Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information.94
Prepare and process payroll information.93
Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.92
Prepare bank deposits by compiling data from cashiers, verifying and balancing receipts, and sending cash, checks, or other forms of payment to banks.90
Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.89
Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.87
Receive, record, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers.87
Calculate and prepare checks for utilities, taxes, and other payments.86
Monitor status of loans and accounts to ensure that payments are up to date.85
Reconcile records of bank transactions.85
Code documents according to company procedures.83
Perform financial calculations, such as amounts due, interest charges, balances, discounts, equity, and principal.83

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Compile budget data and documents, based on estimated revenues and expenses and previous budgets.83
Reconcile or note and report discrepancies found in records.82
Perform general office duties, such as filing, answering telephones, and handling routine correspondence.81
Compare computer printouts to manually maintained journals to determine if they match.81
Access computerized financial information to answer general questions as well as those related to specific accounts.80
Transfer details from separate journals to general ledgers or data processing sheets.80
Classify, record, and summarize numerical and financial data to compile and keep financial records, using journals and ledgers or computers.79
Debit, credit, and total accounts on computer spreadsheets and databases, using specialized accounting software.79
Complete and submit tax forms and returns, workers' compensation forms, pension contribution forms, and other government documents.79
Calculate, prepare, and issue bills, invoices, account statements, and other financial statements according to established procedures.79
Calculate costs of materials, overhead, and other expenses, based on estimates, quotations and price lists.79
Match order forms with invoices, and record the necessary information.78
Prepare purchase orders and expense reports.78
Prepare trial balances of books.77
Compile statistical, financial, accounting, or auditing reports and tables pertaining to such matters as cash receipts, expenditures, accounts payable and receivable, and profits and losses.74
Maintain inventory records.64

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Mathematics60
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Active Listening56
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking56
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension56
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking53
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing53
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Complex Problem Solving47
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination47
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Service Orientation47
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Active Learning44
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

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Judgment and Decision Making44
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Social Perceptiveness44
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Negotiation31
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion31
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Instructing28
Teaching others how to do something.
Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Systems Analysis28
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation28
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Learning Strategies25
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Financial Resources25
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources19
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Monitoring16
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operations Analysis10
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Programming10
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operation and Control3
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis3
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Science3
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Technology Design3
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting0
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service80
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administrative72
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Mathematics71
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Economics and Accounting59
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
English Language59
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Computers and Electronics54
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administration and Management47
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Education and Training42
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Personnel and Human Resources29
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Law and Government26
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Telecommunications25
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Sales and Marketing21
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

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Psychology20
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Communications and Media19
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Public Safety and Security18
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Production and Processing17
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Geography14
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Mechanical12
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Sociology and Anthropology10
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Transportation7
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Therapy and Counseling6
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Food Production5
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Medicine and Dentistry5
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Foreign Language4
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Philosophy and Theology4
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Building and Construction3
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Chemistry3
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Design3
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Engineering and Technology3
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Physics3
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Biology0
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
History and Archeology0
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Mathematical Reasoning72
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Written Comprehension72
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression66
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Number Facility63
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Oral Expression63
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity63
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Inductive Reasoning53
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering53
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Speech Recognition53
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

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Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Perceptual Speed47
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Flexibility of Closure44
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Far Vision41
The ability to see details at a distance.
Finger Dexterity38
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Memorization35
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Speed of Closure31
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Fluency of Ideas28
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Arm-Hand Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity25
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Time Sharing25
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visualization25
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Auditory Attention22
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Originality22
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Hearing Sensitivity19
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Trunk Strength19
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Visual Color Discrimination19
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Wrist-Finger Speed16
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Strength10
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Depth Perception0
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Working with Computers87
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information82
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Documenting/Recording Information76
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships74
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates71
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events68
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work68
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Processing Information68
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Performing Administrative Activities67
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization64
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems62
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge61
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards59
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings58
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Analyzing Data or Information53
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public52
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others50
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others44
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources43
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Scheduling Work and Activities41
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others39
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing Objectives and Strategies39
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information37
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others37
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Thinking Creatively36
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Developing and Building Teams35
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Training and Teaching Others35
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People31
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Coaching and Developing Others30
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Assisting and Caring for Others29
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Staffing Organizational Units28
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates23
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Controlling Machines and Processes22
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects20
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials17
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Performing General Physical Activities16
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Selling or Influencing Others15
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment7
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment4
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail100
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness76
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity76
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Achievement Orientation39
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Perseverance32
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Control23
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Stress Tolerance23
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Cooperation18
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Sincerity15
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Self-Confidence14
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative9
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

