Creating a clear job description is a critical part of finding the right candidate for the position at hand and your company. A clear portrayal of the job that is open can save you a lot of time because you won’t have to sort through as many applications as you would with a less descriptive piece. You need to take the time to create a job explanation that will interest candidates who are qualified for the position. To that end, here is an Accounting Clerk job description sample that you can use to help you write your own outstanding job description.
Accounting Clerk Job Summary
You will be expected to maintain accounting records and databases, while keeping appropriate information confidential. You will work full-time alongside other accounting team members in a supportive, clerical role.
Accounting Clerk Job Responsibilities
- Make copies of and appropriately file accounting records.
- Enter sensitive data into the computer databases as a way of backing up information.
- Compare bank statements with the general ledger to reconcile the statements.
- Run depreciation software program to determine value of depreciable properties.
- Run performance analysis software to verify accuracy of financial reports.
- Calculate interest on bank accounts, credit accounts and loans using spreadsheets and other databases.
- Keep information confidential to protect the value of the organization.
- Assist Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with everyday tasks.
- Stay up-to-date by attending workshops and other educational opportunities.
Accounting Clerk Requirements
- Associate’s Degree
- Prior experience with clerical work, typing and PC use
- Prior accounting experience not necessary, but beneficial
- Ability to use financial software
- Organizational skills and an attention for detail
- Excellent reporting skills
- Strong math skills
- Ability to communicate clearly
- High ethical and professional standards
- Proven track record of dependability and productivity under little supervision
- Ability to interact well with coworkers and clients
Company Profile
ABC Manufacturing has been a leading manufacturing company in America since its establishment in 1959. We strive to provide our customers with top quality products at reasonable prices. Our company was built on family values that we still hold dear today.
Best Practices for Writing a Job Description
- Using the above Accounting Clerk job description sample can greatly help you as you set out to write your own job explanation. However, sometimes you have to consider other factors besides the ones laid out in the outline. For those times, you should use the following list of best practices to help you write the description in the right way the first time around.
- Try to use bullets to list qualifications and responsibilities because it adds to the readability of the description. Certain sections, like the company profile or job summary, may not benefit from bullet points.
- Make the application submission easy by clearly indicating how the jobseeker can get in touch with the hiring manager.
- Consider describing the benefits and salary range of the position. However, you should make sure that that is an acceptable practice of your company before you do.
- Be as specific as you can be. This means you should have a clear, informative job title. It also means that you should have specific qualifications, responsibilities and requirements listed. If you’re too vague, you will get a lot more responses from potentially unqualified candidates.
- Keep it short. You don’t want your explanation to get too long. However, you need to marry the idea of being specific and concise. This can be a difficult process, but you have to find the happy medium.
- As you discuss the responsibilities, try to be as direct as possible. Use action-based language to give the applicants a clear idea of what they will have to do if they should get the job.
- Give a clear idea of the company and the company culture. Some workers may like to be micromanaged or may not enjoy family-based companies. If you’re upfront with the views and culture of your company, you will be more likely to get candidates who have the same sort of values.
- Don’t forget to include the location of the job, so the applicants can easily see where they will be expected to work. If there is going to be any travel for the position, you should also make sure to list that information.
- Make sure to include a call to action to have the reader apply for the position. This will help qualified candidates pull the trigger and send in their resume.
Writing an informative job description will help you find the best job candidates. Make sure to use the Accounting Clerk job description sample and the best practices listed above as you create your own unique description.
Accounting Clerk Job Responsibilities
When you write the job responsibilities section of your accounting clerk job description, it is important to understand that the purpose of this section is to give potential applicants a realistic idea of your expectations should you hire them. A clear and descriptive job responsibilities section can eliminate candidates who many not be a good fit for your company.
To write the best possible accounting clerk job description, use bullet points to list the necessary responsibilities. This makes the information easier to read and looks cleaner than a paragraph style. Use action verbs to begin each bullet point so potential candidates can accurately see themselves as an accounting clerk for your company. By making a list of 6-8 bullets, you can convey the top responsibilities without overwhelming your readers.
Here are some examples of accounting clerk job responsibilities to help get you started:
- Operate bookkeeping software and online spreadsheets to keep databases updated
- Collect and make records of any cash, checks and vouchers received
- Produce reports, including balance sheets, of costs to income ratios, income statements and account totals
- Examine incoming figures, postings and reports for accuracy and completeness
- Resolve or make management aware of any discrepancies found in the records
Accounting Clerk Job Specifications
While each accounting clerk position has a set of minimum requirements necessary to perform the job properly, there are also skills and abilities that would be nice to have in an ideal candidate. By conveying both types of qualities in the job qualifications and skills section of your accounting clerk job description, you can tailor it to attract the type of candidate you would prefer.
An easy way to help readers figure out if they would be a good fit for the position or if they are even eligible to apply is by making separate lists for essential requirements and those that are just preferences. Clearly differentiating between the two lists can also be a good way to entice applicants with more impressive resumes who might think they are overqualified if you only list the basics needed for consideration. Carefully crafting this section of your accounting clerk job description can save you from receiving subpar applications.
You may want to consider including some of the following accounting clerk job specifications:
- Postsecondary education in accounting, finance or bookkeeping
- Certified bookkeeping designation with at least three years of previous bookkeeping experience
- A score of at least 80 % on The Uniform Bookkeeper Certification Examination
- Adept at using computer spreadsheets and bookkeeping software
- Honest and ethical in every aspect of life