Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks manage financial records and data for organizations. You'll work with computers, process information, and communicate with supervisors and colleagues. You can start with a high school education and no four-year degree required.
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Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks maintain and organize financial records for businesses and organizations. You'll spend time working with computers to enter, verify, and process financial data. Your day involves documenting transactions, getting information from colleagues, and recording information accurately. You'll communicate regularly with supervisors and peers about account details and discrepancies. The work requires strong attention to detail, as errors in financial records can have serious consequences. You may also help prepare reports and support auditing processes.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks earn a median of $50,670 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 170,000 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You can enter this field with a high school diploma or equivalent. The role is classified as a medium preparation level, meaning you'll need some on-the-job training and skill development beyond high school. Many employers provide training in their specific accounting systems and procedures. Consider taking courses in mathematics, accounting basics, and computer software to strengthen your foundation. Some people pursue additional certifications or associate degrees to advance their careers, but these are not required to start.
Most people enter this field directly from high school with on-the-job training, though some pursue additional certifications or an associate degree to move into supervisory roles. If you're exploring your options, Pathly can map the bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk path that fits you with your counselor to map out a path that fits your timeline and goals.
You do not need a license to work as a bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're a good fit if you prefer structured, detail-oriented work and enjoy following established procedures. You like working with numbers and data, and you're comfortable using computers and software to solve problems.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).