Bookkeeper Jobs

One of the most financially rewarding tasks that can be done from home is bookkeeping. If you have an interest in finance but do not want to fulfill the criteria to become an accountant, this might be an intriguing alternative career path for you to consider. Working as a bookkeeper may be a lucrative and satisfying career choice, especially if you have experience in the financial industry or are proficient in the use of computers. If this describes you, you may be interested in learning more about this field. In this post, we will explore the measures you may take to pursue a career as a bookkeeper, as well as the work description, typical compensation, and other aspects of this field.

What does a bookkeeper do?

Bookkeepers are accountable for managing the day-to-day monetary operations of their customers. They are responsible for monitoring, recording, and facilitating any and all incoming and outgoing payments connected to a particular account. Bookkeepers are mainly concerned with ensuring the continued soundness and prosperity of their customers' financial situations. They also safeguard their customers by ensuring that every financial transaction is in accordance with the rules and regulations that are imposed by the federal government. Bookkeepers may work for people, businesses, or both, and they can be salaried or freelance workers depending on the situation.

Putting together and submitting various financial reports

Bringing the financial records up to date while also examining them

modifying and drafting financial plans

Managing employee payroll

Keeping their customer informed of any potential financial irregularities

Keeping an eye on both the payables and the receivables

Average wage

Bookkeepers in the United States earn an average hourly wage of $17.73, which contributes to their overall median compensation of $34,490. Between $7.25 to $35.15 an hour is the range of the national pay distribution. These figures represent the typical salary of a bookkeeper who is employed by a firm and is paid via the payroll system. Bookkeepers who work on a freelance basis choose their own pay rates, which often range from $40 to $60 per hour. When a freelance bookkeeper works full-time for a number of different customers, they typically make more than the annual salary of $35-40,000 that a salaried bookkeeper would get.

The steps required to become a bookkeeper

On the way to becoming a bookkeeper, you have two different paths that you might choose to pursue. You have the option of working for a corporation on a salary, or you may establish your own business providing accounting services as a freelancer. In any scenario, you will be required to complete a number of distinct procedures in order to get started on this professional path:

1. Attempt to get a diploma from your high school.

Bookkeepers, in contrast to accountants, often have associate's or bachelor's degrees at the very least. Bookkeepers are often required to have merely a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma (GED) from their jobs. The fundamental competencies in mathematics, writing, and communication required for a career as a bookkeeper may be obtained by completing at least a high school education. Additionally useful skills such as time management, organization, and cooperation may be acquired throughout one's time spent in high school.

Aspiring bookkeepers who seek an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or Accounting will be prepared to work for customers who have higher educational requirements. While a college degree is not required, those who have one will have more employment opportunities. These degrees will require students to complete courses in areas such as economics, computer systems, business law, and mathematics related to finance. Students also have the option of enrolling in more in-depth programs that focus on management accounting, auditing, or accounting software.

2. Acquire training

Training in bookkeeping may be obtained from a wide number of different places. In the beginning stages of their careers, many bookkeepers educate themselves on how to utilize accounting software such as QuickBooks. They might also study the fundamentals of practical finance by taking classes online, reading books, or attending seminars. Bookkeepers who have taught themselves often acquire the necessary abilities without having had any formal training and instead learn on the job. The majority of businesses are able to teach an entry-level bookkeeper in less than or equal to six months. The duration of the training time for a self-taught bookkeeper will vary based on the approach that was selected as well as the individual's own schedule.

An internship at a local business or accounting firm is something that some bookkeepers could look into doing. An prospective bookkeeper may learn about the company finance industry via an internship, which also gives them the opportunity to see how other experts in the finance industry do their jobs. Internships may often be found via a student's institution, through the student's personal network, or through an internet employment board.

3. Make applications for open roles

The second thing you need to do if earning a salary as a bookkeeper is something that interests you, and that is to hunt for employment vacancies either locally or remotely. In order to portray yourself as a suitable candidate, you will need to construct a well-written resume that emphasizes your accounting abilities and includes any professional experience you may have had. This will allow you to demonstrate that you are capable of performing the duties of the position. Excellent abilities to include include familiarity with accounting software, a comprehensive grasp of personal and company finance, and a desire to learn new things. If you do not have any relevant job experience, you may be able to make up for it by demonstrating that you are a diligent worker who has a great amount of potential for advancement.

Be careful to modify your resume to fit the requirements of the specific job for which you are applying. You should read the job description and include any relevant keywords into your application materials like your cover letter and CV.

