You might already be familiar with this; however, the days of traditional accounting clerks working in the office are long gone. Now, the role has almost become remote, thanks to heavy reliance on internet connectivity, making it an ideal choice for people who want to work from home.
Now, if you are considering a career in this field, this is the ideal time, as you can also enroll in an online accounting training program, give an interview online, and work remotely. However, there are a couple of more things you should know.
What Does a Virtual Accounting Clerk Do?
Before committing to a role or training for it, it is important to understand what this career is all about.
A virtual accounting clerk performs all the critical, day-to-day financial tasks of a traditional clerk, but as the name implies, does so from a remote location.
Much like how IT technicians are crucial for any tech business, accounting clerks are essential for a business’s financial operations.
The core responsibilities typically include:
- Accounts Payable (A/P): Processing vendor bills, managing purchase orders, and scheduling payments.
- Accounts Receivable (A/R): Generating invoices, tracking payments, and following up on overdue client accounts.
- Bank Reconciliation: Comparing the company bank statements to the accounting software records to ensure all transactions match.
- Data Entry: Accurately entering financial transactions into accounting software like QuickBooks.
- Payroll Support: Not always, but assisting with timecard management and preparing basic payroll documentation.
Online Training and Essential Skills
Luckily, you are not required to enroll in a four-year degree program to land a job as an accounting clerk; however, you do need training, especially if you are coming from a different educational background.
Another advantage of choosing this career is that you can learn from the comfort of your own home. With that said, it is crucial that you choose a reputable accounting clerk training provider to ensure you learn in-demand skills.
Essential Skills
Speaking of skills, these are the essential skills that you should be cultivating during your online training.
- Accounting Software Proficiency: A good program will focus heavily on QuickBooks Online and Xero, as these software are the industry standards for small and mid-sized businesses, and expertise in them is non-negotiable for remote roles.
- Fundamental Financial Concepts: You should be familiar with the basics of double-entry bookkeeping, the chart of accounts, and financial statement comprehension (income statement, balance sheet).
- Digital Workflow Management: Given the online nature of this role, most training programs also cover paperless processes, using digital document management tools, and secure file-sharing protocols.
- Spreadsheet Mastery: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (or Google Sheets) for data analysis, pivot tables, and formulas are crucial for reporting and manipulation of financial data.
Why Now is the Time to Become a Virtual Accounting Clerk
Now, for individuals who are transitioning from a different career, they might be asking why aim to become a virtual accounting clerk and not something else.
Well, for starters, the demand for virtual financial professionals is surging. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 170,000 openings are predicted until 2032.
The following are the key reasons behind this trend:
1. Cost Savings for Businesses: Hiring a virtual employee means cost savings on office space and other amenities.
2. Access to Diverse Talent: Hiring remote employees means companies don’t have to restrict themselves to a certain location. They can hire talent from across the world.
Tips for Landing Your First Virtual Role
Focus on Remote Job Keywords: Given how every recruiter now relies on Applicant Tracking System (ATS), it is best to add terms like remote bookkeeping, virtual assistant, and similar keywords to your resume.
Highlight Soft Skills: For virtual roles, strong organizational skills, excellent written communication, and the ability to work independently are highly valued by employers, so make sure to emphasize these professional traits.Start with Freelance Platforms: If you’re not looking to commit to a full-time role, you can also aim for contract-based freelancing on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
