Record clerks must be careful, orderly, and detail oriented in order to avoid making errors and to be able to recognize errors made by others. These workers must also be honest, discreet, and trustworthy because they frequently come in contact with confidential material. Payroll clerks, billing clerks, and bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks should have a strong aptitude for numbers. Because statement clerks have access to individuals' financial information, they must be bonded. Many bookmobile drivers are now required to have a commercial driver's license.
Workers usually advance by taking on more duties in the same occupation with higher pay.
Others advance to closely related occupations. For example, some order clerks use their experience to move into sales positions. Others move into other clerical jobs, such as secretary, or advance to a supervisory position. With appropriate experience and education, some clerks may become accountants, personnel specialists, brokers, or librarians. Job Outlook Turnover in this very large occupation places it among those occupations providing the most job openings.