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Accounting bookkeeper vs audit clerk

The differences between accounting bookkeepers and audit clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an accounting bookkeeper and an audit clerk. Additionally, an accounting bookkeeper has an average salary of $51,406, which is higher than the $39,465 average annual salary of an audit clerk.

The top three skills for an accounting bookkeeper include data entry, reconciliations and payroll taxes. The most important skills for an audit clerk are reservations, night audit, and debit.

Accounting bookkeeper vs audit clerk overview

Accounting BookkeeperAudit Clerk
Yearly salary$51,406$39,465
Hourly rate$24.71$18.97
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs40,57997,427
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age5151
Years of experience66

What does an accounting bookkeeper do?

An Accounting Bookkeeper supervises the financial data and compliance of a company. Accounting Bookkeepers maintain accurate books on accounts receivable and payable, daily financial reconciliations and entries, and payroll. They are in charge of recording various transactions like income and outgoings and posting these transactions to different accounts.

What does an audit clerk do?

An Audit Clerk performs general audits and assessments on its financial activities, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. They gather and analyze data from various offices, check customer and vendor payments and balances, verify tax deductions, and produce and review reports, keeping an eye out for any inconsistencies and irregularities. An Audit Clerk may also reconcile financial records in some companies, verify bank transactions, and process payments. Moreover, they also perform clerical tasks such as preparing documentation, organizing files, and handling calls and correspondence.

Accounting bookkeeper vs audit clerk salary

Accounting bookkeepers and audit clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

Accounting BookkeeperAudit Clerk
Average salary$51,406$39,465
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $66,000Between $30,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CityVallejo, CABrentwood, NY
Highest paying stateDelawareNew Jersey
Best paying companyGrowthForceVermont Gas Systems
Best paying industryProfessionalTransportation

Differences between accounting bookkeeper and audit clerk education

There are a few differences between an accounting bookkeeper and an audit clerk in terms of educational background:

Accounting BookkeeperAudit Clerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common majorAccountingBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Accounting bookkeeper vs audit clerk demographics

Here are the differences between accounting bookkeepers' and audit clerks' demographics:

Accounting BookkeeperAudit Clerk
Average age5151
Gender ratioMale, 15.5% Female, 84.5%Male, 24.5% Female, 75.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.6% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 6.5% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between accounting bookkeeper and audit clerk duties and responsibilities

Accounting bookkeeper example responsibilities.

  • Process bi-weekly payroll through ADP on-line system; manage distribution of live checks.
  • Manage revenue ledger including other subsidiary ledgers and responsible for the reconciliation of various income accounts to ensure accuracy of postings.
  • General ledger entries for AR and AP, parts and sales of power equipment.
  • Prepare and print AP checks.
  • Report payroll to ADP system and reconcile payroll account.
  • Work with client's CPA firm for reporting and tax preparation.
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Audit clerk example responsibilities.

  • Manage multiple deadlines for numerous payroll divisions and complex division budget reports with accurately and efficiently.
  • Manage resident's private information for insurance verification, billing, and eligibility to apply for Medicaid.
  • Contact members to update information using AS400.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations for all new processes being implement.
  • Work closely with KIVA robotic systems and AS400 tracking systems.
  • Open, sort and batching of incoming mails utilizing Opex machine.
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Accounting bookkeeper vs audit clerk skills

Common accounting bookkeeper skills
  • Data Entry, 8%
  • Reconciliations, 8%
  • Payroll Taxes, 8%
  • Journal Entries, 7%
  • Vendor Invoices, 5%
  • General Ledger Accounts, 5%
Common audit clerk skills
  • Reservations, 23%
  • Night Audit, 16%
  • Debit, 12%
  • Audit Reports, 11%
  • Front Desk, 6%
  • Data Entry, 6%

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