Level 1 and Junior Bookkeepers
Roles & Responsibilities
Level 1, or Junior, bookkeepers often begin performing basic and very common office tasks which relate to the financial transactions of the business including:
- filing papers (receipts, quotes, work orders, purchase orders etc)
- handling mail & email
- data entry for money coming into and going out of the business (income & expense record keeping and everyday transactions)
- data entry for orders and sales (debtors & creditors)
- receiving and making calls to customers (accounts receivable)
- receiving and making calls to suppliers (accounts payable)
- following up on overdue invoices (credit management)
- being available to the other business areas who need the financial information.
The job title for Level 1 bookkeepers may also be “Office Support, Office Administration and Receptionist”.
Who are Level 1/Junior Bookkeepers?
Level 1 and junior bookkeepers can be young people entering the workforce, sometimes with accounting degrees, but where their level of experience is low. As a result, they may need training, instruction and support from someone more senior in the company.
A major benefit of hiring a level 1 or junior bookkeeper is that they don’t cost a lot and they are available to you most of the time you need them — and usually in your office or very close by.
They can be employed to enter all financial information into an electronic accounting system which can then be accessed by finance managers, business owners and the company accountant. When all of the information is entered into an electronic (and often cloud-based) accounting program it can be accessed easily for chasing up payments and reporting performance.
Another common type of person who performs this junior level of work is a part-time employee or a contract bookkeeper who wants to work flexible hours.
Reasons to become a Level 1/Junior Bookkeeper
People desiring flexible hours may be parents with children, or perhaps someone who has previously worked in a larger company in the city, but doesn’t want the stress of commuting or long hours anymore.
These bookkeepers are in the “family” stage of their life normally so they just want to get into the work, do a great job and then get home to their families. Their capacity to multi-task and manage difficult situations sometimes helps them in their work.
Other people who apply for this accounts job are people changing careers and school leavers.
Who Do Level 1/Junior Bookkeepers Report To?
These junior-level bookkeepers usually perform tasks which are transactional in nature. They are generally instructed by the business:
- accountant
- finance manager
- registered BAS agent
Level 1 or junior bookkeepers often require supervision on tasks that can only be performed by a registered BAS agent or accountant, and include areas where account codes must be applied to transactions.
Learn more about the National Bookkeeping Business Opportunity for Junior Bookkeepers
Junior Bookkeepers Wanted
