Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks compute, classify, and record numerical data to maintain financial records. They perform calculating, posting, and verifying tasks to ensure accuracy in accounting systems. These workers are employed across all industries—banks, government agencies, healthcare facilities, retail businesses, and corporate offices—wherever financial transactions need systematic tracking.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves entering financial transactions into accounting software, reconciling bank statements, and verifying calculations on invoices and receipts. Clerks post debits and credits to appropriate accounts, prepare financial reports, and cross-check figures for accuracy. Tasks may include processing payroll records, filing expense reports, or assisting with audits. Most work is computer-based, though some organizations still require manual record-keeping alongside digital entry.
Who this work suits
Holland code CEI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this work if you're detail-oriented and enjoy working with numbers systematically. People drawn to this career tend to value order, precision, and clear processes—and often seek roles where they can contribute to organizational efficiency while potentially advancing into supervisory accounting positions.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $55,280 | $65,180 | $77,700 | 1,790 |
| Connecticut | $49,840 | $59,970 | $70,710 | 14,930 |
| Massachusetts | $49,160 | $59,830 | $69,110 | 29,110 |
| California | $48,600 | $59,230 | $70,600 | 151,870 |
| Washington | $49,830 | $58,620 | $66,400 | 32,930 |
| New Jersey | $48,400 | $58,300 | $67,270 | 37,550 |
| New York | $47,400 | $58,160 | $69,330 | 84,280 |
| Alaska | $47,270 | $56,430 | $64,360 | 4,580 |
| Vermont | $47,850 | $54,720 | $63,420 | 2,950 |
| Minnesota | $46,970 | $54,600 | $62,640 | 26,850 |
| Oregon | $45,730 | $54,060 | $62,930 | 21,710 |
| Colorado | $46,400 | $54,000 | $64,170 | 26,140 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Bookkeeping Certification — National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers
- Accounting Certification — National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers
- Certified Bookkeeper (CB) — American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers
- Accounting Analysis Certification — National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers
- Accounting — NOCTI
- Accounting - Advanced — NOCTI
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
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Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-3031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.