High school graduates are preferred in accounting clerk positions. Typing skills and clear handwriting are usually required. Most employers seek applicants who have taken business, bookkeeping and accounting courses either in high school or in business schools or local community colleges. Training at a university, community college, or business school preferred. In some areas companies work in cooperation with schools in work-study programs.
Work experience helps greatly.
Most universities with major business schools offer adequate training for bookkeepers and accounting clerks. A decline is expected in the employment of accounting clerks through the year 2005. A growing economy will result in more financial transactions and other activities, and therefore, more demand for accounting services. However, automation of office functions is expected to continue, with resulting productivity increases. Related occupations include claim examiners and adjusters, customer complaint clerks, procurement clerks, probate clerks and collection clerks.