Accounting/Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks are financial record keepers. They update and maintain accounting records, including those which calculate expenditures, receipts, accounts payable and receivable, and profits and loss. Bookkeepers have roles in both small businesses and large companies’ accounting departments. Responsibilities range from posting transactions and balancing to verifying and reconciling accounts. They ensure the completeness and accuracy of data and code documents according to company procedures. Auditors verify postings and documents to assure accuracy and completeness. Though bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks generally do not require a bachelor’s degree, to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) requires a bachelor's. The requirements to become a CPA are set by each state board of accountancy and include completing a program of study in accounting at a college or university, passing the Uniform CPA Exam, and obtaining a specific amount of professional work experience in public accounting (the required amount and type of experience varies according to licensing jurisdiction).

The skills taught in the accounting program are used by professionals in business management, public administration, entrepreneurship, finance, and other commercial fields in order to forecast and control commercial endeavors.

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks work in an office environment. They may experience eye and muscle strain, backaches, headaches, and repetitive motion injuries from using computers on a daily basis. Clerks may have to sit for extended periods while reviewing detailed data.

Many bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks work regular business hours and a standard 40-hour week, although some may work occasional evenings and weekends. About 24 percent of these clerks worked part time in 2006.

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks may work longer hours to meet deadlines at the end of the fiscal year, during tax time, or when monthly or quarterly financial reports are being prepared. Extended work hours may also occur when yearly accounting audits are performed. Additionally, those who work in hotels, restaurants, and stores may put in overtime during peak holiday and vacation seasons.

For more information, visit http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos144.htm#nature.

Degree: Associate in Applied Science

Accounting

Certificate of Achievement:

 Bookkeeping (leads to General Studies degree)