Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks wear many hats. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, bookkeeping clerks handle a company’s accounts, complete financial statements and check reports for accuracy, among other responsibilities. But as David Bybee, president of the National Bookkeepers Association, notes, bookkeepers can only handle financial statements and reports if they have a QuickBooks certification. Accounting clerks, who typically work for large companies, have a more narrow focus: accounts payable or accounts receivable. Meanwhile, auditing clerks ensure the use of proper coding in financial documents and report any errors to accountants.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects -6.2% employment growth for bookkeeping accounting and audit clerks between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 108,300 jobs will be lost.

Clerks are best served by obtaining certification and work experience. "Training is more of a keyword than education," Bybee explains. He adds that if your career plans begin and end with this occupation, bookkeeping fundamentals, training and a single-year certificate is all you need. But he notes that in an economy where a single job post can invite hundreds of applications, certifications such as QuickBooks, Certified Payroll Professional and Microsoft Excel can distinguish your resume. Bookkeepers can receive the Certified Bookkeeper Designation, which is awarded by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. Earning the designation requires two years of experience or equivalent part-time work and passing a four-part exam.