Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Accounting Clerk
An Accounting Clerk is an entry-level position within an accounting department or finance team. They are responsible for various administrative and clerical tasks related to financial transactions, bookkeeping, and record-keeping. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Accounting Clerks.
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Main Responsibilities of an Accounting Clerk
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Accounting Clerk:
Accomplish
Accomplish accounting and organization mission by completing related results as needed.
Add
Add bill payments to check run throughout the week.
Add financial information to journals and ledgers.
Address
Address customers' complaints or concerns.
Adjust
Adjust accounts based on collected information.
Answer
Answer inquiries regarding benefit time, payroll deductions, insurance numbers, etc..
Answer phone and provide excellent customer service.
Answer telephone calls and transfer calls to the appropriate recipients.
Assist in
Assist accounting department in maintaining all aspects of Strive Medical's accounting and payroll.
Assist CFO in maintaining internal controls and developing accounting policies.
Assist in providing consolidated financial information for analysis and information requested.
Assist in setting up payment plans.
Assist in streamlining the accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
Assist in the analysis of financial data and trends.
Assist in the implementation and improvement of accounting processes and controls.
Assist in the preparation of budgets and financial forecasts.
Assist in the preparation of financial statements and presentations.
Assist in the preparation of tax returns and compliance with tax regulations.
Assist in the reconciliation of vendor and customer accounts.
Assist in the the processing of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger.
Assist in updating AR reconciliation spreadsheets and resolving discrepancies.
Assist in vendor claim resolution within specific area of function.
Assist Senior Accountant on other projects, as directed.
Assist with AR Aging - Collection process.
Assist with general transactional accounting processes and month-end procedures.
Assist with inventory management and tracking.
Assist with month end, audit, tax and regulatory filings as needed.
Assist with month-end close and account reconciliations as needed.
Assist with the preparation of financial presentations and reports for management.
Assist with the preparation of financial statements and compilations.
Assist with the processing of accounts payable and accounts receivable.
Audit
Audit and process credit card bills.
Audit employee expense reports adhering to travel regulation policy.
Audit the operation of other petty cash funds within OCH and replenishes those funds as required.
Check
Check for accuracy and conformity with regulations, statutes, policies and procedures.
Close
Close end of day point-of-sale.
Code
Code documents in accordance with a listing of accounts.
Code invoices to the correct station and cost center.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with team members and provide support as needed.
Communicate
Communicate proactively with management often.
Communicate such to others as required.
Communicate with customers regarding documents.
Compile
Compile and sort invoices received through the mail, email and online.
Complete
Complete internal audits to ensure data integrity with a focus on inventory management.
Complete monthly accounts payable cheque runs and direct deposits.
Compute
Compute and create floor plan statements.
Conduct
Conduct research and gather data for financial analysis and decision-making.
Contribute
Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
Coordinate
Coordinate project details with Ministry of Labour.
Create
Create and maintain new vendors users, monthly and annual per diem rates and financial accounts.
Create and report metrics and track against company goals for income, expenditure, and exceptions.
Cultivate
Cultivate a positive partner and customer service relationship, and fosters two-way communication.
Empower
Empower you to achieve your goals and grow professionally.
Encourage
Encourage tenants to pay rents by Electronic Funds Transfer.
Ensure
Ensure all corporate credit card charges are accounting for on expense reports.
Ensure compliance with accounting policies, procedures, and regulations.
Ensure compliance with all financial policies and procedures, IFRS, Bill 198 and tax regulations.
Ensure quotations match original order specifications & manage change requests.
Enter
Enter and balance accounts receivable and accounts payable on a daily basis.
Enter and balance A / R and A / P on a daily basis.
Enter data in a timely and accurate manner.
Enter invoices into the computer system for processing.
Establish
Establish and maintain financial records.
Establish, controls and maintain files and records for accounts payable and receivable.
Execute
Execute and manage documentation to ensure that records are maintained in a proper manner.
File
File records of office activities and business transcations.
Follow-up
Follow-up on missing invoices and ensuring invoices are approved.
Follow
Follow up on outstanding payments and resolve billing issues.
Identify
Identify and collect slow paying, problematic, or delinquent accounts.
Initiate
Initiate shutdown, reporting and start-up of the property s computer systems.
Input
Input and process vendor invoices for payment using the AP system.
Input supplier data and bills received into the accounting system.
Interface with
Interface with both internal and external groups.
Investigate
Investigate and resolve collection & payment problems.
Issue
Issue banks to bartenders, retail sellers, box office sellers, and management.
Liaise with
Liaise with the Finance team and external agencies on key and emerging priorities.
