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Bookkeeper vs accountable clerk

The differences between bookkeepers and accountable clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a bookkeeper and an accountable clerk. Additionally, a bookkeeper has an average salary of $40,337, which is higher than the $38,120 average annual salary of an accountable clerk.

The top three skills for a bookkeeper include payroll tax returns, customer service and reconciliations. The most important skills for an accountable clerk are data entry, financial reports, and purchase orders.

Bookkeeper vs accountable clerk overview

BookkeeperAccountable Clerk
Yearly salary$40,337$38,120
Hourly rate$19.39$18.33
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs38,48181,209
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Average age5151
Years of experience66

What does a bookkeeper do?

Bookkeepers are employees who are in charge of the company's general ledger. They are well-versed in basic accounting principles, and they apply these in their work. Bookkeepers manage the entry of items in the general ledger, assign items into their proper categories, and ensure that the entries are balanced. They also act as auditors by checking the accuracy and veracity of the receipts or vouchers in their possession before entering them into the system. Bookkeepers ensure that their files are up to date and free of errors.

What does an accountable clerk do?

The duties of an accountable clerk vary in one's industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around overseeing the financial aspects of a company, including revenue and budget. They mostly process payments and income, ensuring accuracy in every detail and transaction. An accountable clerk may also have clerical tasks such as producing progress reports, answering calls and correspondence, coordinating with various department personnel, and maintaining a database of information. Should there be any issues, it is essential to report to a manager right away.

Bookkeeper vs accountable clerk salary

Bookkeepers and accountable clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

BookkeeperAccountable Clerk
Average salary$40,337$38,120
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $52,000Between $29,000 And $49,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCNew Haven, CT
Highest paying stateNew YorkMassachusetts
Best paying companyNTT Data International L.L.C.Wayne County, Michigan
Best paying industryManufacturingGovernment

Differences between bookkeeper and accountable clerk education

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

BookkeeperAccountable Clerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Most common majorAccountingBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Bookkeeper vs accountable clerk demographics

Here are the differences between bookkeepers' and accountable clerks' demographics:

BookkeeperAccountable Clerk
Average age5151
Gender ratioMale, 15.4% Female, 84.6%Male, 19.1% Female, 80.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 6.6% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 6.5% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between bookkeeper and accountable clerk duties and responsibilities

Bookkeeper example responsibilities.

  • Manage AR, prepare deposits and perform basic receptionist/customer service tasks in office.
  • Perform journal entries, balance ledger, perform bank reconciliations, control inventory, coordinate proper guest accommodation.
  • Post and update of daily sales and purchases into QuickBooks system.
  • Execute monthly collection of Medicaid surplus funds from clients on a monthly basis.
  • Post resident receipts, Medicaid remittance, and process adjusting entries to the A/R detail.
  • Work closely with QC personnel for the planning of tooling and the flow process of PWB's.
    • Show more

Accountable clerk example responsibilities.

  • Manage the accurate and timely processing of AP invoices for multiple companies.
  • Manage resident's private information for insurance verification, billing, and eligibility to apply for Medicaid.
  • Scan incoming A/P, A/R, bank statements, mail, etc.
  • Review AR aging to ensure compliance.
  • Process, distribute, and maintain AR invoices.
  • Review and handle in-clearing reject items (ACH and checks) and process check adjustments.
    • Show more

Bookkeeper vs accountable clerk skills

Common bookkeeper skills
  • Payroll Tax Returns, 12%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Reconciliations, 10%
  • Data Entry, 7%
  • Journal Entries, 5%
  • Financial Transactions, 4%
Common accountable clerk skills
  • Data Entry, 11%
  • Financial Reports, 10%
  • Purchase Orders, 8%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Process Payroll, 8%
  • Office Equipment, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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