How Do You Become a Billing Clerk?

Many individuals with strong math and accounting skills may wish to become a billing clerk. A billing clerk is responsible for determining charges, compiling data, drafting bills and preparing them for delivery to customers and clients. He or she may contact customers to resolve disputes or obtain missing information, and he or she uses billing software, adding machines, accounting skills and bookkeeping tools while performing job duties and should demonstrate a keen attention to detail and strong customer service skills on a daily basis.

How to Become a Billing Clerk

Most billing clerk positions require the applicant to hold at least a high school diploma, and many employers will offer on-the-job training to new hires if they demonstrate good organizational skills and show an aptitude for numbers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, other employers may require applicants to have some form of postsecondary training such as an associate’s degree or certificate. While in high school, students may consider taking office-related classes such as typing to better prepare themselves for entry-level work as billing clerks. In fact, some high schools offer programs in which students may earn college credit while simultaneously building their office skills.

After high school, students should seek a vocational education program in business services and technology, computing or accounting that will provide a background in bookkeeping. Students may have options such as earning an accounts receivable/payable certificate, an accounting clerk certificate or an accounting certificate. Students can expect to receive training in areas such as posting costs, recording and calculating, and graduates typically qualify for entry-level work in accounting. In addition, college-level certificates are also available for students wishing to begin a career in billing, and some programs are provided completely online.

Since most employers require billing clerks to demonstrate some type of experience before they make an offer of employment, either through internships, apprenticeships or employments, aspiring billing clerks should consider exploring these options during their education. Additionally, holding employment while going to school provides the opportunity for hands-on, real-world experience. School career centers, books and websites can be valuable resources for students needing help in preparing their resumes.

Any associate’s degree with an accounting concentration will fulfill an employer’s education requirement for billing clerks to hold postsecondary training, and some employers may give preference to applicants who hold a degree. An Associate of Applied Business in Business Administration with an accounting concentration or an Associate in Applied Science with an emphasis in accounting can help to set one applicant apart from the rest. These degrees typically cover bookkeeping, federal income tax, payroll tax, business and corporation tax and accounts receivable and payable. Additionally, learning QuickBooks, Excel and other types of common accounting software may increase an applicant’s marketability in the workplace.

Related Resource: What is an Accounting Assistant?

Career opportunities for billing clerks are available in a number of types of medical facilities, including private practices, clinics and hospitals as well as nonprofit or private businesses. Many people choose this career path simply due to the fact that most employers offer on-the-job training. However, those seeking greater employment opportunities should be aware that, while both certificate and associate’s degrees are available and feature similar courses such as insurance billing, medical terminology, coding medical procedures and medical billing, those who earn an associate’s degree may continue their education at the bachelor’s level and open even more doors for employment as they continue their journey to become a billing clerk.