How to Become a Bookkeeper

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Bookkeeping is very important for all businesses and companies. It is keeping record of all financial transactions and the key to running a successful organization. Bookkeepers are responsible for recording and maintaining every day financial transactions of businesses and companies.

What does a bookkeeper do?

Bookkeepers keep record of all financial transactions of an organization, including purchases, sales, payments, and income. They are typically responsible for writing daybooks that consist of all the records and receipts. They make sure every transaction is recorded correctly into the right daybook or ledger. Bookkeepers are usually in charge of all the books of a company or organization. They create financial statements and prepare summaries and reports for managers and supervisors to review. They also organize bank deposits by collecting data from cashiers, confirming and balancing receipts, and sending payment to the bank. Some bookkeepers carry out payroll tasks, prepare invoices, make purchases, and keep track of overdue accounts.

Bookkeepers often use databases, spreadsheets, and specialized accounting software. They enter information from bills or receipts into computer programs to store the information on the computer of print out documents.

What kind of training does a bookkeeper need?

Bookkeepers must have at least a high school diploma and some coursework in accounting or related work experience. Many positions require bookkeepers to have an associate degree in accounting or business. Some bookkeepers have bachelor degrees and accept bookkeeping positions with hopes to advance in the accounting or finance field. Most employers provide on the job training where new bookkeepers learn the procedures of the company.

Many bookkeepers become certified. The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers offers the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation. Certification requirements include a minimum of 2 years bookkeeping experience, adhering to the code of ethics, and passing a written examination.

What are the prospects for a career as a bookkeeper?

Employment of bookkeepers is expected to grow as fast as average for all professions, increasing 12% from 2006 to 2016 (1). Economic growth and the increase in financial transactions by companies and organizations will drive job growth.

Job prospects should be good, especially for bookkeepers that can perform a broad range of tasks and those who are certified and have extensive experience. Job openings will also arise from the need to replace bookkeepers that retire, transfer, or leave the field for other reasons.

How much do bookkeepers make?

As of September 2009, the middle 50% of bookkeepers earned annual salaries between $32,774 and $42,560. The highest 10% earned annual salaries of more than $47,214(2).

A career as a bookkeeper is an excellent choice for individuals with a strong aptitude for numbers and interested in managing financial transactions for companies and organizations. Bookkeepers must be able to efficiently use computer software. They must be detail-oriented, orderly, careful, and be able to avoid errors and identify errors made by other people. Great communication, trustworthiness, and discreetness are also necessary traits.

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