How to Become a Bookkeeper?
It is not mandatory to be a certified bookkeeper. However, an accredited bookkeeper has the necessary skills to effectively manage companies' books of accounts. Moreover, it also adds a credential to your list of professional accomplishments.
Some individuals learn bookkeeping skills on the job. However, seeking further education to become an experienced bookkeeper is always helpful.
As a bookkeeper, you are responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and handling all the accounting processes for a business.
Some employers may require you to have only a high school diploma or certificate level for an entry-level bookkeeping position. However, most employers expect you to have additional education and some work experience.
Hence, to advance your career as a bookkeeper, you can consider the following:
Obtain a Degree
Many bookkeeping jobs only require a high school diploma, but some employers need candidates to have an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree.
There are a host of programs available in the field of business administration and accounting.
Associate Degree in Accounting
An associate degree in accounting is a two-year degree that helps candidates to begin their careers in accounting.
Community colleges, technical colleges, universities, and online programs offer this degree. The common types of associate degrees in accounting include an Associate of Science (AS) in Accounting and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting.
An associate degree provides foundational knowledge to prepare candidates for entry-level jobs in the industry.
Jobs For Associate Degree Candidates
An Associate Degree in Accounting is the foundational step toward attaining higher degrees, including a bachelor's or masters. However, this degree does not prepare students to take up an accounting license program like a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination.
Therefore, candidates having an associate degree in accounting may take up entry-level positions. These include:
- Bookkeeper
- Accounting Assistant
- Administrative Assistant
- Payroll Clerk
- Auditing Clerk
- Tax Preparer
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting can provide you with the fundamental knowledge for advising businesses, individuals, and organizations in financial and accounting matters. It is the minimum degree required for accounting license programs such as a CPA examination.
The following are the options for a bachelor’s degree in accounting:
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BS)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Arts in Accounting (BA)
Undertake Training
Most employers prefer hiring bookkeepers who possess a proper degree. However, some employers hire candidates with just a high-school diploma and prefer training them on the job.
Training in bookkeeping involves:
- Double-entry bookkeeping
- Online accounting software
- Managing payroll
- Accounts payable and accounts receivable
- Learning hard skills like analytics
- Technology skills
- Functional accounting and finance skills
- Leadership or management training
- Soft skills like writing negotiations and presentation