Bookkeeping, accounting or auditing clerk: college courses, on-the-job training, then accountant
Entry requirements vary: some employers want college courses or a degree in accounting, others hire with a high school diploma. Clerks learn on the job; no license is required, and certification is optional.
For: Careful, organised people who like numbers, spreadsheets and getting records exactly right.
Route 1: Diploma + accounting courses → on-the-job training Typical
Employers generally prefer a high school diploma plus college courses in subjects such as accounting.
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High school diploma
BLS
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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College
College courses in accounting or related subjects
Some candidates get a bachelor's degree in a field such as business.
BLS
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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On the job
Work alongside an experienced clerk
Formal training may cover specialized computer software.
BLS
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Bookkeeping, accounting or auditing clerk
BLS
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Clerk → accountant or auditor Moving up
With appropriate experience and additional education, some clerks become accountants or auditors.
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Experienced clerk
BLS
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Education
Additional education
Accountants typically need a bachelor's degree.
Accountant roadmapBLS
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Accountant or auditor
BLS
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Licenses, registrations and certifications
Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.
- Professional certification
Professional organizations (listed by CareerOneStop) · Voluntary - Not usually required; it can help demonstrate competency in the field.
BLS
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.