Hiring Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

What do bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks do?

• Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information.
• Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.
• Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.
• Receive, record, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers.
• Code documents according to company procedures.

Core tasks, O*NET OnLine, 43-3031.00.

What does it take to become one?

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET Job Zone 3, SVP (6.0 to < 7.0). O*NET OnLine.

Employers commonly list experience with Accounting software, Intuit QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word for this role.

What do bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks get paid?

BLS OEWS, May 2025 publishes a wage for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in 92 of the metro areas we publish data for. The median ranges from $39,710 to $66,130 a year depending on the metro, with a midpoint of $49,960. This is what employers pay, place of work, not a single national figure and not what any one person takes home.

BLS OEWS, BLS OEWS, May 2025, SOC 43-3031.

What does hiring one cost?

The same as any role: tier, not location or salary, sets the fee. Across all six tiers the published range is $6,240 to $54,340 per search. For scale, the highest median any metro we publish data for pays bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is $66,130 a year, place of work (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A contingency firm hiring at that level would bill roughly $13,226 to $19,839 on the first year salary alone, 20 to 30%.

Frequently asked

How fast can a bookkeeping clerk search fill?

Typically 23 to 35 days, and typically 2 to 3x faster than a contingency search, per our recruiting partner's published figures. Both are typical rather than guaranteed.

What if the hire does not work out?

A 45-day replacement guarantee, at 50% off a repeat search for the same role.