4. Become an independent contractor.

The next step for you, if you are more interested in working as a freelance bookkeeper, will be to launch your own bookkeeping business. Because the majority of your prospective customers will be looking to hire someone with some practical experience, you might find it beneficial to work as a traditional bookkeeper for a local company or accounting office for at least a year or two before venturing out on your own as a freelance bookkeeper.

When you are certain that you have the necessary experience, abilities, and amount of time, you may start looking for local, remote, or virtual opportunities utilizing online job boards and other tools that are available for job seeking. You may make use of your personal network by inquiring of friends, family, and colleagues as to whether or not they know of anybody who has a company that is looking for a bookkeeper. You might also place adverts in the local newspaper, on the internet, or at community centers in the area.

Developing expertise in a particular area of accounting might be an effective strategy for attracting new customers. For instance, if you have expertise working as a bookkeeper for educational institutions, charitable organizations, or restaurants, you will be able to successfully advertise yourself to other companies that are like those.

5. Consider certification

Certification could be beneficial for both paid and independent workers in certain situations. You may earn the designation of Certified Bookkeeper by completing the requirements set out by either the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers or the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers. In order to get these qualifications, you will need to work as a bookkeeper either full-time for a cumulative total of at least two years or part-time for a number of hours that is similar to full-time employment. After that, you will be required to demonstrate that you can pass a test and that you will abide by a code of ethics. You also have the option of earning your Certified Public Bookkeeper license by completing the online version of the Uniform Bookkeeper Certification Exam.

It is not necessary to have a certification in order to be a successful bookkeeper; nevertheless, having one might improve your chances of landing high-end customers. Because employers can be sure that certified bookkeepers have both the skills and the experience necessary for the job, some businesses will only hire certified candidates.

Jobs comparable to bookkeepers

If a career in the world of business and finance is something that piques your interest, there are many different paths you might take. Here are several occupations that are comparable to those of a bookkeeper:

1. Chartered Accountant

2. a clerk who handles accounts receivable

3. Auditor

4. Cost estimator

5. a person employed in accounting

6. Budget analyst

7. Officer of the loan

8. Tax examiner

9. Position of payroll clerk

10. Brokerage clerk

Frequently asked questions

What are the key distinctions between the roles of an accountant and a bookkeeper?

The preparation of key financial problems, such as taxes and tax returns, is one of the tasks that accountants assist their customers with. They are not involved with the day-to-day financial matters of their clients and, as a general rule, do not pay bills or submit receipts. Accountants are well versed in commercial law and are responsible for doing audits of financial accounts. Typically, certification in accounting is required for accountants, and they also need to have degrees in accounting or business. Bookkeepers, on the other hand, are responsible for managing the day-to-day financial transactions of their customers; nevertheless, the majority of bookkeepers are not obliged to fulfill the same educational or certification requirements.

What abilities do I need to be a bookkeeper?

Bookkeepers may benefit from having abilities in computer technology, organizing, and analysis. They utilize specialist computer software and systems everyday and must be able to adapt to new technologies. They need to be very well organized and attentive to detail in order to guarantee that the financial reports that they provide for their customers are correct and comprehensive. In addition to this, a bookkeeper has to be able to evaluate and make sense of a wide variety of various kinds of financial data. Bookkeepers that are successful also have strong communication skills, are trustworthy workers, and are fast learners.

What is a bookkeeper's work environment like?

Bookkeepers operate in a range of contexts. While some pursue their accounting careers on their own as freelancers, others work as members of accounting teams. Bookkeepers that are part of a larger team will often spend their days in an office, where they will sit in front of a computer and use accounting software. Bookkeepers who work on a contract basis have the flexibility to do their duties from their own homes or other places, provided they have access to a laptop or another kind of computer.

What types of tools do bookkeepers use?

Bookkeepers often do their work with the assistance of accounting software such as Quickbooks or Xero. Bookkeepers now have the ability, thanks to these software packages, to generate and submit financial papers that are up to the appropriate professional requirements. Bookkeepers maintain in touch with their customers in a variety of ways, including in-person meetings, phone calls, emails, and faxes. They are often responsible for scanning paper invoices or documents, then either uploading them to their program or storing them on a hard drive after they have been scanned.

How can independent bookkeepers get customers to work for?

You will need to publicize your services if you want to develop a customer base for your freelance bookkeeping business. You may distribute flyers, either digitally or physically, by posting them on online employment boards, publishing them in local periodicals, or posting them on community notice boards. You may also chat to your network of friends, family, or colleagues and ask them to suggest you to anybody they know who may require your services. This is another option for you. Bookkeepers who work on a contract basis have the option of forming partnerships with other bookkeepers and using the funds from those partnerships to launch their own bookkeeping businesses.