Bookkeeping, Accounting and Audit Clerks
Description OES Code: 55338
Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $10.40
25th Percentile $11.82
50th Percentile $14.86
75th Percentile $18.16

Wages, Condado de San Joaquin
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $10.25
25th Percentile $11.64
50th Percentile $13.76
75th Percentile $16.64

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 197,900
Projected Employment 2008 209,100
Percent Change 1998-2008 5.7%
Separations 1998-2008 38,000

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 2,700
Projected Employment 2006 2,870
Percent Change 1999-2006 6.3%
Separations 1999-2006 360

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Workers sit for long periods of time and do math calculations, paying close attention to accuracy and detail. They may work extra hours during tax time and the end of the fiscal year. If they work in the hotel, restaurant, or sales related industries, they may work more during the holiday and vacation seasons.

Advancement
Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks have very good chances to move up to more responsible assignments. Promotions depend on the worker's amount of experience in this type of work, their willingness to further their education, their ability to handle a high amount of detail, and their supervisory skills.

Workers just starting out can begin with recording easier actions such as accounts receivable or accounts payable. Some workers can move up to accounting or auditing positions and, in large organizations, to office or credit manager, chief accountant and assistant treasurer. Some bookkeepers are in business for themselves and provide services to other businesses.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Persons applying or searching for these types of jobs should use some or all of these steps:

-- Apply directly to government agencies and private employers

-- Register with: The nearest California Employment Development Department Job Service Office; Temporary employment agencies; School career centers.

-- Check the newspaper help wanted ads.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Most employers require high school graduation or the equivalent. Some employers prefer that the person be trained by a business school or a community college, or that the person have two years of bookkeeping experience. In some areas, students may get on-the-job training through work-experience programs arranged between schools and businesses such as high school Regional Occupational Programs (ROP). Participation in these on-the-job or work experience programs helps students get jobs soon after graduation.
Employers often require training in computer courses in accounting, typing and bookkeeping.

Skills & Other Requirements
Workers need to know how to use a ten-key adding machine and have good math ability. Employers also look for communication skills, ability to use computers and knowledge of specialized bookkeeping and payroll processing. Some employers want specialized computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database software (computerized accounting). Employers prefer workers who have a good attitude and workers who are willing to accept responsibility and do repeated and routine work. They also want employees to be honest and to use good judgment in handling confidential information.

References
California Occupational Guide #26

Related Occupations: Typists and Work Processing Technicians,, General Offic Clerks

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)