How to Become a Bookkeeper A Complete Guide

Specializing in a career field can help to set you apart and lead to career stability and longevity. You may also be expected to take on more advisory and analytical roles as bookkeeping becomes more automated. Managing the general ledger is part of your daily responsibilities as a bookkeeper. You may determine if any payments are due, submit them, and record them in the financial ledger.

Self-taught bookkeepers use a variety of courses, seminars, books, and other online resources to learn about bookkeeping and accounting. You can also learn how to use accounting software, like QuickBooks, which can teach you about the basics of bookkeeping as well as the technology used by many businesses. Some bookkeepers, especially those with bachelor’s degrees in accounting, may decide to become certified public accountants (CPAs). CPAs have similar job responsibilities to bookkeepers, but must also analyze data, suggest best practices, and make predictions. Professionals who are not interested in leadership may also prefer bookkeeping jobs over accounting roles. Bookkeepers focus on day-to-day transactions and operations, whereas accountants are called on to provide financial advice and strategy recommendations.

Liabilities and Equity in Accounting

Effective communication is essential for recording those daily transactions. The median annual salary for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks was $28,570 in 2004, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. An aptitude for mathematics and the ability to concentrate on detail are basic requirements. Once on the job, a bookkeeper with some business education beyond high school will have a better chance for advancement.

In Marketing Management and a background in digital marketing for healthcare, nonprofit, and higher education organizations. The first step to becoming a CB or CPB is making the decision to do so. Earning your credential is going to take time, effort and patience, but the career advantages you’ll gain are well worth the effort. To become a CB, AIPB asks for a registration fee of $25 for members and $60 for nonmembers. The organization also offers one-, two-, and three-year memberships at discounted prices. To maintain the CB credential, you must fulfill 60 continuing education credits every three years.

How Can You Prepare for the CPB Exam?

Test-takers complete their exam on a computer and receive a printout of their final score before leaving the center. Candidates for CPB licensure need to demonstrate a minimum of one year or 2,000 hours of bookkeeping or accounting experience. Employers or clients must fill out a form attesting to the candidate’s work. Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level. Moreover, both the CB and CPB credentials are respected in the bookkeeping field and can help you stand out to employers.

Auditing clerks check records posted by other workers to make certain they are correct. Bookkeepers keep financial records that track a company’s expenditures, profit and loss, cash flow, and other financial activities. Bookkeepers usually work for the accounting departments of their companies. Bookkeepers employ database and spreadsheet computer programs to do their record keeping. If you’re interested in becoming a QuickBooks Live bookkeeper, Intuit can provide you with the tools necessary to learn bookkeeping and accounting skills and get certified. Get started by signing up for the Intuit Bookkeeping Certification program today.

Flexible Work that Works: Revolutionizing Tax and Bookkeeping Careers with Intuit

Bookkeeping is a great place to start if you’re hoping for a way to break into the finance industry. There are many bookkeeping job opportunities and generally fewer education requirements than in other finance and accounting positions. The AIPB and NACPB also provide resources about how to become a bookkeeper, as well as suggestions that might make you more competitive in your search. For instance, you may decide to pursue additional licenses or certifications.

As a bookkeeper, you will verify and balance receipts, keep track of cash drawers, and check sales records. Bookkeepers also deposit money, cash checks, and ensure correct credit card transactions. Bookkeepers seeking the CPB license must complete all portions of the exam online.

Still, you should see 197,600 job openings each year over the next decade [3]. You may handle payroll functions as a bookkeeper, keep tax withholding records, and issue paychecks or send information to a contracted payroll service. Depending on the organization’s size, keeping track of business expenses and reconciling professional bookkeepers business statements may be your responsibility. Bookkeepers play a vital role in the business accounting cycle by collecting and inputting data. As a detail-oriented professional, you would play a crucial role in the organization and growth of companies from small businesses to major corporations.