Accounting and Related Clerks
(NOC 1431)
in All Business, Finance, and AdministrationAccounting and related clerks calculate, prepare and process bills, invoices, accounts payable and receivable, budgets and other financial records according to established procedures. They work throughout the private and public sectors.
Job Outlook
average
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Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Accounting and Related Clerks most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers.
Newcomers to the field, and those without strong computer skills or a broad range of abilities, may have more difficulty finding stable employment. Demand is high for applicants with a few years of experience, however. The job requirements for accounting clerks have broadened over the years as a result of computerization, so they may include duties from other clerical occupations; financial skills in particular remain important.
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$21.00
Median$29.33
MaximumAnnual Pay
$9,142
Minimum$34,949
Median$52,931
MaximumCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$23.00
Median$38.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,754
Minimum$36,515
Median$70,271
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Accounting and related clerks calculate, prepare and process bills, invoices, accounts payable and receivable, budgets and other financial records according to established procedures. They work throughout the private and public sectors.
Job duties
Accounting and related clerks:
- Calculate, prepare and issue documents related to accounts like bills, invoices, inventory reports, account statements and other financial statements.
- Code, total, batch, enter, verify and reconcile transactions like accounts payable and receivable, payroll, purchase orders, cheques, invoices, cheque requisitions, and bank statements in a ledger or computer system.
- Compile budget data and documents based on estimated revenues and expenses and previous budgets.
- Prepare period or cost statements or reports.
- Calculate costs of materials, overhead and other expenses based on estimates, quotes, and price lists.
- Respond to customer questions, maintain good customer relations and solve problems.
- Do related clerical duties like word processing, maintaining filing and record systems, faxing and photocopying.
Sample job titles
- account audit clerk
- accounting and auditing clerk
- accounting clerk
- accounts payable and receivable clerk
- audit clerk
- billing clerk
- finance clerk
- income tax return preparer
- senior accounting clerk
- tax clerk
Skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills are important, along with a willingness to learn and adapt to continually changing equipment and software. Basic mathematical skills are required, and you should be comfortable handling basic financial transactions. Your work must be accurate and you should enjoy repetitive tasks. Familiarity with computer software and other office equipment is needed. You should also be cooperative and able to work as part of a team.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- College or other courses certified by the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada, Canadian Securities Institute or Canadian Bookkeepers Association may be required.
- Some accounting clerks must be bondable.
Other considerations
- Movement to supervisory or skilled financial jobs like accounts payable supervisor, bookkeeper, or office manager is possible with additional training and experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$36,485 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$34,289 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$36,195 median annual incomeCape Breton
$36,345 median annual incomeSouthern
$30,534 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Retail trade
Public administration
Manufacturing
Health care and social assistance
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$35,354 median annual incomeHigh school
$35,981 median annual incomeBachelor
$34,327 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$35,059 median annual incomeLess than high school
$24,109 median annual incomeCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
College Diploma
$36,304 median annual incomeHigh school
$32,903 median annual incomeBachelor
$41,755 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$34,807 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,174 median annual incomeEducation & training
Accounting Technology and Bookkeeping
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to provide technical administrative support to professional accountants and other financial management personnel. They include courses in posting transactions to accounts, record-keeping systems, accounting software operation, and general accounting principles and practices.
Institutions providing this program
Finance
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to plan, manage, and analyse the financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations. They include courses in principles of accounting, financial instruments, capital planning, funds acquisition, asset and debt management, budgeting, financial analysis, and investments and portfolio management.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Various, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Human Resources Management and Services
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to manage the development of human capital in organizations, and to provide related services to individuals and groups. They include courses in personnel and organization policy, human resource dynamics and flows, labour relations, sex roles, civil rights, human resources laws and regulations, motivation and compensation systems, work systems, career management, employee testing and assessment, recruitment and selection, managing employee and job training programs, and the management of human resources programs and operations.
Institutions providing this program
Halifax, NS
Sydney, NS
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.