Financial Clerks

Financial Clerks

Financial clerks keep and update financial records.

Financial clerks do administrative work for many types of organizations. They keep records, help customers, and carry out financial transactions.

Duties

Financial clerks typically do the following:

·         Keep and update financial records

·         Compute bills and charges

·         Offer customer assistance

·         Carry out financial transactions

Financial clerks give administrative and clerical support in financial settings. Their specific job duties vary by specialty and by setting.

Billing and posting clerks calculate charges, develop bills, and prepare them to be mailed to customers. They review documents such as purchase orders, sales tickets, charge slips, and hospital records to compute fees or charges due. They also contact customers to get or give account information.

Gaming cage workers work in casinos and other gaming establishments. The “cage” in which they work is the central depository for money and gaming chips. Gaming cage workers sell gambling chips, tokens, or tickets to patrons. They count funds and reconcile daily summaries of transactions to balance books.

Payroll and timekeeping clerks compile and post employee time and payroll data. They verify and record attendance; hours worked, and pay adjustments. They ensure that employees are paid on time and that their paychecks are accurate.

Procurement clerks compile requests for materials, prepare purchase orders, keep track of purchases and supplies, and handle questions about orders. They respond to questions from customers and suppliers about the status of orders. They handle requests to change or cancel orders. They make sure that purchases arrive on schedule and that the items meet the purchaser's specifications.

Brokerage clerks help with tasks about securities such as stocks, bonds, commodities, and other kinds of investments. Their duties include writing orders for stock purchases and sales, computing transfer taxes, verifying stock transactions, accepting and delivering securities, distributing dividends, and keeping records of daily transactions and holdings.

Credit authorizers, checkers, and clerks review the credit history and get the information needed to determine the creditworthiness of individuals or businesses applying for credit. Credit authorizers evaluate customers' computerized credit records and payment histories to decide, based on predetermined standards, whether to approve new credit. Credit checkers call or write credit departments of business and service establishments to get information about applicants' credit standing.

Loan interviewers, also called loan processors or loan clerks, interview applicants and others to get and verify personal and financial information needed to complete loan applications. They also prepare the documents that go to the appraiser and are issued at the closing of a loan.

New accounts clerks interview people who want to open accounts in financial institutions. They explain the account services available to prospective customers and help them fill out applications. They also investigate and correct errors in accounts.

Insurance claims and policy processing clerks process applications for insurance policies. They also handle customers' requests to change or cancel their existing policies. Their duties include interviewing clients and reviewing insurance applications to ensure that all questions have been answered. They also notify insurance agents and accounting departments of policy cancellations or changes.

Work Environment

The vast majority of financial clerks work full time.

Financial clerks work in a variety of office settings, including bank branches, medical offices, and government agencies. The industries that employed the most financial clerks include:-

·         Credit intermediation and related activities

·         Insurance carriers and related activities

·         Health care

·         Professional, scientific, and technical services

·         Work Schedules

How to Become a Financial Clerk About this section

A high school diploma is sufficient for most financial clerk positions. These workers usually learn their duties through on-the-job training.

Some institutions though prefer one to have achieved Kenya Accounting and Technical Certificate (KATC) for some jobs as a financial clerk.  

Education

Financial clerks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation. Employers of brokerage clerks may prefer candidates who have taken some college courses in business or economics, and in some cases require a 2- or 4-year college degree.

Training

Most financial clerks learn how to do their job duties through on-the-job training. Some formal technical training also may be necessary; for example, gaming cage workers may need training in specific gaming regulations and procedures.

Advancement

Financial clerks can advance to related occupations in finance. For example, a loan interviewer or clerk can become a loan officer, while a brokerage clerk can become a securities, commodities, or financial services sales agent, after obtaining the required education.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Financial clerks should have good communication skills so that they can explain policies and procedures to colleagues and customers.

Math skills. The job duties of financial clerks, including calculating charges and checking credit scores, require basic math skills.

Organizational skills. Strong organizational skills are important for financial clerks because they must be able to find files quickly and efficiently.

Similar Occupations

Bill and Account Collectors:        Bill and account collectors, sometimes called collectors, try to recover payment on overdue bills. They negotiate repayment plans with debtors and help them find solutions to make paying their overdue bills easier.

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks:                Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks produce financial records for organizations. They record financial transactions, update statements, and check financial records for accuracy.   

Gaming Services Occupations:  Gaming services workers serve customers in gambling establishments, such as casinos or racetracks. Some workers tend slot machines deal cards, or oversee other gaming activities such as keno or bingo. Others take bets or pay out winnings. Still others supervise or manage gaming workers and operations.

Information Clerks:                        Information clerks perform routine clerical duties such as maintaining records, collecting data, and providing information to customers.

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians:  Medical records and health information technicians, commonly referred to as health information technicians, organize and manage health information data. They ensure its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories.                       

