How to Become a Bookkeeper

Some of the basic duties of a bookkeeper include:

• Developing a company’s bookkeeping policies, procedures, and systems
• Managing cash flow
• Managing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll expenses, etc.
• Categorizing transactions correctly
• Preparing bank deposits
• Verifying receipts
• Delivering payments to the bank
• Creating financial statements including the balance sheet and income statement
• Preparing invoices
• Keeping track of overdue accounts
• Maintaining historical bookkeeping documentation
• Keeping business’s bookkeeping practices in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements

So let’s say you own your own bookkeeping company and you have a roster of 10 clients. One day you may fully dedicate to preparing invoices for some or all of your clients as well as dropping off their cash payments to the bank.

The next day you may take a meeting with a prospective client and, once hired, you would spend time planning the policies, procedures and systems you will use to track their transactions.

The next day you may focus on payroll and taxes for some of your clients. Since you have such a variety of tasks, you really never get bored and you absolutely love helping your clients’ businesses thrive.

1. No Prior Experience is Needed

You don’t need any prior experience or degree to begin your certification program – you could start towards a career in medical billing and coding in just 6 months.

2. In Demand Career

The role of a bookkeeper is a vital one as they are often the first ones to spot signs that a businesses is heading into financial trouble. Since all businesses, no matter the size, require someone to manage their finances, demand for these professionals is always very high and so job prospects are fantastic!

3. You’re Kind of Like a Hero

You are the person that ensures a company stays in the black, not the red. You are vital to the health of any organization, and in that way, can seem like a financial hero to a business owner.

4. You Can be Your Own Boss

If you’ve always wanted to be your own boss, this career easily lets you do just that. Of course, being your own boss means you can work from home and set your own hours. This is perfect for a parent with small children because you have an excellent work/life balance.

5. Add Value Within Your Organization

If you currently work for one particular organization and are looking for a way to instantly increase your value, becoming a certified bookkeeper is a great way to do it!

Our quiz could help you save time and money on a certification program from an authorized school or accredited university – and it takes less than a couple minutes to complete.

5 Things to Look for In A Certification Program

1. Find an online Bookkeeper program from an authorized school or accredited university

Training is the most important step to take toward this new and exciting career. But be sure you get that training from an authorized school or accredited university.

2. Look for a discount, no upfront payment, and a low monthly payment plan

Admittedly, these financial benefits are not always easy to find. That’s why OnlineDegree.com has made it our mission to help adult students get huge discounts toward their certification!

3. Make sure an externship placement is included

While an education is important, what will really set you apart from other candidates is some hands-on experience.

4. Look for an online, mentor supported course you can take at your own pace

Adult students lead busy lives, and online training programs allow them to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule!

5. Find out if textbooks are included in the cost of the program

Textbooks can be expensive! Make sure to find a program that doesn’t charge extra for books.

6. (Bonus!) Use our free quiz to find a certification program that meets all of this criteria 

We’ve done the research for you! Save time by using our healthcare quiz to get matched with the best certification programs. All programs meet this criteria and are chosen for you based on your career goals and life situation.

The median annual wage for bookkeepers was $41, 230 in May of 2019. This number is influenced by a variety of factors including education, certification, additional skills, and number of years on the job.

The industry also plays a part. For example, a bookkeeper working in the scientific and technical services industry can earn slightly more with a salary of $43, 540, as can a bookkeeper in the finance and insurance industry, earning a yearly salary of $42, 860.

For instance, technological advances and software innovations will automate some of the tasks performed by bookkeepers. This is actually an exciting prospect for bookkeepers because it frees them up to take on a more analytical and advisory role.

As an example, instead of spending hours manually entering data into a software system, bookkeepers will now be able to analyze their clients’ books and point out areas for efficiency gains. This makes their role even MORE valuable.

While job prospects may be good across the board, those candidates who have obtained certification should have the easiest time landing clients. Luckily we can connect you with authorized schools or accredited universities that offer this training!

Next, you’ll want to determine what setting you’d like to work in. Do you like the idea of being employed with one company, or would you rather head out on your own and be your own boss.

Both scenarios come with benefits and challenges, so spend some time determining what your overall career goals are.

Once you’ve determined your preferred work setting, your next step is to gain some critical hands-on experience before starting your job search. The good news is a quality certification program will include an externship so you can gain some hands-on experience!

Q: What Does a Bookkeeper Do Every Day?

A: A bookkeeper’s daily responsibilities will vary depending on the size and nature of the business (or clients) they work with. They will all typically process paperwork for a company’s transactions and import data into the company’s ledger accounts.

They may also:

• Processing vendors’ invoices
• Handle billing and accounts receivable
• Payroll processing
• Managing cash
• Reconciling account balances

Q: What is a Bookkeeper Certification?

A: This certification is a valuable asset to have as it shows prospective employers that you have the skills and knowledge to handle their important financial transactions. This certification will help you stand apart from the crowd and hopefully get your resume to the top of the pile!

Q: What Skills Will I Learn in Bookkeeper Training?

A: You will learn baseline accounting principles, bookkeeping and overall record keeping. A focus will be on not just HOW to keep accurate books but understand WHY it is so crucial. A study of QuickBooks accounting software will be included.

Q: What Are the Prerequisites for Enrollment in a Certificate Program?

A: The only requirement for enrollment in these programs is a high school diploma or equivalent.

So here’s what we recommend you do to get started: Take this quiz to see if you qualify for an online certification program from an authorized school or accredited university.

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A veterinary technician certification is required or preferred by most employers. Plus, taking a certification program could be the best way to get your foot in the door, build your network, get training, and work experience.

Take this quiz to see if you qualify for:

• 10% Off A Certification Program From An Authorized School or Accredited University
• An Externship For Real Work Experience
• $0 Upfront Tuition and Low Monthly Payments
• A FREE Laptop To Take The Course If You Don’t Have One
• No Extra Cost For Textbooks – All Included and Shipped To Your Door
• Online, Mentor Supported Courses You Can Take 24/7 At Your Own Pace

If you are ready to get started on an exciting and rewarding career helping businesses grow and thrive, then take this short quiz to get started toward your dream!