Bookkeeper Job Description, Skills, Experience and Education

Good bookkeeping practices are essential for a business to succeed, especially when it comes to the tax-paying season. One way to think about it is that bookkeepers lay the groundwork for accountants to analyze and prepare financial statements. Usually, the entry-level salary for both bookkeepers and accountants tends to be similar; however, the earning potential of an accountant tends to increase as their career progress. It is not uncommon for an experienced bookkeeper to make a career transition into accounting or another profession. As bookkeepers work closely with raw data, they tend to develop a good understanding of how a business works. Danielle Bauter is a writer for the Accounting division of Fit Small Business.

Two popular options are certifications and/or licenses available through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers. Other options include online and traditional college courses and accounting software certification programs. You can also become certified through local or online college courses or specialize in particular accounting software. We have evaluated each of these programs to help you determine the best one for you.

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You can include this in your email signatures, on business cards, social media sites, and all of your marketing materials to promote your achievement. Once you have successfully met all certification requirements, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, and you also can put the letters “CB,” which stands for certified bookkeeper, after your name. You can then use this in your email signature, on your business cards, social media sites, and other marketing materials. This will let potential clients know that you’re qualified, which will generate new leads and allow you to negotiate higher billing rates.

• The bookkeeper is generally responsible for overseeing the first six steps of the Accounting Cycle, while the last two are typically taken care of by an accountant.
• This includes ensuring that taxes are paid on time, evaluating their operations to recommend best practices, and strategizing solutions, so everything runs smoothly.
• The primary purpose of becoming a certified bookkeeper is to enhance your credibility.
• Once you have successfully met all certification requirements, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, and you also can put the letters “CB,” which stands for certified bookkeeper, after your name.

For more information, read our article about how to become certified as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. There are several additional bookkeeper courses and certification programs that will provide certification. One benefit to this type of study is that you’ll have access to instructors while you learn.

Difference Between Bookkeeper and Accountant

statement of retained earningsing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

You can take online and in-person courses to achieve the required CPE credits each year. You can also continue your professional education with NACPB CPE courses in bookkeeping, payroll, QuickBooks, accounting, accounting analysis, tax, and business communication. Two of these courses—Bookkeeping with QuickBooks Online and Payroll with QuickBooks Online Payroll—are free for NACPB members. The Accounting with QuickBooks Online Accountant course is free to pro members.

Bookkeeping Specialist Job Description Template

Alternatively, you can locate a suitable online or traditional college course that will provide you with certification along with a thorough bookkeeping education. If you’re an efficient bookkeeper, you may want to focus on one particular accounting software program. The right certification for you’ll depend on your level of education and experience, your need for credibility, time and financial resources, and the type of accounting software you wish to specialize in.

You can also network, with exclusive access to Zoho’s partner portal and events that are conducted worldwide. If you have more work experience than you do education as a bookkeeper or accountant, then you should apply for your license through the work experience path. This means that you must have at least two years of experience working as a bookkeeper or accountant. Training is also available through NACPB, which includes free bookkeeper webinars, courses, and videos. Other free resources include bookkeeper news and updates, a dictionary of terms, and a bookkeeper support video knowledge base. Debit, credit, and total accounts on computer spreadsheets and databases, using specialized accounting software.

Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. Administrative — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology. Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Although you won’t earn a more general bookkeeping certification, you’ll receive access to free resources such as software, tech support, and a free listing in member directories. QuickBooks ProAdvisors will also be able to use a certification badge on all marketing materials. There are many benefits that come with this program, such as a ProAdvisor certification badge that you can include on marketing materials like your business cards and website. In addition, you’ll be listed on the Find-a-ProAdvisor website so that small businesses that need to hire a QuickBooks Pro can find you. If you’re interested in learning more, read our article about how to become a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. The four-course Bookkeeping Specialization program is offered by UCLA Extension.

To achieve certification, you must complete a four-hour certification course. Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data. Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

It’s designed for experienced bookkeepers as well as office managers or those who are looking to make the transition to a career in bookkeeping or accounting. While this course is offered by UCLA, which is located in Westwood, California, classes are offered both online and in-person. It’s important to first assess your current level of education when deciding how to become a certified bookkeeper. Two goals of your education should be to learn the skills to become a competent bookkeeper and meet the education requirements of the certification program.

• As bookkeepers work closely with raw data, they tend to develop a good understanding of how a business works.
• This exciting new initiative focuses on beginning educational awareness at the earliest years.
• We are looking for an organized and detail-oriented Accounting Specialist who will analyze financial information, maintain complete records while adhering to the strict standards of our organization.
• A. The Accounting Services Course includes, in addition to all content of the Bookkeeping Course, additional education on tax and payroll processing.
• You’ll receive free access to the Zoho Books premium plan and a dedicated account manager who’ll serve as a single point of contact.

Accounting Specialists make sure that invoices are paid and other accounting tasks are completed for an organization. They also keep accurate accounts payable and receivable records to ensure no one is left out in the cold when it comes time for payment, along with other accounting responsibilities. An Accounting Specialist is a financial professional who manages all forms of financial accounts within an organization.

There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. Classify, record, and summarize numerical and financial data to compile and keep financial records, using journals and ledgers or computers.

Online and traditional college courses differ in terms of their requirements for education and experience. It’s important to examine the details for each to determine if the program fits your individual needs. This is a self-paced program that requires discipline to study and learn the course material on your own. If you thrive in this type of environment, then you’ll enjoy the flexibility of learning on your own time. The coursework includes exercises and quizzes to ensure that you have mastered the material.