Accounts Clerk
What the job involves
An accounts clerk has a variety of day to day responsibilities. Some of these tasks involve balancing accounts, preparing statements showing income and payments, dealing with sales invoices; income, receipts and payments. You will also be in charge of checking account accuracy, and help prepare annual accounts. Other responsibilities can include preparing wages and managing claims, completing VAT returns, and arranging purchase orders.
Personal qualities
As an accounts clerk, you need to be confident with working with number skills as well as spoken and written communication skills. Having an interest in business and finance would be advisable for the job, as well as having good team working skills. A high level of accuracy and attention to detail in your work to make sure no mistakes are made. You will also need to be honest and have the ability to solve problems.
Working conditions
Full-time roles are usually standard office hours; Monday to Friday. However if you took the role of being self-employed, you would be able to work flexible hours to suit you. Part time work is often available.
Qualifications and training
Most employers are likely to look up for five GCSEs, at grades A*-C (or 9-4) or above including maths and English. Also having an A level in business studies, maths, economics could allow you to stand out more to the employer. You can take a recognised accounts qualification alongside whilst looking for work. They include:
You may be able to become an accounts clerk through an apprenticeship. Most training will be done on the job with the support of experienced staff. As you learn more about accounts, your employer may encourage you to further your knowledge and study more advanced accounting qualifications, for example:
Getting into the profession
To apply for an apprenticeship you must be 16 or over and not in full time education. You could find apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Vacancy Service website.
Other vacancies can be found local newspapers or on an online jobs board.
Salary and benefits
Salaries can start around £15,000 to £16,000 a year. With more experience, you can earn up to £22,000 a year. Senior clerks may earn up to £25,000+ a year.
Progression
Training as an accounts clerk at intermediate level could be just the beginning. You could go onto to train as an accounting technician or an assistance accountant, for example.
Further information
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our career profiles, however we advise that you check with the relevant college/university/organisation that you are intending studying with in regards to current entry criteria.