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Entry Level Bookkeeping Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Clerk III (External)

Madison, WI · On-site

$30.60 - $32.80/hr

The incumbents of this classification normally function as lead workers to Clerk I-IIs, entry level ... General computer, data entry and bookkeeping experience is preferred. Required Testing

The incumbents of this classification normally function as lead workers to Clerk I-IIs, entry level ... General computer, data entry and bookkeeping experience is preferred. Required Testing: Individuals ...

Entry Level Bookkeeping information

See Madison, WI salary details

$13

$24

$35

How much do entry level bookkeeping jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level bookkeeping in Madison, WI is $24.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $27.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level bookkeepers, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level bookkeepers often face challenges such as managing large volumes of transactions, learning various accounting software platforms, and ensuring accuracy under tight deadlines. To address these challenges, it’s helpful to develop strong organizational skills, seek support from experienced colleagues, and take advantage of training resources provided by the company. Additionally, regularly reviewing work and staying updated with best practices in bookkeeping can help build confidence and accuracy over time.

What are entry level bookkeeping jobs?

Entry level bookkeeping jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the field of bookkeeping or have minimal experience. These roles typically involve recording financial transactions, reconciling accounts, maintaining financial records, and assisting with basic accounting tasks under supervision. Entry level bookkeepers often use accounting software to input data and help ensure that an organization’s financial information is accurate and up to date. These jobs provide valuable experience and can lead to more advanced accounting positions over time.

How do I become a bookkeeper with no experience?

Entry-level bookkeeping positions typically require basic math skills and familiarity with accounting software such as QuickBooks. To gain experience, individuals can complete online courses, obtain relevant certifications like the Certified Bookkeeper credential, and seek internships or entry-level roles to build practical skills.

How hard is it to get an entry-level bookkeeping job?

Securing an entry-level bookkeeping position typically requires basic accounting knowledge, familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks, and a high school diploma or equivalent. While competition can vary, having relevant skills and certifications can improve chances of employment, which is often available in small businesses, retail, or administrative environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Bookkeeping vs Accounting Clerk?

AspectEntry Level BookkeepingAccounting Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma; some certifications optionalHigh school diploma; some may pursue accounting certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, handling financial recordsOffice environment, supporting accounting functions
Job ResponsibilitiesData entry, invoicing, basic ledger tasksData entry, processing invoices, assisting with financial reports

Entry Level Bookkeeping and Accounting Clerks often share similar roles in office settings, focusing on data entry and basic financial tasks. While bookkeeping emphasizes maintaining accurate financial records, accounting clerks may handle additional administrative accounting duties. Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and are used interchangeably in many organizations, making them closely related entry-level positions in finance and accounting departments.

Is a bookkeeper a good entry level job?

A bookkeeper is often considered a suitable entry-level job for individuals interested in finance and accounting, as it typically requires basic math skills and familiarity with accounting software. It provides practical experience in financial record-keeping and can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced accounting roles. Certification or training in bookkeeping can enhance job prospects and advancement opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Bookkeeper, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Bookkeeper, you need a solid understanding of basic accounting principles, attention to detail, and usually a high school diploma or associate degree in accounting or business. Familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero and proficiency in Microsoft Excel are typically required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help you manage financial records accurately and collaborate with team members. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining accurate financial data and supporting smooth business operations.

How to get your first job as a bookkeeper?

To get your first entry-level bookkeeping job, develop basic skills in accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel, obtain relevant certifications such as a bookkeeping or accounting certificate, and gain practical experience through internships or volunteer work. Building a strong understanding of financial records and attention to detail can improve your chances of securing an entry-level position.
What are the most commonly searched types of Bookkeeping jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Bookkeeping jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Bookkeeping jobs in Madison, WI? For Entry Level Bookkeeping jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Bookkeeping jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Bookkeeping jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Entry Level Bookkeeping jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Entry Level Bookkeeping job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Bookkeeping job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,959 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Clerk III (External)

