One of the most popular new careers for people who want to enter finance is account clerking. Accounts clerks are people who handle the financial records of different accounts and help to maintain those accounts in a number of different business types.
What are the typical duties than accounts clerks will handle on a day to day basis? They include the following:
- keeping balanced accounts
- handling all receipts and payments for a given company, as well as invoicing
- putting together bottom line statements
- VAT return handling
- account auditing
- day to day payroll handling, including expense reports
There are different ways to start a career as an accounts clerk. In a larger firm, you might work as a part of a large accounting team. In this case, an accounts clerk would work in one specialised department. Small businesses would employ these people to handle a number of combined tasks.
Accounts clerk qualifications
For those seeking a job as an accounts clerk, you will need some office experience. This could come in the form of temping, which is also an excellent way to get a foot in the door. Accounts clerks will be required to have a firm understanding of applicable computer programs.
The absolute entry barriers will vary depending upon the firm, as some employers will require more math certification than others. In some cases, GCSE certification may be required.
In addition to that, some forms of accounting certification can be helpful in getting a great job. Basic AS and A level accounting certification will be helpful, as well as certificates from the International Associated of Bookkeepers. For those people who can so far as to acquire level 2 and level 3 training in bookkeeping, jobs will be plentiful.
One way to get a position as an accounts clerk would be to start as an apprentice. This sort of apprenticeship may not be available in all areas, though,s o its important to check your area specifically. After that, accounts clerks get the majority of their expertise and training through situational, on the job stuff. After gaining some experience in the field, many attempt to ascend through the ranks by going for more education.
Examples of these advanced items include
- Level 2, 3, and 4 NVQ Accounting certification
- AAT certified Accounting qualification at all levels
- IAB and ICB level 3 diplomas in a host of different fields, including bookkeeping and computerised accounting
The final qualification that most people work towards is the NVQ Level 4 certification, which marks these people as an accounting technician. From there, accounts clerks can produce their own reports confidently.
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