Skills required for most entry level accounting jobs
The field of accounting has many excellent opportunities available that do not necessarily require a formal higher education degree. They do, however, require certain skills and attributes in order to succeed.
There are five components to bookkeeping that might use entry level clerks. Small companies often hire full charge bookkeepers and expect those individuals to perform all the aspects and duties involved in their accounting process. This would naturally require someone with formal education and training in accounting and would not be classified as entry level.
Larger organizations often break down their accounting functions into individual increments and this is when opportunities become available to those with less specialized training. Here is a list of the five components of general business accounting that might be classified as entry level, and the duties and responsibilities they encompass:
This refers to monies received into a business. A person working in this increment of office bookkeeping would be expected to enter payments received into the computer under the specific account being paid, make bank deposits and issue receipts when necessary. Data entry is the main duty in the job description. Honesty and accuracy is a must for this position, as often the clerk is handling company cash. Background checks are routine and employees are usually bonded.
The accounts payable clerk is responsible for recording incoming bills from vendors and suppliers, putting them in line for payment when due and charging them to the appropriate department or expense account. Maintaining a record of inventory and ordering office supplies and equipment usually fall under this job description. Data entry is the primary prerequisite for this position. Math aptitude, organizational skills and filing proficiency are also required.
All entry level payroll positions require keeping track of hours and benefits for employees. Proficiency on a calculator will be necessary for totaling time cards or time sheets. Entry level payroll clerks are seldom privy to details like amounts of salaries, but being scrupulously conscientious, diplomatic and discreet play a big part in any position in the payroll department.
The actual general ledger and financial statements are maintained by upper echelon or outside certified public accountants in most companies, however entry level clerks might be hired to serve as information gatherers and perform duties and paperwork related to adjustments to the general ledger, like write offs, credit entries and refunds. Attention to detail and good math skills will be required.
This aspect of the company accounting function is often the most lucrative for an entry level employee. Any job description which includes activity increasing the company's income is sure to be compensated at a higher rate. Attributes for a successful work experience in this area include good judgment for extending and approving credit, people skills, assertiveness and good verbal and written communication skills for collecting past due accounts without diminishing rapport with the customer.
In all of these entry level clerical positions, there are universal abilities and skills relevant to the duties and responsibilities of the positions. These include:
• Good math skills• Good handwriting• Excellent verbal and written communication skills• Proficient data entry skills• Familiarity and proficiency with standard office equipment• A analytic skills
In addition, possessing the following personal attributes are mandatory:
• Honesty• Reliability (able to meet deadlines)• Detail oriented• Quick to learn new procedures• Flexibility and team worker mentality• Ability to communicate effectively
Whenever a job opening is advertised as "entry level," it is generally understood that an individual who does not have an accounting degree may apply. If an applicant possess all the skills and attributes listed above then he/she would be a definite asset as an entry level employee in the accounting department of any organization.
