Financial Data Entry Clerk in Washington Career Overview

As a Financial Data Entry Clerk, you are integral to maintaining the accuracy and integrity of financial data within an organization. Your primary role involves inputting, updating, and managing vast amounts of financial information, which could include invoices, receipts, and other transactional data.

Key aspects of the role include:

  • Data Management: You are responsible for ensuring that financial records are kept up to date and accurately reflect current transactions. This work is essential for decision-making processes within the company.

  • Error Reduction: By concentrating on precise data entry and verification processes, you help minimize errors that could lead to financial discrepancies. This vigilance aids in maintaining the overall financial health of the organization.

  • Support for Financial Reporting: The data you handle supports financial reporting and analysis. Accurate data entry allows for timely and precise reports, which are essential for understanding the company's performance.

  • Collaboration with Finance Teams: You often work closely with accountants and financial analysts. This collaboration helps ensure that all financial data aligns with broader financial strategies and compliance requirements.

  • Technological Proficiency: Utilizing various software systems and applications is part of your daily routine. Being adept at these tools enhances your ability to input and retrieve data efficiently.

The significance of your role cannot be understated, as the accuracy of financial data impacts budgeting, forecasting, and overall company strategy. In the fast-paced financial environment of Washington, your contributions serve as the foundation for sound financial management practices.

Financial Data Entry Clerk Salary in Washington

Annual Median: $54,150
Hourly Median: $26.04

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Financial Data Entry Clerk in Washington

To become a Financial Data Entry Clerk in Washington, you typically need to meet the following educational qualifications and training requirements:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent: A foundational requirement for entry into the field.

  • Postsecondary Education: While not always mandatory, obtaining a degree in relevant fields can enhance your qualifications. Consider pursuing:

    • Accounting: This program provides a strong foundation in financial principles, which can be beneficial for data entry tasks involving financial information.

    • Accounting Technology and Bookkeeping: This program focuses on the practical application of accounting principles and bookkeeping techniques using technology, which is essential for data entry roles.

    • Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications: This program emphasizes data entry skills and the use of software applications, ensuring you are proficient with the tools commonly used in financial data entry.

    • Data Processing Technology: This degree focuses on the processing of data, offering training in tools and software used to manage and input information effectively.

    • Management Information Systems: This program combines business and technology, giving you insights into how data systems support organizational operations and decision-making.

  • Certification Opportunities: Consider obtaining certifications related to data entry and accounting software to further validate your skills and knowledge in the field.

Best Schools to become a Financial Data Entry Clerk in Washington 2024

#1Salt Lake County

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

In-State Tuition:$7,404
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,404
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:156,935
#2Merrimack County

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091
#3Broward County

Broward College

Fort Lauderdale, FL

In-State Tuition:$1,968
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,402
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:35%
Total Enrollment:30,057
#4New York County

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

New York, NY

In-State Tuition:$6,930
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,880
Admission Rate:50%
Graduation Rate:74%
Total Enrollment:19,854
#5Marion County

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN

In-State Tuition:$4,487
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,777
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:31%
Total Enrollment:89,705
#6Maricopa County

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$9,552
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:18%
Total Enrollment:88,891
Financial Data Entry Clerk Job Description:
  • Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete.
  • Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records.
  • May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

Financial Data Entry Clerk Required Skills and Competencies in Washington

  • Attention to Detail: You must be able to pay close attention to numbers and data entries, ensuring accuracy to prevent errors that could lead to financial discrepancies.

  • Proficiency in Data Entry Software: Familiarity with software such as Excel, QuickBooks, or specific financial databases is essential for efficiently inputting and managing data.

  • Typing Speed: A fast and accurate typing speed can enhance your productivity, allowing you to process large amounts of information quickly.

  • Organizational Skills: Keeping data organized and easily accessible is vital for effective data management and retrieval.

  • Analytical Skills: The ability to analyze numerical data and identify trends or discrepancies is important for generating accurate reports.

  • Basic Accounting Knowledge: Understanding fundamental accounting principles will help you better manage and interpret financial data.

  • Time Management: You need to effectively prioritize tasks and manage your time to meet deadlines without compromising the quality of work.

  • Communication Skills: Good verbal and written communication skills are necessary for interacting with team members and addressing any data-related inquiries.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: You should be able to identify issues within the data and take appropriate steps to resolve them efficiently.

  • Adaptability: The ability to learn new software and adjust to changing data management processes is essential in a fast-paced financial environment.

Job Duties for Financial Data Entry Clerks

  • Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.

  • Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.

  • Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information.

Technologies and Skills Used by Financial Data Entry Clerks

Accounting software

  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Sage 50 Accounting

Cloud-based data access and sharing software

  • Dropbox
  • Microsoft SharePoint

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • SAP software

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Using math to solve problems

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Financial Data Entry Clerk in Washington

As a Financial Data Entry Clerk, you will find a dynamic job market in Washington characterized by a steady demand for your skills across various sectors. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Demand: There is a consistent need for Financial Data Entry Clerks, primarily driven by the growth of businesses in finance, insurance, real estate, and healthcare. As organizations seek to improve operational efficiencies, the role of data entry becomes indispensable for maintaining accurate financial records.

