Toronto Education

 If you have an interest in money management, accounting, bookkeeping or maintaining financial records, then a career as an accounting clerk or an accounts payable clerk may be for you. Both of these jobs fall under the same umbrella and, to be carried out successfully, require people with mathematical aptitude.

Typically, an accounts payable clerk job has three parts. The first is to carry out the day-to-day processing of accounts payable transactions to ensure that finances are maintained in an effective, up-to-date and accurate manner. The second is to complete payroll functions so that staff members are paid in an accurate and timely manner. The third is to provide administrative support to ensure efficient office operations. On the other hand, an accounting clerk is responsible for calculating, posting and verifying financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. He or she does this by compiling and sorting documents such as invoices and cheques or other business transactions. The accounting clerk also computes and records charges, refunds, and cost of lost or damaged goods, freight charges, rentals or similar items. Many may also reconcile bank statements. Despite the differences in the job descriptions, training at Centennial College Accounting Clerk program provides sufficient education to perform both.

This undertaking helps to meet the high demand for people with a solid background in accounting and microcomputer skills who are interested in becoming accounting clerks or accounts payable clerks.Centennial College expects students applying for admission to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, students should also possess the following: compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and math 11C, M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to Accounting Clerk program.

The one year/ two semester-program covers complex topics such as: capital cost, financial accounting and management, investment valuation, structure and budgeting, mergers and acquisitions, dividend policy, consolidation, working capital management, planning and control, long-term sources of funds as well as short term and intermediate financing. In addition, Accounting Clerk training places emphasis on computerized accounting to meet the demand for accounting clerks and accounts payable clerks with in-depth computer skills. Centennial College accounting clerk program is actually known for its leading edge information technology infrastructure. In fact, the latest accounting software, including Simply Accounting for Windows and the GL, A/R and A/P modules for ACCPAC for Windows, is taught. Many classes are conducted in a lab environment, which is fully equipped with an integrated network of computer systems. This real-life simulation gives students the experiences they need to be confident upon graduation.