Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks
SOC Code: 43-3031
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks carries a 95% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $49,210 and -5.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 1,613,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks (SOC 43-3031) carries an AI exposure score of 95%, placing it in the Very High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score above 70% signals that the majority of core duties are already technically automatable — workers in these roles face the steepest near-term displacement pressure.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 1,613,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -5.8% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $49,210, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Some college, no degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information.
- 2. Prepare and process payroll information.
- 3. Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.
- 4. Prepare bank deposits by compiling data from cashiers, verifying and balancing receipts, and sending cash, checks, or other forms of payment to banks.
- 5. Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
- 6. Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.
- 7. Receive, record, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers.
- 8. Calculate and prepare checks for utilities, taxes, and other payments.
- 9. Monitor status of loans and accounts to ensure that payments are up to date.
- 10. Reconcile records of bank transactions.
Key Skills Required
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Time Management
- Coordination
- Service Orientation
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Economics and Accounting
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Law and Government
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks?
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks has an AI exposure score of 95%, indicating a very high level of automation risk. Many tasks in this role involve routine data processing and pattern recognition that current AI systems can perform.
What is the job outlook for Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is projected to decline by 5.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 1,613,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks?
Key skills for Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks include Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Some college, no degree.
How much do Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks earn?
The median annual wage for Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is $49,210, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks?
The typical entry-level education for Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is Some college, no degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks?
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).