  • Growth Potential: The job market for Financial Data Entry Clerks shows potential for growth, especially with the increasing adoption of technology in data management and financial analysis. As companies look to streamline their operations and improve data accuracy, entry-level roles are expected to evolve, providing opportunities for advancement into positions with greater responsibility, such as data analysis or financial reporting.

  • Geographical Hotspots: Several regions in Washington have emerged as hubs for Financial Data Entry positions, including:

    • Seattle: As a major metropolitan area with a strong financial and tech presence, Seattle offers numerous opportunities in various industries that require data entry clerks.
    • Bellevue: This city, known for its technology companies and business services, presents a solid job market for data entry professionals.
    • Spokane: A growing business community in Spokane also requires financial clerks, offering a range of opportunities outside the larger urban centers.
    • Tacoma: With its diverse economy and proximity to Seattle, Tacoma is another location with promising prospects for data entry enthusiasts.

In summary, you can expect to find a variety of job opportunities as a Financial Data Entry Clerk in Washington, with solid demand, promising growth, and key geographical areas to consider for your career.

Top Related Careers to Financial Data Entry Clerk 2024

Financial Records Specialist
Ledger Verification Clerk
Payroll Processing Clerk
Billing and Invoicing Specialist

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Financial Data Entry Clerk in Washington

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Outlook Handbook

    • Learn about the job outlook, salary information, and educational requirements for financial data entry clerks.
      BLS - Financial Clerks

  • CareerOneStop – Financial Data Entry Clerk

    • Access resources for career exploration, including job profiles, skills assessment, and training options.
      CareerOneStop

  • National Association of Professional Women (NAPW)

    • Provides networking opportunities and professional development resources for women in various careers, including finance.
      NAPW

  • American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)

    • A valuable resource for gaining knowledge and credentials in bookkeeping, which is relevant to financial data entry.
      AIPB

  • LinkedIn Learning

    • Explore a variety of online courses covering financial software, data entry techniques, and office skills to enhance your expertise.
      LinkedIn Learning

  • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)

    • Great for understanding fraud prevention within financial data management, offering resources, networking, and certification.
      ACFE

  • Indeed Career Guide

    • Offers articles on resume writing, interview tips, and job search strategies specific to data entry clerks and finance roles.
      Indeed Career Guide

  • Coursera

    • Find various courses related to data analysis, Excel, and financial record-keeping, which are helpful for financial data entry roles.
      Coursera

  • Google Skillshop

    • Free training resources for Google tools often used in data entry tasks, enhancing your technical skills.
      Google Skillshop

  • Washington State Employment Security Department

    • Get local job training programs, resources on job openings, and information about the labor market in Washington.
      Washington State ESD

These resources will assist you in gaining knowledge, improving your skills, and advancing your career as a Financial Data Entry Clerk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Financial Data Entry Clerk in Washington

  • What are the primary responsibilities of a Financial Data Entry Clerk?
    Your main tasks will include entering and managing financial data in databases, ensuring accuracy, and updating records in a timely manner. You will also be responsible for generating reports, assisting in audits, and maintaining confidentiality of financial information.

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Financial Data Entry Clerk?
    Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Proficiency in data entry and familiarity with financial software are essential. Some employers may prefer or require an associate degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.

  • What skills are essential for a Financial Data Entry Clerk?
    Key skills include strong attention to detail, proficiency in data entry, excellent numerical ability, and familiarity with financial terminology. Good communication skills and the ability to work independently are also important.

  • Is prior experience necessary for this role?
    While prior experience in data entry or finance can be advantageous, many entry-level positions do not require extensive experience. Employers often provide on-the-job training to help you adjust to their specific systems and processes.

  • What software tools should I be familiar with as a Financial Data Entry Clerk?
    You should be comfortable using spreadsheet programs (like Microsoft Excel), accounting software (such as QuickBooks or Sage), and database management tools. Familiarity with office productivity software and basic computer skills is also necessary.

  • What is the typical salary range for a Financial Data Entry Clerk in Washington?
    Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and industry. As of 2023, you can expect a salary range from approximately $35,000 to $55,000 per year.

  • Are there opportunities for advancement in this field?
    Yes, with experience and additional training, you can advance to roles such as a financial analyst, accountant, or a managerial position in finance. Continuing education and certifications can further enhance your career prospects.

  • What work environment should I expect?
    Most Financial Data Entry Clerks work in office settings within corporations, banks, or financial institutions. Remote work opportunities have also become more common, allowing for greater flexibility.

  • How is the job market for Financial Data Entry Clerks in Washington?
    The job market is stable, with ongoing demand in various industries that require accurate financial record-keeping. However, trends toward automation may influence job availability, making it beneficial to build a diverse skill set.

  • What can I do to improve my chances of getting hired for this position?
    Enhance your resume by acquiring relevant skills, such as advanced Excel techniques and understanding of financial regulations. Networking in the industry, seeking internships, or volunteer experiences can also improve your employability.