Accounts Clerk
What is the work like?
Accounts clerks, also known as finance clerks or bookkeepers, keep accurate financial records and help to prepare accounts in all types of business.
As an accounts clerk your duties would typically include:
- balancing accounts (often known as 'double entry book-keeping')
- processing sales invoices, receipts and payments
- preparing statements showing income and expenditure
- completing VAT returns
- checking that accounts are accurate
- preparing wages and processing expenses claims, if you deal with payroll
- helping to prepare final accounts, such as profit and loss accounts and balance sheets
- using computerised accounting systems
- giving administrative support to accountants.
In larger companies, you would usually work as part of an accounting team, and you might specialise in one area like sales or purchase ledger, payroll or credit control. In small businesses, you might do all of these tasks and also bank takings and handle petty cash.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become an accounts clerk you should feel confident with maths and using computers. The qualifications that employers ask for can vary, although many will prefer you to have some GCSEs (A-C) including maths, or a similar level of qualification.
You will find it helpful to have previous experience of office work. Temporary work ('temping') can be a good way of getting experience that may lead to a permanent job. Computer experience is also useful, particularly in using spreadsheet and database packages like Microsoft Excel and Access.
You may have an advantage if you take a basic accounts or bookkeeping qualification before you look for work. Relevant qualifications include:
- AS or A Level in Accounting
- Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) ABC Level 2 Certificate in Book-keeping
- International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB) Levels 2 and 3 Certificates in Bookkeeping
- Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) Level 1 Certificate in Basic Bookkeeping or Level 2 in Manual or Computerised Bookkeeping
- OCR Level 1 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Levels 2 and 3 Certificates in Accounting
- City & Guilds (8953) Levels 1 and 2 Certificates in Bookkeeping and Accounts.
You can study for most of these qualifications full- or part-time in colleges or training centres, or by distance learning.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as an accounts clerk, most of your training will be on the job whilst you help experienced staff. Employers may also allow you to study for work-based qualifications, such as:
- NVQ levels 2, 3 and 4 in Accounting
- AAT Accounting Qualification at Foundation, Intermediate and Technician levels
- IAB Level 3 Diploma in Accounting and Advanced Bookkeeping or Small Business Financial Management
- ICB Level 3 Diploma in Bookkeeping (Manual or Computerised).
You can study by work-based training, part-time at a college or training centre, or by distance learning. See the AAT, IAB and ICB websites for more details.
When you have reached NVQ Level 4 or AAT Technician level, you will be a qualified accounting technician, able to produce financial reports and assist with accountants with audits. In the longer term, you could continue to study and qualify as an accountant (see the Accounting Technician profile for more details).
Where can I go for more information?
51 Gresham StreetLondon
EC2V 7HQ
Tel: 0845 257 3772
Trafalgar Square
London
WC2N 5BW
Tel: 0845 060 2345
44 London Road
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN13 1AS
Tel: 01732 458080
London
EC1A 4HY
Tel: 0845 863 0800
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be around £12,000 to £14,000 a year.
- With experience, earnings can be between £14,000 and £20,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your standard working hours in a full-time job would be 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you were a self-employed bookkeeper you could work at times to suit you. Flexi-time, part-time work, job sharing and temporary work are often available.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- to feel comfortable working with numbers
- good spoken and written communication skills
- an interest in business and finance
- good organisational skills
- a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
- teamworking ability
- the ability to work to strict deadlines
- honesty and discretion.
What opportunities are there?
You could work for all types of organisation, including commercial companies, local and central government, public services and accountancy firms. You could also be a self-employed bookkeeper for a number of small businesses.
Jobs may be advertised in the local press, Jobcentre Plus, and by recruitment agencies.
With more experience and qualifications, you could become an accounting technician and take on more complex work. You could also choose to study further and qualify as an accountant.
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