accounting clerk

accounting clerk

The Importance of Accounting Clerks in Business Organizations

1. Introduction

This research aims to analyze several factors of the accounting clerk’s performance, identify the most prominent factors, and devise strategies to improve their performance. This is important because the accounting clerk is part of an organization affected by technology. Information technology will help to complete the work of the accounting clerk, so workers who have high working performance have a better opportunity to maintain their job. The success of the business organization becomes an important point in the survival of the accounting clerk because it is supported by the smooth trading company accounts, earning transactions related to investment house, interpreting financial reports in the area sector, public and private sectors. This study concludes that the performance of accounting clerks is all determined by several factors. It is necessary to take policies both to maintain and improve their performance.

One lesson learned from the recent economic recession is the drastic reduction in force. Even workers who worked hard were not able to keep their jobs. However, employees who worked hard have a better chance to maintain their job than those who worked less efficiently. This reality also applies to the accounting clerk, as the efficiency of each work performance of the accounting clerk will determine his future employment. Knowledge about the accounting clerk is essential for business leaders; they will be able to optimize the business function smoothly. In addition, leaders also need to know how to promote business growth through the efforts of the accounting team, which can be developed through information technology that supports business expansion.

2. Role and Responsibilities of an Accounting Clerk

The accounting clerk job description includes a variety of general support tasks related to the accounting function. These fall into three categories: Transaction processing, record keeping and reporting. Although accounting clerks have different responsibilities, they usually share a common goal to support the accounting staff and accounting manager in contributing to the efficient flow of work within an organization.

Employers may give accounting clerks tasks requiring exposure to types of accounting activities not previously encountered. In addition to processing checks, answering vendor calls, and managing vendor files, clerks may be asked to learn how to handle ‘rush’ payments, prepare 1099s or W-2s, interface with vendors, run report inquiries, process donations, and issue donation acknowledgement letters. In most cases, the tasks clerks are given depend upon their demonstrated abilities and skill development, the accounting system in place, or the organization’s unique circumstances.

An accounting clerk performs a variety of general accounting support tasks in an accounting department. As an accounting clerk, a person may be asked to prepare daily deposits, file sales invoices or other financial documents, and, in small offices, answer the phone and route calls to the appropriate staff. If an organization uses accounting software, clerks may be asked to enter general journal entries for the accounting staff. In the accounts payable area, accounting clerks typically process invoices, code expenses, issue checks, review employee travel and entertainment expenses, prepare input forms, and update vendor invoice information.

3. Benefits of Having Accounting Clerks in Business Organizations

Accounting clerks are a helpful tool for business managers, and they generate significant advantages of having accounting clerks in business organizations. This research also revealed that computerized accounting systems and software make the functions of accounting clerks easier, more accurate, and faster. However, the human factor is also essential: the ability of an accounting clerk to take quick and accurate action when unpredictable events occur. Business organizations need accounting clerks to assist them with day-to-day activities in order to reach profitability and better performance. This study addressed the importance of accounting clerks and provides an analysis of the benefits of having accounting clerks in business organizations. It also gives an overview of the qualifications of an accounting clerk, the functions of an accounting clerk, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of hiring an accounting clerk instead of using computerized accounting systems or software. The research concluded with the significance of having accounting clerks in business organizations.

Most business entities prefer to have accounting clerks in their business organizations because of several reasons. Accounting clerks are essential to business operations and provide several benefits in various areas. This research was conducted to show the significance of having accounting clerks in business organizations. It also explained the functions of an accounting clerk in a business organization and the advantages and disadvantages of hiring one. It described the qualifications of an accounting clerk and the duties and responsibilities commonly performed by an accounting clerk. It also showed a comparison between an accounting clerk and a computerized accounting system and computer-based accounting software. It also focused on the importance of having qualified accounting clerks in business organizations. It also showed the advantages and disadvantages of hiring an accounting clerk instead of using computer-based accounting systems and software. It shows the difference between an accounting clerk and a computerized accounting system and software.

4. Qualifications and Skills Required for Accounting Clerks

Applicants, on the other hand, were criticized by employers. “Without procurement and taxation etc.” Also, “They won’t even give you an application form” without a degree and “the following qualifications offering accounting, finance, auditing, taxation and procurement along with computer literate and relevant work experience were detailed respectively ‘They Majors in Accounting’ ‘ACCA’ ‘Degree/ Diploma in accounting or related qualification. Furthermore, the direct impact of accounting education on job awareness the accounts clerk vacancy whereby it was necessary for applicants to have an ST or some other qualifications.

Qualifications and skills required for the clerical accounting position were a popular subject in job advertisements, with the majority of employers emphasizing the importance of education. “The obstacles facing you are basically education skills and since companies are not responsible for providing basic work skills, but skills are built upon education, the onus is not really on companies to realize you, but it is up to education to develop base skills.” There is strong emphasis in job advertisements on the need for qualifications in respect to accounting subjects. Education is mentioned 90 times. “It is amazing that accountants are still being influenced by qualification certificate postulated by an old and retired consultant with an accounting background”.

5. Conclusion

Having known the roles and services of clerks within an organization, no business person can underestimate the necessity of accounting clerks in their business. Therefore, clerks are not only seen as secondary staff in a business organization but play a crucial role in the attainment of business goals and objectives. In this twenty-first century, effective management of business and attainment of business needs requires that individuals with a high level of accountability, competence, technical knowledge, education, advanced roles, skills, and proficiency in financial transactions should be employed to work as accounting clerks. However, accounting clerks are very important in every business operation because everything and operations or activities have a financial dimension. If money is involved, definitely they are the ones that pass the information onto whoever is concerned with the information.

Accounting clerks within business organizations play a crucial role in every aspect of business operations. The importance of these clerks is generally overlooked, but when given a deep thought and consideration, accounting clerks are the backbone of every business organization. Without these accounting clerks, a business cannot achieve sustainable development and effectiveness because all means of business operations are related to financial transactions.