Maintain
Maintain accounting ledgers by posting account transactions.
Maintain accurate and complete historical records by scanning / filing documents in a timely manner.
Maintain and organize accurate records.
Maintain and update accounting records and ledgers.
Maintain and update client files daily (electronic and paper).
Maintain client and vendor information.
Maintain collection reporting for delinquent payments.
Maintain confidentiality and handles all interactions with diplomacy and tact.
Maintain confidentiality of all sales, profits, expense and personal information.
Maintain confidentiality of financial information and data.
Maintain files on customer paperwork.
Maintain financial historical records by filing accounting documents.
Maintain Master Equipment Asset List.
Maintain notes on collection status.
Maintain reliable attendance.
Maintain strict confidentiality with all company information.
Manage
Manage American Express card expenses.
Manage booking policies with online travel agency.
Manage credit limits for all accounts.
Manage escalations from support staff.
Manage final payables to vendor invoices through an online payment system.
Manage internal storage folders and system, ensure all physical documents are uploaded accurately.
Manage receipt to payment process for 2 companies.
Monitor
Monitor and report on financial variances and discrepancies.
Monitor and track accounts payable and accounts receivable.
Monitor progress payments and perform lien searches when holdbacks payments are released.
Obtain
Obtain a good understanding of Company functions and workflow.
Participate in
Participate in daily reconciliations.
Participate in the month-end and year-end closing processes.
Perform
Perform account reconciliations.
Perform Accounts Payable / Receivable duties as required.
Perform billing-related duties as necessary.
Perform data entry and administrative tasks related to accounting functions.
Perform full-cycle payroll.
Perform other accounting and administrative tasks as assigned.
Plan
Plan to assist our staff with maintaining safe work practices.
Post
Post and prepare late fees to owner accounts and mailing monthly outstanding invoices.
Practice
Practice and promote teamwork at all times.
Prepare
Prepare and issues invoices and follows up on late accounts in accordance with established procedure.
Prepare and maintain accounting files, records and reports.
Prepare and maintain tax payments and process of returns for multiple companies.
Prepare and post journal entries.
Prepare and post journal entries to the general ledgers.
Prepare and process invoices, bills, and payments.
Prepare and send customer invoices.
Prepare bank and credit card reconciliations.
Prepare bank deposits, general ledger postings and reconcile bank statements.
Prepare basic transactions and financial reports.
Prepare correction documents as needed.
Prepare correction documents as required.
Prepare daily reports on sales contracts.
Prepare financial reports, including balance sheets and income statements.
Prepare invoices for clients.
Prepare miscellaneous reports (i.e. UIC, etc...).
Prepare month-end accruals.
Prepare monthly account schedules and reconciliations as directed.
Prepare, pay, and file all accounts payable for the credit union.
Prepare payments by cheque and direct deposit.
Prepare rent adjustments and applies charges to tenant accounts.
Prepare reports for management.
Prepare weekly payment run reports and upload payment data to our banks.
Proceed
Proceed with month-end accounting reports according to schedule.
Process
Process Agent Accounts Receivables.
Process all void sales and notify title department if necessary.
Process bi-weekly process for 100 employees via ADP.
Process cases in reject queues and perform required maintenance as necessary.
Process cheque runs and set up on-line payment batches for the accounting team.
Process customer payments by recording cash, checks, and credit card transactions.
Process employee expense reports and ensure compliance with expense policies.
Process expense reports in a timely fashion.
Process Invoices (2 years of experience is required).
Process payroll and ensure accurate calculation of wages and deductions.
Process sub-ledger updates to the general ledger system.
Provide
Provide accounting and clerical support to the accounting department.
Provide accounting and clerical support to the Accounting Department.
Provide additional accounting support to other departments as needed.
Provide an open door policy for questions and answers.
Provide assistance to the Accounts Payable function when required.
Provide backup support to Payroll.
Pull
Pull previous week's OS report and compare / file SOS slips.
Put
Put your talents to the test as an Accounting Clerk with our client.
Receive
Receive and process paperwork from the F& I department.
Receive, post, and manage all aspects of accounts payable.
Reconcile
Reconcile and match credit card transaction records (all Visa and Amex).
Reconcile and post the monthly Ford factory statements.
Reconcile any pricing or quantity differences on invoices.
Reconcile bank accounts, posting and balancing financial data in various ledgers.
Reconcile bank statements and other financial records.
Reconcile Credit Card Statements.
Reconcile interal deposit accounts, GL's and settlements.
Reconcile supplier statements.
