Tax Preparer

• Tax preparers compute, prepare and file tax returns for individuals and small businesses. An ability to pay attention to details is vital. Tax preparers use accounting adjustments, tax deductions and tax credits to minimize their client’s taxes. Individuals interested in this career need strong communication and analytical thinking skills since tax preparers often consult tax law handbooks and government tax bulletins to determine appropriate tax preparation procedures. Government wage statistics indicate a median wage of $14.45 per hour for tax preparers.
  
  

Bookkeeper

• Bookkeepers specialize in updating financial information using accounting software, financial spreadsheets and accounting databases. Responsibilities may include handling payroll processing, purchasing and customer billing for smaller businesses. A strong mathematical aptitude is essential since bookkeepers must audit transactions to ensure mathematical accuracy. Good communication skills are required since they must also correct and report errors to accountants. Department of Labor statistics indicate that bookkeepers average $16.08 per hour.
  
  

Loan Officers

• Loan officers facilitate the selection of loans, obtain basic credit information from clients, conduct credit inquiries and explain credit terms to clients. Loan officers usually specialize in a specific type of loan. Loan specializations include consumer loans through businesses purchase goods such as automobiles and mortgage loans for home purchases. Loan officers may specialize in commercial loans that provide capital funding for businesses to start and operate. Other loan officers contact borrowers with delinquent loan accounts to help them avoid loan defaults. U.S. Department of Labor’s 2009 wage statistics indicate that loan officers earn an average of $17.94 per hour.
  
  

Procurement Clerks

• Procurement clerks organize and monitor a business’ purchasing processes. They prepare purchase orders, work with merchants and assure inventory quantities meet business needs. Attention to small details is important. Procurement clerks oversee department purchase audits and requests, schedule deliveries, maintain purchasing files. Individuals require strong communication skills to communicate with other departments. Procurement clerks must conduct order inquiries such as tracking shipments, shipment changes or cancellations. U.S. Department of Labor’s 2009 wage statistics indicate that procurement clerks earn an average of $17.36 per hour.