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What does a data entry assistant do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a data entry assistant do

A data entry assistant is responsible for performing data entry procedures, updating customer information, as well as logging business transactions on the company's database accurately and efficiently. Data entry assistants compile and sort documents, escalating incomplete information for verification, and following the business' procedures on disposing and eliminating unnecessary data. They also provide administrative and clerical support on office operations, including assisting visitors on their needs or directing them to the appropriate personnel for their concerns. A data entry assistant maintains a safe and secured database and immediately call for support in case of unauthorized access and system inconsistencies.

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Data entry assistant responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real data entry assistant resumes:

  • Manage client s files and communicate confidential information to approve agencies and caregivers according to HIPAA regulations.
  • Design PowerPoint presentation for lobby and update as needed.
  • Prepare written materials for supervisor s use including spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and reports.
  • Conduct customer and billing data entry for invoice and payment processing using QuickBooks financial management & account software.
  • Patrol outer perimeter to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows and gates.
  • Record monthly financial transactions in QuickBooks.
  • Enter payroll data into computer finance system quickly and accurately.
  • Assist administrators, computer operation, word/data processing, assist in payroll and general personnel duties
  • Enter and confirm information regarding the provider are correct before being credential as a provider for Medicaid
  • Manage client s files and communicate confidential information to approve agencies and caregivers according to HIPAA regulations.
  • Follow strict guidelines for hand sorting IRS tax documents.
  • Lock box consist of sorting through taxes for the IRS.
  • Complete QA applications for detail and specific information on policies.

Data entry assistant skills and personality traits

We calculated that 20% of Data Entry Assistants are proficient in Company Database, Re-Enter Data, and Computer System. They’re also known for soft skills such as Interpersonal skills, Writing skills, and Organizational skills.

We break down the percentage of Data Entry Assistants that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Company Database, 20%

    Updated company database using information obtained from Boston's Land Court Department

  • Re-Enter Data, 11%

    Compare data or re-enter data for verification.

  • Computer System, 6%

    Administered and dispatched output produced by the computer system, using appropriate machinery as necessary i.e.

  • HR, 5%

    Performed administrative functions supporting the HR manager.

  • Payroll, 5%

    Entered payroll data into computer finance system quickly and accurately.

  • Office Equipment, 4%

    Operated standard office equipment, including microcomputers and related software applications.

Most data entry assistants use their skills in "company database," "re-enter data," and "computer system" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential data entry assistant responsibilities here:

Interpersonal skills. The most essential soft skill for a data entry assistant to carry out their responsibilities is interpersonal skills. This skill is important for the role because "secretaries and administrative assistants interact with clients, customers, or staff." Additionally, a data entry assistant resume shows how their duties depend on interpersonal skills: "skilled in word processing and typing 50 wpm general office procedures: filing, correspondence, scheduling strong interpersonal skills. "

Writing skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling data entry assistant duties is writing skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "secretaries and administrative assistants write memos and emails when communicating with managers, employees, and customers." According to a data entry assistant resume, here's how data entry assistants can utilize writing skills in their job responsibilities: "utilized personal time to code using autohotkey, writing computer programs to increase efficiency of clerical dept., roughly two-hundred percent. "

Organizational skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of data entry assistants is organizational skills. This skill is critical to many everyday data entry assistant duties, as "secretaries and administrative assistants keep files, folders, and schedules in order so that an office runs efficiently." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "acquired organizational and proofing skills while entering items into computer databases. "

All data entry assistant skills

The three companies that hire the most data entry assistants are:

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Compare different data entry assistants

Data entry assistant vs. Clerk

Clerks are responsible for many of the general administrative tasks in the office. They are in charge of manning office telephone lines, managing incoming and outgoing mails, filing paperwork and other needed records, scheduling and documenting meetings, typing out documents when needed, disseminating memos and other official announcements, and keeping an inventory of office equipment and supplies. Clerks should have good office skills, communication skills, business writing skills, and time management skills. They should also be able to treat any document or paperwork they handle with confidentiality.