Record
Record daily cash receipts for ticket revenue.
Record financial transactions accurately in accounting systems.
Record necessary documentations for all house closing.
Record payments from all sources for ISM.
Represent
Represent the company at industry conferences.
Reprint
Reprint and fax Commercial Card statements upon request.
Request
Request assistance where appropriate.
Research
Research & Analytical capabilities.
Research and resolve issues related to accounts receivable and accounts payable.
Research for previous requests and verification.
Research, track, and resolve accounting problems.
Research, verify and resolve all customer deductions in a timely matter.
Resolve
Resolve problems and questions regarding work methods and processes.
Respond to
Respond to incoming calls and customer emails / queries.
Respond to inquiries from vendors, clients, and internal stakeholders regarding financial transactions and records.
Retrieve
Retrieve current WSIB Clearance Certificate as needed.
Review
Review all project expenses to ensure proper cost coding.
Review and process invoices.
Review automoatic payments.
Review CIS Duplicate cases and determine appropriate action.
Review monthly balances, company checks, deposits, and journal entries.
Review monthly closing process.
Review monthly supplier account reconciliations prior to cheque preparation.
Review purchase order reports and complete purchase order confirmation.
Review time card proof from IT before payroll is run to verify control totals to the Kronos reports.
Review work product of others in department.
Run
Run accounts payable checks / ACH Direct Deposits.
Schedule
Schedule vendor visits to meet monthly goals.
Sell
Sell clothing that likes to party.
Set-up
Set-up and maintain accurate digital vendor files.
Set-up and maintain AP vendor records and database.
Set-up credit terms for customer accounts.
Stay updated on
Stay updated on accounting principles, regulations, and software tools.
Support
Support auditing and financial review processes.
Support the annual audit process as required.
Support the development of tools and delivery of training focused on delivering business results.
Support the preparation of financial statements for audits and reviews.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot and problem solve within specific area of function.
Type
Type and proofread correspondence, forms and other documents.
Update
Update AP reports and schedules.
Upload
Upload electronic payments to banking platform.
Upload receipts daily, run cash reports, follow up with discrepancies.
Use
Use of custom company software.
Validate
Validate and analyze all transaction-related data.
Verify
Verify and reconcile discrepancies in financial documents and reports.
Verify the accuracy and approve all payroll input in accordance with policies.
Work
Work as a team member to meet month end deadlines.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Accounting Clerk:
Proficiency in using accounting software and tools (e.g., QuickBooks, Excel).
Knowledge of basic accounting principles and practices.
Experience in data entry and managing financial records.
Familiarity with financial statements and their components.
Understanding of bookkeeping procedures and processes.
Ability to perform calculations and work with numbers accurately.
Knowledge of payroll processing and relevant regulations.
Familiarity with tax laws and regulations.
Proficiency in using spreadsheets for data analysis and reporting.
Ability to reconcile financial accounts and statements.
Experience in preparing and processing invoices and bills.
Knowledge of accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
Understanding of inventory management principles.
Familiarity with financial analysis and forecasting techniques.
Knowledge of budgeting and cost control principles.
Experience in financial data entry and accuracy verification.
Proficiency in using financial and accounting software systems.
Understanding of internal control procedures and compliance.
Knowledge of basic mathematical and financial calculations.
Ability to interpret and analyze financial data accurately.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Accounting Clerk:
Attention to detail and accuracy in financial record-keeping.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
Effective communication skills for interacting with team members and stakeholders.
Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Time management skills to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Integrity and adherence to ethical principles in handling financial information.
Adaptability to changing accounting processes and technologies.
Strong work ethic.
Collaboration skills to work effectively with colleagues and cross-functional teams.
Strong numerical and mathematical aptitude.
Attention to confidentiality and data protection.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Detail-oriented mindset to identify errors and inconsistencies.
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Problem-solving skills to resolve discrepancies and financial issues.
Critical thinking abilities to analyze financial data and identify trends.
Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office applications.
Customer service skills for dealing with vendors, clients, and internal stakeholders.
Continuous learning mindset to stay updated on accounting principles and industry trends.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have explored the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Accounting Clerks. These professionals play a crucial role in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with accounting procedures. Their responsibilities range from recording transactions and preparing invoices to reconciling accounts and assisting with financial analysis. To excel in this role, Accounting Clerks need a combination of technical skills, including proficiency in accounting software, knowledge of financial principles, and data analysis abilities. Additionally, soft skills such as attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving are essential for success in this field. By developing these skills, Accounting Clerks can contribute to the smooth functioning of the finance department and the overall financial health of an organization.