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants:          Secretaries and administrative assistants perform routine clerical and administrative duties. They organize files, draft messages, schedule appointments, and support other staff.       

Tellers:                                                 Tellers are responsible for accurately processing routine transactions at a bank. These transactions include cashing checks, depositing money, and collecting loan payments.

What Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals Do About this section

What Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals

Principals serve as the public face of the school and meet with government officers such as legislators, and members of the community. Elementary, middle, and high school principals lead teachers and other members of school staff. They manage the day-to-day operations of elementary, middle, and high schools. They set goals and objectives and evaluate the school’s progress toward meeting them.

Duties

·         Elementary, middle, and high school principals typically do the following:

·         Supervise teachers and other school staff, such as counselors and librarians

·         Observe and monitor teachers to evaluate their effectiveness

·         Help teachers improve their teaching skills by arranging professional development programs and mentorships

·         Ensure that staff have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs effectively

·         Discipline students and help teachers manage students’ behavior

·         Meet with parents and teachers to discuss students’ progress and behavior

·         Review test scores and other data to assess the school’s progress

·         Manage the school’s budget and finances

·         Ensure school facilities are safe for students and staff

·         Advocate on behalf of the school to ensure it has the necessary financial support

Elementary, middle, and high school principals manage the overall operation of schools, including building maintenance and cafeteria services. In addition, they set and oversee academic standards and ensure that teachers have the tools and resources, such as training, necessary to meet these standards. Principals establish the school as a resource to students and their families.

Principals serve as the public face of their school. They meet with government officials such as legislators, and members of the community to ensure the school has the resources it needs to serve its students. They are also responsible for responding to the concerns of parents and members of the community.

The job duties of principals vary by the size of the school and the school location. In larger schools principals have more resources and staff to help them achieve goals and meet standards. For example, large school may have instructional coordinators who help with data analysis and with teachers' professional development. However, principals in large schools may have less flexibility and may need to follow rules and guidelines which have already been set. Those in small school districts need to do all of these duties themselves and may have more flexibility to try new ideas.

Many schools have assistant principals that help principals with school administration. Assistant principals often take the lead on student safety and discipline. They may interact with the students more than the principal does. In addition, assistant principals may administer student activities, help coordinate buses, and supervise building and grounds maintenance. Larger schools may have several assistant principals.

Work Environment About this section

Elementary, middle, and high school principals

Principals meet with parents and teachers to discuss students’ progress.

Principals work in public or private elementary, middle, and high schools. Some work in public magnet and charter schools. Others work in private religious and secular schools.

Elementary, middle, and high school principals hold leadership positions with significant responsibility. Working with students may be rewarding. However, coordinating and interacting with faculty, parents, students, community members, and state and local policymakers can be demanding. Principals’ work can sometimes be stressful because they are accountable for schools meeting state and federal standards for student performance and teacher qualification.

Work Schedules

Principals typically work full time. They may work in the evening to meet parents and other members of the community and to attend school functions, such as concerts and athletic events.

Many principals work year-round and do not have summers off, even if students are not in school. During the summer, principals prepare for the upcoming school year, schedule building maintenance, order school supplies, or hire teachers and staff.

How to Become an Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal

Master’s degree programs in education administration prepare students to lead teachers and other staff.

Most schools require elementary, middle, and high school principals to have a master’s degree in education administration or leadership. Most principals also have work experience as teachers.

Education

Principals typically need a master’s degree in education leadership or education administration. These master’s degree programs prepare future principals to manage teachers and staff, prepare and manage budgets, set goals, and work with parents and the community.

To enter these programs, candidates typically need a bachelor’s degree in education, school counseling, or a related field.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Candidates for the position of principal usually need work experience as a teacher. For more information on how to become a teacher, see the profiles on kindergarten and elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, and high school teachers.

Advancement

An assistant principal can advance to become a principal. Some principals advance to become superintendents, which may require completion of additional education. Others become instructional coordinators.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Principals must communicate effectively with students, teachers, and parents. For example, when dealing with student disciplinary or academic issues, they consult with and listen to parents and teachers to understand the problem.

Critical-thinking skills. Principals analyze student test results and testing procedures to determine any improvements to help students achieve better results.

Decision-making skills. Because principals are responsible for students, staff members, and the overall operation of the school, they consider many factors when making decisions. For example, they consider the safety of students and staff when making a recommendation to close a school before a snowstorm.

Interpersonal skills. Because principals work with teachers, parents, and superintendents, they must be able to develop positive working relationships with them.

Leadership skills. Principals set educational goals and establish policies and procedures for the school. They need to be able to motivate teachers and other staff to achieve set goals.

Problem-solving skills. Teachers, students, and other staff members report problems to the principal. Principals need to be able to analyze problems, and develop and implement solutions.

