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How to Become an Accounts Clerk: Australian Careers in Finance

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What is a Accounts Clerk?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Accounts Clerk?

An Accounts Clerk looks after the money records for a business. They track what the business owes and what it is owed. This role suits people who like numbers and have a sharp eye for detail.

Accounts Clerks check invoices, reconcile accounts, and send out payments. They code costs to budget accounts and balance the books. They also write up income and spending reports.

The role spans many fields, from construction and healthcare to professional services. Most clerks work full-time in an office. Part-time roles are also common, making it a flexible career.

With the right training, clerks can move up to Accounts Officer or Financial Analyst. A Certificate III or IV in accounting is a clear starting point. This is a solid base for a career in finance.

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Career snapshots For Accounts Clerks

Accounts Clerks are one of Australia’s most common office roles. Around 93,000 people work in this job (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The workforce is 85% female, and the median age is 45.

About 63% of Accounts Clerks work full-time at 40 hours per week. The rest work part-time. Median full-time weekly pay is $1,442, or about $75,000 a year (ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025).

Demand is steady across many sectors. Key employers include construction, finance, healthcare, and professional services. Clerks who know Xero or MYOB well are in the strongest position.

What will I do?

Accounts Clerks handle the day-to-day financial administration of a business. Their work keeps records accurate and payments on time. Attention to detail and strong organisational skills are essential for this role.

  • Preparing and processing accounts payable and receivable documentation – creating invoices, payment requests, and related financial records.
  • Reconciling invoices and dispatching payments – checking invoices match purchase orders and processing payments accurately.
  • Calculating and analysing costs – assessing expenditure, wages, and standard costs to support budgeting decisions.
  • Preparing bank reconciliations – comparing company records against bank statements to find any discrepancies.
  • Allocating expenditure to budget accounts – coding expenses to the correct accounts for accurate reporting.
  • Summarising expenditure and receipts – compiling financial summaries to support reporting and planning.
  • Handling customer enquiries – some clerks work in call centres and respond to billing or payment questions.

What skills do I need?

Accounts Clerks need both software skills and people skills. They use MYOB, Xero, and Excel every day. Getting confident with these tools is one of the best things a new clerk can do.

A keen eye for detail is vital. Clerks check invoices, spot errors, and keep the books clean. Good number skills help them cost-check spending and write clear reports.

Clear communication also matters. Clerks talk to suppliers, clients, and other teams all the time. They need to share financial data simply and fix errors fast.

Time management rounds out the skill set. Deadlines for payments and account checks are firm. A basic grasp of tax and compliance adds real value to the role.

Skills/attributes

  • Attention to Detail
  • Numerical Proficiency
  • Accounting Software (MYOB, Xero, SAP)
  • Spreadsheet Skills (Excel)
  • Organisational Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Time Management
  • Problem-Solving Skills
  • Understanding of Financial Regulations
  • Basic Knowledge of Taxation and Compliance
  • Ability to Work in a Team
  • Adaptability and Flexibility

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.