Dane County, WI

Madison, WI • On-site

$30.60 - $32.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Salary: $30.60 - $32.80 Hourly
Location : City County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Madison, WI
Job Type: Full time (1.0FTE)
Job Number: 2026-00226
Department: Administration
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 720
Description
This current recruitment is being used to establish an eligible list that will be good for six (6) months. The eligible list may be used for current and future full-time and LTE Clerk III vacancies.
Current employees, the Clerk III posting is an internal recruitment first.
LTE employees may apply on this recruitment.
Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & INCLUSION
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
The Clerk III is an advanced level clerical classification that performs increasingly varied and responsible clerical duties, and related work as required. The incumbents of this classification normally function as lead workers to Clerk I-IIs, entry level Account Clerks and other comparable clerical classifications. There is no supervision over other employees at this level but as lead workers the incumbents they recommend, advise and assist management in the training, monitoring and assigning of work to other entry level clerical classifications. May report to a division head, department head or have a comparable reporting relationship with a comparable official. Work methods in this classification normally require a considerable degree of independent judgment in interpreting, applying and revising procedures and precedents to a variety of situations. Incorrect decisions may have serious consequences. Information processing may be from standard source documents, but often is from a variety of rough drafts and/or multiple sources where knowledge of complex layouts and designs is required. Perform extremely complex and difficult record keeping. Employees in this classification may have a great deal of contact with the public and employees of other units in seeking and giving out information where very specific, narrow and highly detailed knowledge of departmental policy and procedures is required. A general knowledge of other departments and their record keeping systems is usually required.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Assign work to subordinate staff. Make recommendations on staff performance. Train new staff. Type and/or key complex reports, correspondence and statistical data, bills, vouchers, dockets, receipts, schedules, narratives, charts, tables, minutes, requisitions, notices. Reproduce multiple copies of work. Prepare agendas and take minutes for boards and committees. Collect, check, tabulate and format statistical and financial data. Issue licenses and permits. Write receipts for fees. Classify and post a variety of information. Store and issue supplies. Accept applications. Check books and other materials in and out. When reporting directly to a division or department head, incumbents in this classification greet visitors and the general public, answer inquiries and refer people to the proper officials. Make appointments, keep appointment calendars and make travel arrangements. Conduct audits, review balances, process employee time and pay records; and check payrolls, purchase orders, and claims. Compile figures on expenditures. Maintain inventory records. Operate and maintain complex electronic files. Gather information on a variety of subjects and compile complicated financial, statistical, activity, and legal reports. Answer call center phones, process arrest list, mail, injunction reports, conduct genetic testing, purge payments, warrant withdrawals, orders for release, monitor agency email boxes and scan to Laserfiche.
Education, Experience and Special Requirements
Education, Training and Experience:
Must have any combination of training and experience that is equivalent to High School graduation and two (2) years of increasingly varied and complex clerical responsibilities, and demonstrate knowledge of electronic information processing equipment. For some positions, preference will be given for experience with processing and indexing legal records and following procedures prescribed by related State statutes. General computer, data entry and bookkeeping experience is preferred.
Required Testing:
Individuals who meet the minimum qualifications must also pass a Microsoft Word, Excel and Language Arts test with 70% accuracy.
Special Requirements:
Must have a valid driver's license, and access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 - 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
For the Child Support Agency positions only, employment will require a criminal background investigation which may include FBI fingerprinting. Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history.
For Clerk of Courts positions working directly for a judge in a judge's branch, judges have the ability to remove an employee from a position without cause. Please see the judicial authority handbook language for more details.
For Public Safety Communications positions only, incumbents must possess Advanced TIME System certification within 90 days of hire.
For Bilingual Positions:
  1. Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).
  2. Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.

*If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position's bilingual designation.
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
Professional office work environment. Ability to exert physical effort in moderate work including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and moving 30 pounds. Ability to repetitively bend, squat, kneel and stoop to floor level. Manual dexterity using fine and gross motor skills. Good visual acuity and hearing with or without corrective devices. Prolonged periods of computer and phone use. Ability to type for extended periods of time.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of modern office procedures and practices. Knowledge of leadership techniques to motivate subordinate staff. Knowledge of computers and data entry formats and processing - this includes standard business formats and enough advanced knowledge to set up complicated documents, and process complex narrative, numerical and graphic information. Possess enough knowledge of software to compose forms and form letters and other special correspondence. Knowledge of data base and spreadsheet systems sufficient to maintain electronically stored records and to prepare complicated reports. Knowledge of County and departmental policies and procedures to answer difficult questions. Possess correct Business English, grammar and spelling skills to write complex memorandum and reports, edit materials and correct typographical errors. Possess adequate arithmetic skills to perform calculations and operate electronic information processing equipment. Ability to work with speed and accuracy. Ability to gather and organize information from a variety of sources. Ability to evaluate and devise work methods to improve efficiency or meet new requirements. Ability to interpret complex guidelines. Ability to operate standard office machines including electronic information processing equipment. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the public.
Become a part of the Dane County Team!
We offer a wide range of benefits including fully paid dental and HMO health insurance premiums for full time employees/pro rated for part time employees. The County will also provide contributions towards POS health insurance premiums and short/long term disability. Additional benefits available include long term care, vision coverage, flex spending account and deferred compensation programs paid in full by the employee and a wellness program. For further details on insurance benefits visit
Bilingual Pay: Employees who work in bilingual designated positions receive an additional $2.00 per hour.
Undesirable Hours Premium Pay: Employees may receive undesirable hours pay of $2.00 for anytime worked between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m and for anytime on Saturday and/or Sunday. (not applicable with all employee groups).
Paid Parental Leave: Dane County also provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption of a child.
Caregiver Leave: Dane County offers 80 hours of paid leave to care for an ill family member.
Telecommuting: Telecommuting allows employees to work remotely for all or part of their work week. Dane County considers telecommuting to be a viable, flexible option when both the employee and the job are suited to such an arrangement. Dane County will permit telecommuting when it benefits the productivity of the employee and their department and if determined by employee's department that telecommuting is not detrimental to either the County or the employee.
Student Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
WI Retirement System: Employees hired after 7-1-11 must be expected to work a minimum of 1200 hours annually to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System when hired.
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Dane County participates in E-Verify. For more information see the Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters here" and then the 'here' links to this page:
01
Do you have any combination of training and experience that is equivalent to High School graduation?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have two (2) years of increasingly varied and complex clerical responsibilities, and demonstrate knowledge of electronic information processing equipment?
Required Question