Accounting Clerk

Accounting clerks calculate and process bills, invoices, accounts payable and receivable, budgets and other financial records using manual and computerized systems.

NOC Code: 1431

Job Duties

Accounting clerks calculate and process bills, invoices, accounts payable and receivable, budgets and other financial records using manual and computerized systems. You may work for many different types of companies and organizations in the public and private sectors. You may also be known as an accounts payable/receivable clerk. In some countries this job is called "accountant," but in Ontario, you need a professional designation to call yourself an accountant. Generally, accounting clerks:

  • Code, total, batch, enter, check and fix transactions, such as accounts payable and receivable, payroll, purchase orders, cheques, invoices, cheque requisitions and bank statements, using computerized and manual systems.
  • Gather budget data and documents based on estimated revenues, expenses and previous budgets.
  • Calculate the costs of materials, overhead and other expenses based on estimates, quotations and price lists and prepare cost statements or reports.
  • Answer questions and solve problems for customers and vendors about their accounts.
  • Maintain filing and record systems, send faxes and make photocopies.


Source: HRSDC

Job Requirements

Education

This job requires: High School

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobLevel of Education Required
Accounting ClerkHigh School
Bank ClerkHigh School
BookkeeperCollege or University
Loan OfficerCollege or University
Payroll ClerkHigh School

Source: HRSDC

Experience

This job requires 0 - 2 years of work experience.

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobYears of Work Experience Required
Accounting Clerk0 - 2
Bank Clerk0 - 2
Bookkeeper2 - 5
Loan Officer2 - 5
Payroll Clerk0 - 2

Source: HRSDC

Essential Skills

As an accounting clerk, you need to:

  • Speak, read and write English.
  • Understand basic accounting procedures.
  • Have fast, accurate data entry skills.
  • Use word processing, spreadsheet, database and email software.
  • Use accounting software such as QuickBooks, MYOB, ACCPAC, and/or Simply Accounting.
  • Have good customer service skills.

Source: Ontario Skills Passport

Language Skills

You need to communicate in person, on the phone, and in writing with supervisors, co-workers, customers and suppliers.

Labour Market Information

Trends

Now, most accounting clerks use computerized systems, including accounting and spreadsheet software. Good computer skills are essential.

Prospects

The work prospects for this job are: GOOD

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobWork Prospects
Accounting ClerkGood
Bank ClerkFair
BookkeeperGood
Loan OfficerGood
Payroll ClerkFair

Wages

The average hourly wage for this job is: C$20/hour.

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobAverage Wage/Hour
Accounting Clerk$20.00
Bank Clerk$19.00
Bookkeeper$19.23
Loan Officer$24.00
Payroll Clerk$24.79

Source: HRSDC

Retraining

Educational Programs

These links will give you a list of related educational programs or where you can search for them. There may be other schools that have similar programs, such as private career colleges. You may be able to get advanced standing.

Bridging Programs

Here is a list of some bridging programs. These programs can help you assess your education and skills, get practical training or improve your language skills so that you can work in your field.

Language Training

Here is a list of some language training programs, such as Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT).

Work Experience Programs

Many college programs and bridging programs in this field include co-operative (co-op) work experience.

Voluntary Membership Opportunities

Helpful Links

The data in this profile is provided for informational purposes only. Some of the information may have changed since this profile was written. Please check the source for the most up-to-date information.