Bookkeeper

What it officially is

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

O*NET, US Department of Labor · classified as “Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks”

What the work involves

  • Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents. 130% of people in this occupation report doing this
  • Debit, credit, and total accounts on computer spreadsheets and databases, using specialized accounting software. 130% of people in this occupation report doing this
  • Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes. 129% of people in this occupation report doing this
  • Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations. 129% of people in this occupation report doing this
  • Code documents according to company procedures. 129% of people in this occupation report doing this
  • Perform financial calculations, such as amounts due, interest charges, balances, discounts, equity, and principal. 129% of people in this occupation report doing this
  • Perform general office duties, such as filing, answering telephones, and handling routine correspondence. 129% of people in this occupation report doing this
  • Access computerized financial information to answer general questions as well as those related to specific accounts. 129% of people in this occupation report doing this
  • Match order forms with invoices, and record the necessary information. 129% of people in this occupation report doing this
  • Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information. 128% of people in this occupation report doing this
  • Reconcile or note and report discrepancies found in records. 128% of people in this occupation report doing this
  • Classify, record, and summarize numerical and financial data to compile and keep financial records, using journals and ledgers or computers. 128% of people in this occupation report doing this
  • Receive, record, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers. 125% of people in this occupation report doing this
  • Calculate, prepare, and issue bills, invoices, account statements, and other financial statements according to established procedures. 130% of people in this occupation report doing this

What employers actually ask for

Counted from listings on this board. Each line shows how many of that tier's listings for this role carried it — the denominator is the point.

Large employers

  • experience using an exterprise level accounting system 2 of 4
  • ensure payments are received in line with contractual terms 2 of 4
  • excellent spreadsheet skills, including pivots, look ups etc 2 of 4
  • implement and comply with the canonical credit control policy 2 of 4
  • maintain accuracy of our a/r ledgers and reconciliation of accounts 2 of 4
  • exceptional education achievements in an accounting or finance subject 2 of 4
  • efficiently resolve any problems prior to raising and issue of invoice 2 of 4
  • a passion for the world of finance with ambition to progress your career 2 of 4

Only one tier has enough listings for this role to count from. A share measured over fewer than three listings is not a measurement, so it is not shown.

What they call it

Large employers

  • Accounts Payable Clerk (Entry Level Opportunity) Canonical
  • Accounts Receivable Clerk Canonical
  • Accounts Payable Clerk (Entry Level Opportunity) Canonical Ltd.
  • Accounts Receivable Clerk Canonical Ltd.

Startups

  • Financial Operations Associate Corgi Insurance

Tools the occupation uses

Accounting software Accounting software, Accounts payable software, Accounts receivable software, Accurate NXG, ACS Technologies ACS Financial Suite, Activant Solutions Activant Prophet 21
Compliance software Corporate Responsibility System Technologies Limited CRSTL Compliance Positioning System
Customer relationship management CRM software Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge, Act!
Document management software Adobe Acrobat
Enterprise resource planning ERP software AcornSystems Corporate Performance Management, Advanced Management Systems Software for Wineries, AMS Services AMS Sagitta

How well this role is advertised

66listings reviewed
61/100median HR-standards score
75/100median title accuracy

Open now

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Official definitions and responsibilities come from public occupational records — O*NET (US Department of Labor) and ESCO (European Commission). The employer half is counted from listings on this board and shown with its denominator. Nothing on this page is written by a language model: the measured half is arithmetic over real postings, and the official half is quoted.