The annual salary of clerks is $2,088 lower than the average salary of data entry assistants.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both data entry assistant and clerk positions are skilled in computer system, payroll, and office equipment.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, data entry assistant responsibilities require skills like "company database," "re-enter data," "hr," and "purchase orders." Meanwhile a typical clerk has skills in areas such as "basic math," "math," "customer service," and "cleanliness." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Clerks earn the highest salaries when working in the health care industry, with an average yearly salary of $31,380. On the other hand, data entry assistants are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $35,180.On average, clerks reach similar levels of education than data entry assistants. Clerks are 0.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Data entry assistant vs. Office clerk

Office clerks are administrative employees who handle clerical activities for the organization. They are in charge of managing company records, organizing and storing documents, filing and sorting hard copies of documents, and liaising with other departments or external partners. They are also in charge of handling and scheduling meetings and appointments, managing the reservation of office meeting rooms, and manning telephone lines. Office clerks may also be in charge of ordering office supplies, preparing purchase requisitions for office needs, sending out and receiving official company documents, and other correspondences.

On average, office clerks earn a $2,324 lower salary than data entry assistants a year.A few skills overlap for data entry assistants and office clerks. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "computer system," "hr," and "payroll. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, data entry assistant responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "company database," "re-enter data," "order entry," and "centrifuges." Meanwhile, an office clerk has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "office machines," "direct calls," and "clerical tasks." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Office clerks may earn a lower salary than data entry assistants, but office clerks earn the most pay in the transportation industry with an average salary of $31,504. On the other hand, data entry assistants receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $35,180.office clerks earn similar levels of education than data entry assistants in general. They're 1.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Data entry assistant vs. Support clerk

A support clerk is primarily in charge of performing administrative support tasks in an office, making the daily workflow easier. Their responsibilities typically include preparing and processing documentation, answering and forwarding calls, handling correspondence, disseminating and organizing files, and running errands as needed. They may also update databases, maintaining records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a support clerk, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff, coordinating to ensure efficient and smooth workplace operations.

On average scale, support clerks bring in higher salaries than data entry assistants. In fact, they earn a $1,908 higher salary per year.data entry assistants and support clerks both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "computer system," "office equipment," and "word processing," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a data entry assistant is likely to be skilled in "company database," "re-enter data," "hr," and "payroll," while a typical support clerk is skilled in "customer service," "patients," "medical terminology," and "patient care."

Support clerks make a very good living in the government industry with an average annual salary of $35,567. On the other hand, data entry assistants are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $35,180.When it comes to education, support clerks tend to earn similar degree levels compared to data entry assistants. In fact, they're 0.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Data entry assistant vs. Office receptionist

An office receptionist, or administrative assistant, performs various administrative tasks for an organization. These tasks may include answering phone calls, providing the public and customers with information, and warmly welcoming, greeting, and directing visitors or guests accordingly. Additionally, an office receptionist is responsible for maintaining security by issuing visitor badges, monitoring logbooks, and following procedures. Administrative assistants are also responsible for preparing and processing travel vouchers and other documents. Some employers prefer someone with a college or bachelor's degree, telephone skills, and excellent communication skills.

Office receptionists average a higher salary than the annual salary of data entry assistants. The difference is about $303 per year.While both data entry assistants and office receptionists complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like computer system, hr, and payroll, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between data entry assistants and office receptionists, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a data entry assistant might have more use for skills like "company database," "re-enter data," "purchase orders," and "order entry." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of office receptionists require skills like "patients," "customer service," "phone calls," and "appointment scheduling. "

In general, office receptionists earn the most working in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $34,162. The highest-paying industry for a data entry assistant is the manufacturing industry.office receptionists reach similar levels of education compared to data entry assistants, in general. The difference is that they're 1.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of data entry assistant

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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