Bookkeepers

Bookkeepers do general accounting work plus some summarizing and analyzing of accounting information. In some businesses, bookkeepers may supervise accounting clerks. In small to medium-size businesses, bookkeepers may also help owners and managers interpret accounting information. Many of these small to medium-size businesses may also employ a public accountant to plan an accounting system. However, a bookkeeper may do all of the remaining accounting tasks.

Bookkeepers in small firms may do additional general office work. Many businesses require that bookkeepers have filing and typing skills. These two office skills are needed for storing accounting records and preparing accounting reports.

Accounting clerks

Some businesses have large quantities of day-to-day accounting tasks to be done. These businesses will not want their highly trained accountants and bookkeepers doing the routine work. Instead, accounting clerks are assigned the day-to-day accounting tasks.

Accounting clerks record, sort, and file accounting information. Accounting clerks' job titles often show the accounting records on which they work. For example, a clerk working on payroll records is sometimes known as a payroll clerk. Other common job titles are accounts receivable clerk, inventory clerk, and vouchers clerk. These clerks usually work with only a small part of the total accounting activities. However, accounting clerks who know the total accounting system will understand the importance of the work being done. With accounting knowledge and some experience, accounting clerks may earn promotions to more responsible accounting positions.

General office clerks

General office clerks generally do some work related to accounting. A secretary may be in charge of a small cash fund. A typist may file accounting records and type accounting reports.

Accounting tasks performed by general office clerks must be done according to basic accounting concepts and procedures. All persons performing some accounting tasks need to understand a business' accounting system. General office clerks with knowledge of accounting will understand better the importance of the accounting tasks they do.

VIII. Here are some jobs and definitions. Fill in the gaps in the definitions with words from the box below.