While it’s not always necessary to have a degree, some companies will look for candidates with coursework in accounting. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), https://www.facebook.com/BooksTimeInc/ the median salary for bookkeepers in the US is $45,860 per year as of 2021 1. You can sometimes choose between full-time and part-time positions, and you may go to work in an office or work from home. While single-entry bookkeeping is simpler, double-entry is more thorough and less likely to produce errors.

What is bookkeeping?

A big part of the job is knowing accounting terms, having the right skills, and having the right level of education. Touch typing is a distinct advantage that will save you time in the long run. If you need help getting used to new software updates or changes in technology, or if you can’t learn these skills quickly, you might have trouble with the role being offered. Every transaction should affect at least two accounts and be recorded using debits and credits as needed. When you use the single-entry system, you don’t need to have had any formal accounting training before. The single-entry method best suits sole proprietorships and small private businesses that do not purchase or sell on credit, own very few tangible assets and keep a limited inventory.

How to hire a bookkeeper: Tips and key considerations to find the best fit

Knowing this gives helpful insight into what they can handle so you can take full advantage of their services. You might also want to think about what you really need as a business to see if their services are in line with your needs. You can also ask friends or colleagues who have utilized bookkeepers for their businesses. Recruiters are also an option, but word of mouth is often cited as the most trustworthy way of figuring out if a professional is qualified and will perform to your standards.

• The Intuit Tax and Bookkeeping Talent Community is a great place to find remote bookkeeping jobs and access training material.
• You can get a certificate in bookkeeping by going to college or university or by taking part in a professional program that has been approved.
• Both credentials require you to complete a four-part exam, but the scope varies.
• If you’re a detail-oriented individual who enjoys working with numbers, then you might consider a career as a bookkeeper.
• For example, if you have an accounting degree, you can pursue payroll accountant or staff accountant positions.
• The accrual basis is a better way to keep track of money than the double-entry system.
• Bookkeeper Launch equips you with comprehensive bookkeeping and business skills so that you can succeed in this career path.

Save time with verified expertise for your books

What’s more, a bookkeeping certification will help you hone your skills and provide more in-depth job training. This also provides a competitive advantage for bookkeepers beginning their careers. If you’re looking online for bookkeeping certifications, you’ve probably already run into information about accounting programs. While there are similarities between bookkeeping vs. accounting, these two fields are not the same.

Individuals who are successful bookkeeping professionals are highly is being a bookkeeper hard organized, can balance ledgers accurately, have an eye for detail and are excellent communicators. Since bookkeeping is a more straightforward process than accounting, it is something that many people can (and do) opt to take care of themselves. If you opt to pursue certification through a college or university, check with your chosen school’s admissions office to verify the length of the program.

A client’s financial activities will include all transactions related to their income and expenses and a bookkeeper is responsible for recording all of these transactions accurately. Some bookkeepers may also have to facilitate financial transactions and ensure  transactions are legally compliant. 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.

• They provide bookkeeping certifications and training, which can officially make you a Certified Bookkeeper.
• A graduate degree can also help prepare you for the certified public accountant (CPA) credential from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
• It all depends on what kind of clients you have and how messy or organized their books are when they hand them over to you.
• However, some bookkeepers can earn less (around $37,000) or more ($50,000 and above) depending on their bookkeeping skills, experience, location, niche, and the quality of their clients.
• The size and scope of a business will determine whether the company needs a part-time bookkeeper, full-time specialist bookkeeper, or an entire accounting department.

If you become a QuickBooks Live bookkeeper, https://www.bookstime.com/ you can work from home based upon an agreed schedule at a set hourly rate based on your location, interview, and experience level. Most remote QuickBooks Live bookkeepers work from home which means you need a reliable hard-wired internet connection and a landline phone. Intuit will provide a laptop with all the technology and software required to meet your responsibilities. Intuit will also provide a webcam, headset, USB hub, Ethernet cable, backdrop, and VPN token.