FollowAn auditing clerk monitors financial transactions in order to maintain accuracy and accountability. This entry-level position pays a modest salary, but opens the door for many lucrative career opportunities in the fields of finance and accountancy, according to PayScale.
Work Examples
Every day, auditing clerks verify accounts payable claims against contracts, sales invoices and purchase orders. They check things like unit prices, payment terms, contractual conditions and order and invoice numbers. They check confirmation orders against outstanding accounts, but also verify outstanding bills against vendor statements. They compute taxes, discounts, deductions and unit prices for shipments with various goods.
Once the invoices are finished and approved by decision makers, they forward them by fax, email and regular mail customers. They prepare and maintain unique billing, checking and invoicing schedules for many clients. If necessary, they send follow up requests to vendors concerning the status of claims and outstanding payments. Every month, they audit digital and physical ledgers for accuracy of amounts, deductions and distribution of charges.
Industry Highlight
An auditing clerk who works in the fields of either logistics or warehousing will be responsible for the continuity and performance of billing operations. This includes order creation, management and documentation. These auditing clerks are usually assigned specific client accounts, so they act as liaisons between customers, management and transportation companies.
These auditing clerks will compile and record billing, accounting and vital logistical statistics. Auditing clerks will reconcile shipping paperwork against internal document, which involves bills of lading, shipping manifests, packing lists, freight bills and product receipts. This will most likely include inventory spreadsheets that must be updated every day and submitted to clients. In order to excel in this position, clerks must have advanced knowledge of Excel. For example, they will most likely calculate complex shipping data and create pivot tables.
Required Education
Almost all employers will expect auditing clerks to have associate’s degrees in appropriate majors such as finance or business administration. However, many accounting clerks only have a high school diploma with select college work completed. They usually take classes in accounting, communications and computer science. Accounting degree programs are recommended because they typically focus are more than just interpreting numbers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Instead, students learn how to track, transform and communicate vital information to all types of people. These programs emphasize how to record financial data based upon industry guidelines and how to operate accounting software programs. Students learn how to assess tax, payroll and financial statements according to state and federal regulations.
Required Attributes
Auditing clerks must maintain a working knowledge of accounting methods used in auditing accounts payable and common transactions. They need a good knowledge of office terminology and technology as well as flawless writing skills. They need to have the ability to use a standard alphanumeric keyboard at least 40 words per minute.
Having the ability to understand and carry out directions will help them to get along well with others and stay on top of their position. Auditing clerks should be able to frequently change tasks, which all require different procedures, while working under pressure and against tight deadlines. Finally, they should maintain mental clarity and attentiveness without loss of efficiency.
Related Resource: Accounting Consultant
Fortunately, many companies provide auditing clerks with on-the-job training and if successful, they help their clerks seek certification in clerical auditing.
