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Bookkeeper

Also known as Accounts Clerk and Accounting Technician.

Bookkeepers record and put together summaries of the financial transactions of a business or other organisation for management purposes.

In larger organisations, a bookkeeper's duties may be divided among a number of different positions.

TASKS

Bookkeepers may perform the following tasks:

receive and record invoices and arrange payment
prepare and send invoices to debtors
check and process loan applications
calculate and distribute wages and salaries
prepare regular reports and summaries of accounting activities
prepare financial statements and debtors' listings
check customers' credit ratings
verify recorded transactions and report irregularities to management
prepare reconciliations of accounts

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

aptitude for working with numbers
good organisational skills
able to work as part of a team
able to meet deadlines
good communication skills

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

BAS (Business Activity Statement) Agent - prepares the books and records of a business to assist in the completion of BAS obligations, including those relating to payroll. They also prepare and lodge Business Activity Statements and provide advice relating to tax obligations.

Costing Clerk - calculates and investigates wages, materials, overheads and other operating costs.

Collection Officer - keeps records of people who are behind in payments, prepares reports of loans and accounts that have amounts owing and forwards these on for legal action.

Payroll Officer - calculates, prepares and processes wages, taking into account overtime and deductions such as tax, the Medicare levy, health insurance payments and superannuation.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a bookkeeper you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in bookkeeping or accounts administration. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a bookkeeper through a traineeship in Bookkeeping or Accounts Administration.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Financial Services or Business Services Training Packages that will expand your career opportunities within these industries.

To work as a BAS agent or tax agent, you must be registered with the Tax Practitioners Board and meet minimum requirements for education and experience. See www.tpb.gov.au for more information about registration and entry into these occupations.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Bookkeepers are employed in a wide range of industries, including finance, property, business services, manufacturing and government. Job opportunities depend on the state of the economy, the growth of new businesses and the level of computerisation of financial procedures. Many bookkeepers are self-employed, subcontracting to private companies.

Part-time, temporary and contract employment is common. Competition for some positions may be strong.