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Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers  Kindergarten and elementary school teachers prepare younger students for future schooling by teaching them basic subjects such as math and reading Bachelor’s degree

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Post-secondary Education Administrators:            Post-secondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Their job duties vary depending on the area of the college they manage, such as admissions, student life, or the office of the registrar. 

                     

Post-secondary Teachers:             Post secondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and vocational subjects beyond the high school level. They also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.   

                     

Preschool and Childcare Center Directors:           Preschool and childcare center directors direct and lead staffs, oversee daily activities, and prepare plans and budgets. They are responsible for all aspects of their center’s program.     

              

Preschool Teachers:       Preschool teachers educate and care for children, usually ages 3 to 5, who have not yet entered kindergarten. They teach reading, writing, science, and other subjects in a way that young children can understand.              

                       

School and Career Counselors:  School counselor’s help students develop social skills and succeed in school. Career counselors assist people with the process of making career decisions, by helping them choose a career or educational program.     

                       

Special Education Teachers:       Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects, such as reading, writing, and math, to students with mild and moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills, such as literacy and communication techniques, to students with severe disabilities.   

                           

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Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers 

Drywallers work with many different types of tools.

Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboards to walls and ceilings and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboards for painting, using tape and other materials. Many workers do both installing and taping.

Duties

Drywall installers typically do the following:

•  Review design plans to minimize the number of cuts and waste of wallboard
•  Measure the locations of electrical outlets, plumbing, and windows
•  Cut drywall to the right size, using utility knives and power saws
•   Fasten drywall panels to interior wall studs, using nails or screws
• Trim and smooth rough edges so that boards join evenly

Ceiling tile installers typically do the following:

• Measure ceiling tile to match blueprints or drawings
•   Nail, screw, or clip in supports
• Put tiles or sheets of shock-absorbing materials on and into ceilings 
• Keep the tile in place with cement adhesive, nails, screws, or clips

Tapers typically do the following:

•  Prepare wall surfaces (wallboard) by patching nail holes
•  Apply tape and use sealing compound to cover joints between wallboards
• Apply additional coats of sealing compound to create an even surface
• Sand all joints and holes to a smooth, seamless finish

Installers also are called framers or hangers. Tapers also are called finishers. Ceiling tile installers sometimes are called acoustical carpenters because they work with tiles that block sound. In addition to performing new installation, many installers and tapers do repair work by fixing damaged drywall and replacing ceiling tile.

Once wallboards are hung, workers use increasingly wider trowels to spread multiple coats of spackle over cracks, indentations, and any remaining imperfections. Some workers may use a mechanical applicator, a tool that spreads sealing compound on the wall joint while dispensing and setting tape at the same time.

To work on ceilings, installers and tapers may use mechanical lifts or stand on stilts, ladders, or scaffolds.

Work Environment

Drywallers often stand on scaffolding to hang drywall.

A good number of drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers are self-employed.

Drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers work indoors. As in many other construction trades, the work is physically demanding. Workers spend most of the day standing, bending, or stretching, and they often must lift and maneuver heavy, oversized wallboards. To work on ceilings, installers and tapers must stand on stilts, ladders, or scaffolds.

Because the work is dusty, irritating the skin, eyes, and lungs, workers must wear protective masks, goggles, and gloves. Common injuries include falls from ladders or stilts, cuts from sharp tools, and muscle strains from lifting heavy materials.

Work Schedules

Most drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers work full time.

Self-employed installers and tapers may be able to set their own schedule.

How to Become a Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer, or Taper

New drywallers typically learn their job by working with more experienced workers.

Although most drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers learn their trade on the job, some learn through an apprenticeship.

Education

Although there are no education requirements to become a drywaller, high school math and general shop courses are considered useful.

Training

Most drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers learn their trade on the job by helping more experienced workers and gradually being given more duties. They start by carrying materials and cleaning up, and then learn to use the tools of the trade. They also learn to measure, cut, and install or apply materials. Employers usually provide some on-the-job training, lasting up to 12 months.

A few drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers learn their trade through a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship. For each year of the program, apprentices must have at least 144 hours of related technical work and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. During training, apprentices learn construction basics related to blueprint reading, mathematics, building code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices.

After completing an apprenticeship program, installers and tapers are considered journey workers and may perform duties on their own.

The basic qualifications for entering such a program are as follows:

·         Minimum age of 18

·         High school education or equivalent

·         Physically able to perform the work

Important Qualities

Math skills. Drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers use basic math skills on every job. For example, they must be able to estimate the quantity of materials needed and measure accurately when cutting panels.

Physical stamina. Because installers and tapers constantly lift and move heavy materials into place, workers should be in good physical shape.

Physical strength. Standard drywall sheets can weigh 50 to 100 pounds. Drywall and ceiling tile installers often must lift heavy panels over their heads to secure onto the ceiling.

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Tile and Marble Setters:               Tile and marble setters apply hard tile and marble to walls, floors, and other surfaces.