| Essential Skill | Level Required | Example Task |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Text | 1 to 3 | Reads correspondence to determine if accounting tasks are required (1) |
| Reads reports and contracts to locate financial information (2) | ||
| Refers to computer and policy manuals (3) | ||
| Document Use | 1 to 3 | Reads labels on files (1) |
| Reads accounts ledgers (2) | ||
| Interprets financial statements for clients (3) | ||
| Writing | 1 to 2 | Writes notes on invoices (1) |
| Writes to suppliers to reconcile accounts (2) | ||
| *Numeracy | 1 to 3 | Calculates the amount owing to an account (1) |
| Verifies the accuracy of bills (2) | ||
| Completes bank reconciliation statements (3) | ||
| Oral Communication | 1 to 2 | Listens to messages on voice mail (1) |
| Participates in staff meetings (2) | ||
| Computer Use | 1 to 3 | Enters data, responding to prompts (1) |
| Sends and receives email (2) | ||
| Produces reports (3) | ||
| Thinking Skills | 1 to 3 | Checks paper trails to find errors in invoices or reports (1) |
| Determines payment schedules for clients with overdue accounts (2) | ||
| Resolves discrepancies in financial records (3) | ||
| Thinking Skills - Problem Solving | Data currently being updated | |
| Thinking Skills - Decision Making | Data currently being updated | |
| Thinking Skills - Critical Thinking | Data currently being updated | |
| Thinking Skills - Job Task Planning and Organizing | Data currently being updated | |
| Thinking Skills - Significant Use of Memory | Data currently being updated | |
| Thinking Skills - Finding Information | Data currently being updated | |
| Working with Others | N/A | Work mainly independently |
| Continuous Learning | N/A | Continually learns new software |
| Other Information | Physical | Sits for most of the day |
| Should be logical, resourceful, detail-oriented, and organized | ||
| Greater computerization | ||
**Thinking Skills include: Problem Solving, Decision Making, Critical Thinking, Job Task Planning and Organizing, Significant Use of Memory, and Finding Information.
View the external profile (new window) Source: HRSDC
Source: http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca
| Age Bracket | Age Profile |
|---|---|
| 15 to 24 | 100 |
| 25 to 44 | 745 |
| 45 to 64 | 845 |
| 65 plus | 85 |
Employment opportunities for Accounting Clerks in the Niagara Area are average for 2009-2010.
Compared to other occupations, this is a relatively large occupational group and continues to grow. According to the last census, this occupation covers the entire age range with more than half the workers over the age of 45 years. This could result in potential employment opportunities when workers leave or retire.
If a person has the proper qualifications, excellent computer skills and knowledge of accounting software packages, the prospects of finding employment in Niagara should remain fair.
On a provincial basis, little or no change is expected in the employment of this occupation through the year 2009. Improvements in computer-based technology to process financial and other types of information will continue to impact these clerks. However, due to the large size of this occupational group, a substantial number of job openings will be created each year from the need to replace workers who retire or leave.
Virtually all accounting clerks now work in a computerized environment. Use of computerized accounting, inventory and billing systems are part of the job. Good computer skills will be essential.
| Sector | Number Employed in Niagara | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31-33 Manufacturing | 250 | 28.90% | |
| 54 Professional, scientific and technical services | 240 | 27.75% | |
| 41 Wholesale trade | 235 | 27.17% | |
| 48-49 Transportation and warehousing | 140 | 16.18% | |
Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Clerks (1434), Bookkeepers (1231), Collectors (1435), Financial Auditors and Accountants (1111), Payroll Clerks (1432), Supervisors, Finance and Insurance Clerks (1212)
Source: http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca
