The program involves either self-teaching workbooks or an instructor-led online program to prepare you for the CB exam. Formal certifications include those offered by the NACPB and the AIPB. Bookkeepers are not required to have certifications or specific education unless required by a specific employer. So, a high school diploma or GED is typically enough to get started. Bookkeeping careers in 2025 remain accessible compared to most finance positions.
Bookkeeping Matchmaking Services
The landscape is changing for this profession by way of AI, machine learning, and automation so it’s beneficial if you gain knowledge of multiple software systems to adapt to these changes. Some employers prefer double-entry bookkeeping, while others prefer single-entry. Many people who work in this field will go on to work in advisory and analytical roles rather than clerical ones. These courses focus on bookkeeping fundamentals to help improve bookkeeping knowledge and skills.
FAQs about a bookkeeper’s earning potential
Submit your resume and include any credentials, specializations, and personal skills to showcase all that you know. With the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, you will need to have at least one year of experience working as a Bookkeeper before you can sit what are retained earnings for the exam. Certification is only necessary if your employer requires it, so you may be able to skip this step or become certified at a later date. When looking to work as a Bookkeeper, you’ll need to have at least a high school diploma in most cases.
The Job Hunt
- If you are serious about becoming a certified bookkeeper, I highly recommend taking the free online class the moms took FIRST to see if this profession is right for you.
- Cloud-based accounting software makes it easy to work from anywhere.
- The course is completely free to complete, though you’ll need to pay a small fee ranging from £25 to £45 for a copy of the certificate.
- Sharpen your ability to spot errors, track discrepancies, and maintain accurate financial records.
- In this online course, you can learn how to become a bookkeeper from home.
Working for free or at competitive prices is a great way to collect testimonials and get word-of-mouth referrals. Offering free services at lower prices to friends, family, or small businesses is also a good way to make your name in the community. While these opportunities are great for building technical skills, part-time opportunities and internships will help you develop workspace skills. Aside from that, there are plenty of free resources available online for you to get a clearer picture of what a bookkeeper does. If you like the idea of working from home, but are less thrilled about Payroll Taxes learning the language of accounting, becoming a virtual assistant might be worth a look. She also writes a bi-weekly Substack where she shares the ins and outs of her own bookkeeping business.
- You’ll also need a way to accept payments (PayPal, QuickBooks, and Stripe are popular options), conduct business communications, and keep clients’ information safe and secure.
- QuickBooks certification, for example, is especially valuable for virtual roles, as businesses rely heavily on this software.
- Some specific topics covered in the syllabus include the trial balance, types of business transactions, and ledger accounts.
- CPBs must renew their licenses annually and complete at least 24 hours of continuing professional education courses.
- Both certifications demonstrate expertise and professional commitment.
- I love this type of interview because you get to see two different perspectives on the same profession.
- Working as a part or full-time employee is another path, but it’s easier to pursue once you have some experience.
One of the best online classes you can have today is the Free 3-Class Series on virtual bookkeeping business. Occupying an administrative-type role, the work of a bookkeeper is not that complicated. If your career goals include offering bookkeeping services either for yourself or another firm, bookkeeping can be a rewarding career with many flexible options. Some benefits of the career path include plenty of remote work possibilities and the ability to work in a wide range of industries. If you’re a bookkeeper or accountant new to FreshBooks, joining the free Partner Program is the fastest way to learn the software and get access to the FreshBooks Accounting Certification.
- But focusing on one area of the field can develop expertise that might lead to new opportunities in that niche.
- This is a very detail-oriented and important role, but it doesn’t require a college degree.
- If you have the drive and want opportunities, Upwork is a great place to connect with clients.
- You might simultaneously authorize charges and record entries due to limited staff.
- A bookkeeping certification is not mandatory, but it can help you stand out from the competition.
How to Become a Bookkeeper: Complete Career Guide for 2025
In this article, I will show you how to become a bookkeeper with no experience from home. This can be a lucrative side hustle, helping you add to your retirement, pay off debt, save for a vacation, or give you some extra spending money. According to Indeed, a bookkeeper makes an average of $45,537 per year or $22.33 per hour. Consider becoming a Certified Bookkeeper (CB) to show potential clients your expertise and dedication to the role. Folks like to use the words accountant and bookkeeper interchangeably. Bookkeeping might not sound like the fanciest career, but let me tell you – it’s a winner.
- Create your profile, connect with professionals, and join sub-communities based on your career stage.
- “You’re really talking about people’s livelihoods here,” Kate explained.
- To maintain certification, you need to earn at least 60 continuing education credits every three years.
- You get full control of where you want to bring yourself in your desired career path.
- Bookkeeping is a legitimate work-from-home job, but it can be hard to land your first client when you’re starting.
- While these opportunities are great for building technical skills, part-time opportunities and internships will help you develop workspace skills.