Data entry work in accounting is a vital role in the field of finance, responsible for the accurate and timely input of financial information into accounting systems.
Data entry clerks are responsible for entering a wide range of financial data, such as invoices, expenses, and income, into accounting software.
Keep reading as we further discuss accounting jobs from home data entry salaries and tools. It’s actually going to be interesting. Let’s get to work!
Data Entry Accounting Salary
The salary for data entry workers for accounting can vary depending on a number of factors, such as location, experience, and the employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks, which includes data entry workers for accounting, was $22.57 in May 2022.
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $15.90, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33.32 per hour.
As with many jobs, the salary can also be affected by the industry they are employed in, an accounting data entry worker employed in the accounting sector will likely have different salary ranges than those employed in other sectors.
Additionally, certifications and other qualifications also affect the salary.
Data Entry Accounting Training
To get training for data entry work in accounting, you have several options. One of the most popular ways to get started is by completing a vocational or technical program in accounting or business. These programs typically include courses on accounting principles, bookkeeping, and computerized accounting systems and accounting data entry services.
Additionally, many community colleges and adult education centers offer certification programs in data entry, or you can choose to pursue accounting degrees or courses in higher education.
Another option is to gain experience through on-the-job training. Many companies provide training for data entry positions in-house, so look for entry-level data entry jobs in accounting firms, or companies that have accounting departments.
This can be a great way to learn the ropes and gain experience in the field.
With new AI programs like ChatGPT, these programs can help answer accounting questions posed into the chat. This will greatly expand the role that Data Entry Accounting clerks can do and we expect to see a rise in salary levels as a result.
Top Three Programs for Accounting with Data Entry
There are many different data entry accounting software programs available. Some of the most popular and widely used data entry accounting software programs include:
- QuickBooks: QuickBooks is a popular accounting software program that is widely used by small businesses and freelancers. It offers a wide range of features, including invoicing, expense tracking, and inventory management. It also has a data entry feature that allows for easy input of financial transactions and data.
- Sage 50 (formerly Peachtree): Sage 50 is another popular accounting software program that is commonly used by small businesses and accounting professionals. It offers similar features to QuickBooks, including data entry, invoicing, and expense tracking, but also includes more advanced features such as job costing, project management and payroll processing.
- Microsoft Dynamics GP: Microsoft Dynamics GP is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution designed to support small and medium-sized businesses. This software offers a wide range of functionalities, including Financial management, Sales and Purchasing, Project management, Inventory and Order processing, Human resources and Payroll, and many more. It has a user-friendly interface. This allows for easy data entry, reporting, and analysis.
It’s worth noting that other popular software such as Xero, Wave and Zoho Books also offer Data entry feature and can be considered as well. However, these three software mentioned above are widely used in accounting, specifically for data entry purpose.
It’s a good idea to stay current with the latest accounting software and computer programs, as well as any changes to accounting regulations and procedures. You can find YouTube videos that give you tips about each program. This will help to ensure that you can perform your duties efficiently and effectively.
Data Entry Accounting Jobs
Once you have some training and experience, you can start looking for data entry jobs in accounting. Many accounting firms hire data entry clerks to handle the day-to-day data entry tasks, while larger companies may have entire departments devoted to data entry.
You can find these types of job openings by searching online job boards, networking with professionals in the field, or looking at classified ads in local newspapers and trade publications.
When you apply for a data entry job in accounting, be sure to highlight your experience with accounting software and your knowledge of accounting principles. Some companies will also require a typing test, so it would be helpful to practice and improve your typing speed.
You can also look for remote or online data entry jobs, this way you can have more options and increase your chances of getting hired.
In addition, you can improve your chances of getting hired by building a strong resume and cover letter. Your resume should list your relevant education and experience, as well as your knowledge of accounting software and your typing speed.
A strong cover letter can also make a good impression on potential employers and show them why you’re the best candidate for the job.
Top 5 Accounting Jobs involving Data Entry
There are many different accounting jobs that involve data entry. Here’s our top five:
- Data Entry Clerk: They are responsible for inputting financial data — such as invoices, expenses, and income — into accounting software. They may also be responsible for maintaining and organizing financial records.
- Accounts Payable Clerk: An accounts payable clerks is responsible for inputting and maintaining information related to company expenses — including invoices, vendor bills and expenses reports. They’ll also be responsible for ensuring that vendor bills are paid on time along with reconciling data to ensure accuracy.
- Accounts Receivable Clerk: This person is responsible for inputting and maintaining information related to company income — including customer invoices and payments. They’ll also be responsible for following up on unpaid invoices, reconciling data and making sure it’s accurate.
- Bookkeeper: Bookkeepers are responsible for maintaining financial records and ensuring that transactions are recorded accurately. They’ll typically handle a variety of tasks, including data entry, invoicing and bank reconciliation.
- Payroll Clerk: Payroll clerks are responsible for inputting and maintaining employee payroll information, calculating employee earnings, and issuing paychecks. They’ll be responsible for processing employee deductions — such as taxes and benefits — and ensuring that all data is accurate and up-to-date.
It’s worth noting that these are entry-level positions. Based on your interests, skillset and experience, you may also find that you qualify for advanced roles such as cost accountant, financial analyst and auditors.
Those job positions typically have data entry as one of their core responsibilities, but will also involve higher level skills like data analysis, budgeting, forecasting and other financial activities.
Finding Accounting Data Entry Jobs
Here’s several places to find data entry accounting jobs.
- Job search engines: Websites such as Indeed, LinkedIn and Glassdoor are popular job search engines where you can search for data entry accounting jobs. You can filter your search by location, experience level, and other criteria to find jobs that match your qualifications.
- Online job boards: Many accounting firms and companies have their own job boards where they post open positions, including data entry accounting jobs. You can visit the websites of companies and accounting firms that interest you and check if they have any open positions available.
- Professional associations: Many professional associations — such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants — will post job listings on their websites. You can check the website of professional associations relevant to your field to find any open positions.
- Freelance websites: Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are popular as a place where businesses and individuals post job listings wanting freelancers. You might find data entry accounting jobs among the listings.
- Recruitment Agencies: Some recruitment agencies specializes in accounting and finance jobs. You can reach out to them, and they may help you find a data entry job. They might post available jobs on their website.
It’s worth noting that you should be cautious when applying for jobs on online platforms as there are some scams out there with accounting jobs from home data entry. Make sure to research the company (and their reviews) and check the job opening thoroughly before applying. Never provide personal information — unless you’re absolutely certain the job is legit.
When working as a data entry clerk in accounting, it’s important to pay attention to detail, be able to follow instructions, and meet deadlines. It’s also helpful to have good organizational skills and the ability to work independently, as well as being a team player.
As you can see, data entry work in accounting is a crucial role for finance, and requires training and experience in accounting principles and computerized accounting systems.
By completing a vocational or technical program, gaining experience through on-the-job training — or pursuing higher education — you can prepare yourself for a career in data entry.
With a strong resume and cover letter (and by staying current in the field), you can increase your chances of finding your dream job in accounting.