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Humility8
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Intellectual Curiosity8
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Adaptability4
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Social Orientation0
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional100
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising31
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Investigative20
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic11
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Social8
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day94%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day95%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day86%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important81%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important68%
- Very important29%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day67%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others66%
- Contact with others most of the time24%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually64%
- More than half the time27%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually64%
- More than half the time12%
- Less than half the time12%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day60%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important43%
- Very important26%
- Important11%
- Fairly important18%
Time Pressure
- Every day31%
- Once a week or more but not every day43%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%

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Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom35%
- Some freedom34%
- Very little freedom22%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day46%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom27%
- Some freedom33%
- Limited freedom34%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results42%
- Important results20%
- Minor results27%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important38%
- Very important25%
- Fairly important21%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important28%
- Very important15%
- Important34%
- Not important at all12%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Never22%
Conflict Situations
- Every day19%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week31%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never19%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours15%
- 40 hours68%
- Less than 40 hours17%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually34%
- More than half the time20%
- Never46%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility15%
- High responsibility23%
- Moderate responsibility19%
- Limited responsibility31%
- No responsibility12%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive11%
- Moderately competitive55%
- Slightly competitive21%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)11%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)55%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)33%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
- Never14%
Consequence of Error
- Serious26%
- Fairly serious21%
- Not serious at all32%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated21%
- Moderately automated27%
- Slightly automated17%
- Not at all automated35%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time79%
- Never13%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Moderate responsibility32%
- Limited responsibility25%
- No responsibility38%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time81%
- Never14%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
- Never41%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day13%
- Never86%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Never76%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never65%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time32%
- Never59%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never65%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Never85%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never66%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never72%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all85%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time21%
- Never79%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never87%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never89%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Never97%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never95%
Exposed to High Places
- Never98%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never98%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never98%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)100%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never100%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never99%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks, Sage 50 Accounting, SAP Concur, Tax software
Cloud-based data access and sharing software
Dropbox, Google Drive
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
AcornSystems Corporate Performance Management, Cartesis ES Magnitude, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP software
Financial analysis software
Delphi Technology, Oracle E-Business Suite Financials, RSM McGladrey Advanced Practice Solutions Paperless Audit, RSM McGladrey Auditor Assistant
Data base user interface and query software
Database software, Microsoft Access, Oracle Database, Yardi software
Compliance software
Corporate Responsibility System Technologies Limited CRSTL Compliance Positioning System, Financial compliance software, Intrax ProcedureNet, Sage EDP Payroll Tax
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat, Document management system software, Microsoft SharePoint, OmniRIM Records Management Suite
Medical software
Epic Systems, Medical condition coding software, Medical procedure coding software, MEDITECH software
Time accounting software
ADP Pay eXpert, HMS, Payroll software
Project management software
HCSS HeavyBid, HCSS HeavyJob, Microsoft Project
Electronic mail software
IBM Notes, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Outlook
Customer relationship management CRM software
Act!, Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
Transaction server software
Customer information control system CICS, Tumbleweed SecureTransport
Word processing software
Google Docs, Microsoft Word
Human resources software
ADP Workforce Now, Human resource management software HRMS
Billing and invoicing software
BLS Software Invoice!, Fifth Walk BillingTracker
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Video conferencing software
FaceTime
Desktop communications software
Skype
Desktop publishing software
Microsoft Publisher
Enterprise application integration software
SAP BusinessObjects Data Integrator
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Business intelligence and data analysis software
IBM Cognos Impromptu
Data base reporting software
SAP Crystal Reports
Internet browser software
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Information retrieval or search software
LexisNexis

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Operate computers or computerized equipment.
Execute sales or other financial transactions.
Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data.
Compile data or documentation.
Prepare cash for deposit or disbursement.
Monitor organizational compliance with regulations.
Collect deposits, payments or fees.
Operate office equipment.
Calculate financial data.
Reconcile records of sales or other financial transactions.
Monitor financial information.
Code data or other information.

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Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
File documents or records.
Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.
Convert data among multiple digital or analog formats.
Maintain financial or account records.
Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
Calculate costs of goods or services.
Maintain inventory records.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Accounting Technician (Alternate Title: Accounting Specialist)
Accounting Technician (Alternate Title: Financial Specialist)
Accounting Technician (Nof)

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology