accurate.
The role changes based on the employer
Accounting clerks frequently vary in their duties based on the size of the organization, the industry and the accounting team’s structure.
An accounting clerk at a small business may handle a wider range of tasks, while a clerk at a larger company may focus on one area, such as accounts payable, accounts receivable or auditing.
In a smaller company, an accounting clerk may work more like an accounting assistant and help with a broad range of routine clerical and financial tasks. In a larger organization, clerks may focus on more specialized tasks, such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, auditing or data entry.
No matter the setting, accounting clerks need to follow the organization’s procedures and help keep financial information accurate.
Accounts payable and accounts receivable roles
Some accounting clerks specialize in accounts payable or accounts receivable. An accounts payable clerk helps track money the organization owes, while an accounts receivable clerk helps track money coming into the organization.
Accounts payable work may include processing invoices, checking billing vouchers, reviewing payment details and helping make sure payments follow internal controls. In some settings, clerks may also help monitor loans or determine interest charges.
Accounts receivable work may include recording customer payments, updating account balances, sending invoices or helping resolve payment questions. Both roles require accuracy, organization and a clear understanding of how money moves through the business.
Auditing clerks (and related roles)
Auditing clerks have a related but slightly different role from accounting clerks. While accounting clerks often record and organize financial records, auditing clerks review records for accuracy.
This work may include checking financial data, reviewing coded totals, comparing business transactions and looking for missing or incorrect information. Auditing clerks may also help support internal controls by making sure records follow the organization’s procedures.
For accounting clerks who enjoy finding errors, checking details and understanding how financial information fits together, auditing can be a natural career path. Advanced accounting clerks may move into more specialized tasks over time, including auditing, payroll, tax preparation or other accounting support roles.
Career outlook for accounting clerks
The career outlook for accounting clerks can depend on the industry, employer and the type of work involved. Automation and accounting software may change some routine clerical tasks, but organizations still need people who can review financial records, check details and help keep accounting processes accurate.
Accounting clerk jobs can also be a starting point for career advancement. With experience, additional training or professional certification, some accounting clerks may move into more specialized tasks in payroll, tax preparation, auditing or financial reporting.
Others may continue their education and work toward roles such as advanced accounting clerk, certified public bookkeeper or staff accountant. Professional organizations can also help accounting clerks learn about certifications, continuing education and possible next steps in the field.
Preparing for entry-level accounting clerk jobs
By this point, you may have noticed that there is not just one way to become an accounting clerk.
Some people start with a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Others build skills through an accounting clerk program, formal training or an associate degree.
No matter which path you choose, employers often look for the same basic strengths: computer skills, comfort with accounting software, attention to detail and the ability to manage transactions accurately. Experience as an accounting assistant, intern or office support worker can also help you build practical experience with financial transactions.
If you are working toward an entry level accounting clerk role, focus on building skills you can show on a resume. That may include Microsoft Excel®, QuickBooks®, Microsoft Office® Specialist certification or experience helping keep financial records organized.
Choose training that supports your goals
If you are comparing accounting clerk programs, look for coursework that matches the work you may do on the job. Helpful topics may include accounting basics, data entry, accounts payable, accounts receivable, the general ledger, accounting software and financial reporting.
You may also want to ask whether a program offers career support or job placement assistance. While no program can guarantee a job, support with resumes, interview preparation or employer connections can help students feel more prepared to apply for accounting clerk jobs.
As you move forward, keep track of examples that show your accuracy and attention to detail. Experience processing invoices, reconciling bank statements, maintaining financial records or supporting internal controls can help you explain the value you could bring to an accounting team.
FAQ about becoming an accounting clerk
How long does it take to become an accounting clerk?
The time it takes to become an accounting clerk can vary. Some people may qualify for entry-level roles with a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Others complete an accounting clerk program, certificate program or associate degree before applying.
Do accounting clerks work remotely?
Some accounting clerks may work remotely or in hybrid roles, depending on the employer and the type of work involved. Roles that rely heavily on accounting software, digital records or accounts payable and accounts receivable tasks may be more likely to offer remote options.
What is the difference between an accounting clerk and a bookkeeper?
The roles can overlap, but they are not always the same. Accounting clerks often handle routine clerical tasks within an accounting department, such as entering transactions, updating records or supporting accounts payable and accounts receivable.
Bookkeepers may manage a broader set of financial records for a business, including financial statements, depending on the employer and the size of the organization.
What certifications can help accounting clerks?
Certifications are not always required, but they may help accounting clerks show specific skills. Options may include Microsoft® Office® Specialist certification, especially in Excel, or software-focused credentials related to accounting software.
With experience, some clerks may also consider a certified bookkeeper credential if it fits their career goals.
Do you need a degree to become an accounting clerk?
Not always. Some employers may hire accounting clerks with a high school diploma and provide training. Others may prefer candidates with formal training, an accounting certificate or an associate degree in accounting or a related field.
Want to learn more about accounting career paths? Check out Essential Skills for Financial Accountants in 2026.
1Rasmussen University’s Accounting Clerk, Accounting Associate’s degree, and Accounting Bachelor’s degree programs are not designed to prepare graduates for any state-issued professional license or certification. These accounting programs do not meet all educational prerequisites for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in any state. For further information on professional licensing requirements, please contact the appropriate board or agency in your state of residence.
2Office® is a registered trademark of is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
3Excel® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
4Microsoft® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
5QuickBooks® is a registered trademark of Intuit Inc.
