To get hired as a financial record keeper, you will need to have post-secondary training in the form of a certificate program at a technical or vocational college. Many people who work in this type of job hold a university degree in accounting or office administration. You will also have to do on the job training with your employer to learn how the particular business works and the specific jobs for which you will be responsible. It would be beneficial to become certified in this area to obtain a certificate in bookkeeping from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. This will show employers that you have the skills and qualifications necessary to do the job.
In small business work environments, a financial record keeper is responsible for the general ledger of the company. This includes a listing of all the accounts and you must keep it up to date recording all the debits and credits for the accounts. Supervisors and managers also need financial statements on a regular basis and this will be one of your duties. Making loan payments, reconciling bank statements and accounts, and following company procedures in handling the financial accounts are also some of the responsibilities you will have in this position.
In large firms, your job as a financial record keeper may be a bit more specialized. You may have a specific title and be responsible for one area of the financial aspects of the company. In such a work environment, there may be various ranks, from entry-level to senior positions, each with its own tasks to perform. Auditing the company books, for example, may be the task assigned to those with experience in the field and with the company, while those who are newly hired or have lesser qualifications may be assigned such tasks as posting transactions or checking the accuracy of the accounts. Tax preparation for the company at the end of the fiscal year may be a responsibility assigned to an accounting or auditing clerk in the firm.
Proficiency in using accounting software is essential for your job as a financial record keeper. You should also be very familiar with spreadsheets and databases. Depending on your level of training, you may want or need to take extra courses in these areas. You may also want to set up your own home-based business when you have these skills as a financial record keeper. Many small businesses do not have the funds to hire full time staff to do the work, so you can take on this job and get paid for the hours you work.
