How to Become a Bookkeeper

Did you know that you can learn how to become a bookkeeper in less than one year with no experience? This makes bookkeeping a popular choice for those without degrees or those ready for a career change. As a bookkeeper, your income level may vary based on your location, experience and employer. If you work in a competitive job market, certification can give you a leg up when discussing salary potential with prospective employers.

Customers schedule an appointment to have a bookkeeper review their transactions, and  multiple schedules are available to choose from. You will have access to a client management portal, and can communicate with customers through video conferencing and messaging. If you’re interested in being a freelance virtual bookkeeper, you can sign up for freelance marketplace websites to connect with potential clients.

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This free course gives you all the basic knowledge you need to become the boss of your own bookkeeping business. Cultivate your desire to learn new things because there’s always something new to discover and learn. The accounting industry is always evolving, and you must roll with the changes if you want to stay in business. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average bookkeeper salary per year is around $40,000 ($19 per hour).

And handing them off to a family member who isn't equipped to handle it isn't better. Define where you want to be on the responsibility-accountability scale. Others decidedly want to dramatically lower or eschew those job characteristics. Running a significant book of business is a different matter than working a few hours a week at a local brewery or a retail outlet.

What’s the Time Commitment for a Bookkeeping Certification?

They may not always be actively looking for one, but at some point, they’ll need someone to manage their financial statements. Certification candidates can retake exams as many times as needed. Professionals retaking the CB exam must complete a 30-day waiting period. Professionals looking to brush up on bookkeeping fundamentals can enroll in this introductory course from edX. Free, self-paced, and designed for part-time completion in six weeks, edX's course covers topics including banking processes, payroll, ledger accounts, and reconciliations.

The AIPB requires candidates to have two years (or 3,000 hours) of work experience before they seek certification. Maybe you enjoy the idea of being your own boss, or you’re still wondering if it’s for you. You can take this exam from anywhere, as long as you have a reliable internet connection. One organization to look into is The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. They provide bookkeeping certifications and training, which can officially make you a Certified Bookkeeper.

How to Start a Bookkeeping Business in…

However, becoming a certified bookkeeper will open up more opportunities for individuals. The primary task of a bookkeeper is to keep a track of the financial transactions of should i become a bookkeeper a business and generate relevant and accurate reports. These reports help the accountants, as well as the business owners, understand the financial position of the business.