Auditing Clerk: Duties and Market Demand

by Kara Wahlgren

If you're scrupulous about details and a stickler for the rules, a career as an auditing clerk may appeal to you. An auditing clerk keeps a close eye on his or her employer's books to ensure that all financial records are accurate and properly recorded.

Duties of an Auditing Clerk
Auditing clerks verify transactions and documents within a company to make sure that proper procedures are followed, figures are mathematically accurate, and all errors have been corrected. Auditing clerks may also take on additional responsibilities within the company, such as payroll or customer relations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nearly one-quarter of auditing clerks work part-time; however, they may be expected to work longer hours during tax season or at the close of a fiscal year.

Where to find auditing clerk jobs
As more businesses turn to electronic bookkeeping, there's an increase in demand for auditing clerks with knowledge of the necessary computer programs. Job opportunities for auditing clerks can range from small businesses to large corporations and span a wide range of industries.

Auditing clerk programs
Most auditing clerks are required to have high school diplomas and basic knowledge of accounting software and spreadsheet programs. While a growing number of employers are seeking applicants with college training or an associate degrees, a Bachelor's degree is typically not required. Nonetheless, graduates with a four-year degree may choose to pursue an auditing clerk position with the intention of climbing the ladder at a prestigious company. Auditing clerks may also find it beneficial to earn Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designations through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.

Demand for auditing clerk jobs
The demand for auditing clerks is expected to grow at an average rate -- about 12 percent between 2006 and 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As auditing clerks retire or transfer to other positions, opportunities will open up for temporary, part-time, and full-time positions. For mathematically inclined job-seekers with excellent organization and communication skills, a career as an auditing clerk can offer a wide range of opportunities.