Statement Clerks compare previously prepared statements, distribute the statements to customers, and reconcile differences in records and accounts for banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, and other financial institutions.

JOB DUTIES

Statement Clerks may:

Record previously prepared statements, using a typewriter or computer

Insert statements in envelopes

Insert canceled checks in envelopes, if the statement is for a checking account

Add postage and route statements for mailing or distribution to customers over the counter

Maintain canceled check and customers' signature files

Recover checks sent to a customer in error

Adjust customer complaints

Post stop payment notices to prevent payment of protested checks

Answer customers' questions

Statement Clerks may specialize according to the type of account handled, such as checking, savings, and credit accounts

The machines, equipment, and work aids used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Statement Clerks may specialize in this area:

214.362-046 STATEMENT CLERKS record previously prepared statements, distribute the statements to customers, and reconcile differences in records and accounts for banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, and other financial institutions.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

               [back to top]

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Statement Clerks work in well lighted, well ventilated offices in financial institutions. They work independently under the supervision of the department manager in a large bank or the manager of a small bank. They spend most of their time seated, but must walk short distances to pick up statements, canceled checks, envelopes, or other items. They might work near distracting noise from office machines.

Most Statement Clerks work a 35 to 40 hour week during regular business hours. They might have to work overtime each month during peak statement processing periods.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with things and objects

• Having business contact with others

• Performing activities of a routine, definite, organized nature

You Should Be Able To:

• Repeat activities/tasks according to a routine procedure or sequence

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Reason and make judgments

• Perform mathematical operations quickly and accurately

• See detail/errors in numbers/spelling/punctuation in written

          materials

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a person writes three different checks each for $90 and they have $250 in their checking account, will any of their checks bounce?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The minimum opening deposit for checking, savings, and Insured Money Market Savings is $25. If the minimum opening deposit is below the balances required to avoid service charges, regular monthly service charges will apply.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining any problems that might occur with a person's account.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to view someone's records and detect if a problem is occurring.

               [back to top]

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1100 ECONOMICS , 2200 MATH , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

138 GENERAL OFFICE CLERK TRAINING

Programs in General Office Clerk Training are designed for the individuals who wish to learn the basic clerical skills needed for employment in the various office settings. The programs will prepare students to perform such duties as duplicating data, compiling records and reports, tabulating and posting data in record books, sorting and filing correspondence and records, handling mail, and operating office machines.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

181 BOOKKEEPING

Programs in Bookkeeping provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment maintaining records of daily business transactions. Individuals who teach Bookkeeping at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

                  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

              
                [back to top]

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Postsecondary education programs in bookkeeping and general office clerk training may offer internship or related work experience opportunities. Summer and part-time work may also be available in some financial institutions.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Statement Clerk employer

internships

volunteer work with a Statement Clerk employer

community service work with an agency

Most Statement Clerks find employment by applying directly to banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions and other financial institutions. Assistance in locating a job may be available from local offices of Michigan Works!, or school placement offices. Some jobs are listed in newspaper want ads.  In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal    

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

               [back to top]

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Statement Clerks vary according to their experience and the size, type, amount of assets, and geographic location of their employer.

Nationally, nonsupervisory workers employed by financial institutions had average salaries of $16,841 in banks, $17,930 in credit unions and $20,023 in personal credit institutions (early 1996).

In early 1996, the average annual salary for experienced Statement Clerks working for banks was $18,200.

Statement Clerks working for banks in Michigan had average annual earning ranging from $15,800 to $19,300 in 1996. Some banks also paid annual bonuses.

Statement Clerks at other types of financial institutions had similar earnings.

Fringe Benefits for Statement Clerks vary from bank to bank, but generally include such benefits as pensions, bonuses, sick leave, health insurance, life insurance, profit-sharing plans, paid vacations, and paid holidays.

Banking clerks generally start in unskilled jobs and receive on-the-job training and classroom training. They may begin as a clerical trainee and then advance to payment processing clerk, customer account clerk, Statement Clerk and some may go on to supervisory positions. After gaining experience, workers who satisfy performance standards and complete the American Institute of Banking exams required by the bank (if any are) may be promoted to the next level when an opening occurs.

                 
               [back to top]

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

There were approximately 24,900 Statement Clerks employed nationally in 1996. Employment is expected to decline for this occupation through the year 2005. Openings that will occur will be due to the need to replace Clerks who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. Nearly all statement clerks worked in the banking industry. About 4.2% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Statement Clerks looked like this:

Because of the deregulation of the banking industry, many financial institutions are providing non-banking services, such as stock and bond sales. Deregulation has also enhanced the capability of financial institutions to attract deposits, thereby increasing the number of statements issued. Increased automation has enabled financial institutions to handle greater volumes of business without adding many additional staff.

There are approximately 600 Statement Clerks employed in Michigan . All work for financial institutions, primarily in urban areas.

Employment of Statement Clerks in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2005. All annual openings are expected to be due to replacement of those who retire, die or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as Statement Clerks change jobs or occupations.

Deregulation of the banking industry is allowing financial institutions to expand into other areas such as securities underwriting and brokerage, insurance underwriting, real estate brokerage, management consulting, and travel agency work. However, bank mergers and centralized computer accounting systems may somewhat limit the number of Statement Clerks needed.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.