Risky • Entry-Level

Bookkeeper.

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.

Salary$49,210per year
Openings170,000per year
Growth-6%10 year

Example job titles

Account ClerkAccounting AssistantAccounting AssociateAccounting ClerkAccounting SpecialistAccounting TechnicianAccounts Payable ClerkAccounts Payable SpecialistAccounts Payables ClerkAccounts Receivable ClerkBookkeeperAP/AR SpecialistStaff Accountant

Why This Rating.

[01]

This role is risky

Bookkeeping and accounting clerk work is highly structured and rule-based-recording transactions, reconciling accounts, and generating reports-making it one of the most automatable roles as AI tools handle these tasks faster and more accurately. There is no requirement for physical presence, licensure, or high-stakes novel judgment. AI doesn't create new demand for this role; instead, it directly replaces the core tasks, leaving very little protection.

Risks & Opportunities.

[02]
[01] Risks
95%

of accounting firms adopted automation technologies in the past year[1]

BLS projects bookkeeping clerk employment to decline 6% over the next decade, a loss of roughly 100,000 positions, as accounting software increasingly handles data entry, reconciliation, and basic reporting [U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Sep 2024]. The WEF Future of Jobs Report names accounting and bookkeeping clerks among the fastest-declining roles globally, driven by AI and automation performing the structured, repetitive work that defines the occupation [World Economic Forum, Jan 2025]. The financial calculations task already shows 57.7% automation in AI usage data, and that task represents the analytical core of the role.

[02] Opportunities
81%

of accountants report AI boosts their productivity[1]

The Intuit QuickBooks 2025 survey found that 81% of accountants report AI boosts their productivity, with firms using automation reporting near-unanimous improvements in accuracy (98%) and efficiency (97%) [Intuit QuickBooks, Jul 2025]. This creates demand for bookkeepers who can operate AI-powered tools and interpret results rather than just enter data. The AICPA reports that AI is accelerating the shift from compliance-focused bookkeeping toward strategic advisory services, a transition that opens new value for clerks willing to move up the skill ladder [CPA.com / AICPA, Jun 2025].

Observed AI Impact.

[03]

AI is starting to automate these

Share of AI conversations where this task is handled solo, with little human involvement.

Transfer entries to ledgers
Transfer details from separate journals to general ledgers or data processing sheets.
86.9% automated
Med usage
Financial Records Classification
Classify, record, and summarize numerical and financial data to compile and keep financial records, using journals and ledgers or computers.
67.4% automated
Med usage
Enter transactions in spreadsheets
Debit, credit, and total accounts on computer spreadsheets and databases, using specialized accounting software.
61.5% automated
Med usage
Verify entries/accuracy
Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.
52.8% automated
Med usage

AI assists but needs guidance

Share of AI conversations where this task is handled collaboratively, with a human steering.

Calculate material/overhead costs
Calculate costs of materials, overhead, and other expenses, based on estimates, quotations and price lists.
58.6% augmented
Med usage
Calculate financial amounts
Perform financial calculations, such as amounts due, interest charges, balances, discounts, equity, and principal.
50.8% augmented
High usage

AI hasn't figured these out

Low or no AI usage recorded for these tasks.

Operate accounting software
Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information.
No data
Use office equipment
Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.
No data
Handle office duties
Perform general office duties, such as filing, answering telephones, and handling routine correspondence.
No data
Ensure regulatory compliance
Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
No data

Data: Anthropic Economic Index (Jun 2026) · Real-world Claude usage patterns across occupations

How to Adapt.

[04]
[01] Already in this role?

Learn the AI features in whatever accounting platform you use daily. QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage all now offer automated categorization, anomaly flagging, and reconciliation. Start there rather than chasing a separate AI certification [Intuit QuickBooks, Jul 2025]. Over the next six months, build advisory skills: interpreting reports for clients, spotting cash flow trends, and communicating financial insights. The AICPA notes that the profession is shifting from transaction processing to strategic advising, and bookkeepers who can bridge both sides are in the strongest position [CPA.com / AICPA, Jun 2025].

“AI isn't taking over our jobs. It's giving us more room to do the work that matters.”

Dan Luthi, Partner, Ignite Spot Accounting Services

“AI is fundamentally reshaping the accounting profession, accelerating the move toward more strategic advisory services.”

Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO, CPA.com

[02] Thinking of entering?

Target employers and roles that emphasize cloud accounting and client interaction rather than pure data entry. Those positions are the most durable. BLS still projects 170,000 annual openings for bookkeeping clerks despite the overall decline, nearly all from replacement needs as experienced workers retire [U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Sep 2024]. The WEF Future of Jobs Report highlights that while clerical roles are declining, the skills gap in AI-literate finance workers is widening, creating an opening for new entrants who arrive with both accounting fundamentals and platform proficiency [World Economic Forum, Jan 2025].

“AI is not going to disrupt the accounting profession, but it will change what an accountant does.”

Mark Koziel, President and CEO, AICPA

“Accountants are moving away from manual data entry to become strategic advisors as AI handles the transactional work.”

2025 Intuit QuickBooks Survey

The Career Map.

[05]

The full BLS career track, plus relevant emerging AI-native paths. Click any role to see how to transition to it.

Entry

Bookkeeper

★ This Role

Tax Preparer

13-2082.00

Risky

Automated Payroll Validator

✦ Emerging

Mid-Level

Accountant

13-2011.00

Solid

AI Bookkeeping Systems Specialist

✦ Emerging

Financial Data Quality Analyst

✦ Emerging

Senior

Loan Officer

13-2072.00

Solid

Credit Analyst

13-2041.00

Exposed

Financial Advisor

13-2052.00

Strong

Financial Risk Specialist

13-2054.00

Solid

Credit Counselor

13-2071.00

Strong

Insurance Underwriter

13-2053.00

Shifting
Lead or Specialist

Fraud Investigator

13-2099.04

Solid

Financial Examiner

13-2061.00

Shifting
Principal

Financial Manager

11-3031.00

Solid

Sources

0.Bookkeeper Occupational Data- O*NET Online

  1. 1.Accountants Embrace AI and Strategic Advisory Services to Fuel Growth, According to 2025 Intuit QuickBooks Survey- Intuit QuickBooks, Jul 2025
  2. 2.The Future of Jobs Report 2023- World Economic Forum, May 2023
  3. 3.Jobs on the Rise 2024- LinkedIn Economic Graph, Jan 2024
  4. 4.State of Software Quality- GitHub, Oct 2023