8 Steps to Becoming an Accredited Bookkeeper

Every business requires a bookkeeper. For small businesses, proprietors themselves act as bookkeepers. But, for large businesses, you need a more skilled, especially dedicated bookkeeper. If you run a company or mid-range industry, you will have to employ a staff of bookkeepers.

Who are the bookkeepers?

What do they do?

And, how can you be one?

In this article, I answered all these questions and discussed steps to becoming an accredited bookkeeper.

Let’s explore:

Who Is a Bookkeeper?

Bookkeepers keep track of financial records for businesses, organizations and companies. Bookkeepers are tasked with tracking all the money invested in a business. By keeping accounts, bookkeepers determine whether the business is making a profit.

What Does a Bookkeeper Do?

Bookkeepers handle a number of tasks. They are responsible for managing payroll, handling loans and preparing tax returns.

Here’s what a bookkeeper usually does:

· A bookkeeper handles all financial statements, including debts, expenditures, accounts payable, and receivable, receipts and profits

· A bookkeeper makes sure financial statements are audited and updated on a regular basis

· A bookkeeper is a traveler who may have to work for multiple concerns

· Most importantly, a bookkeeper keeps track of all financial accounts for companies

How can you become a bookkeeper?

Lucrative salary, tricks with numbers and a range of managerial tasks keep attracting many young people to this profession. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median salary for bookkeepers, accounting, and auditing clerks was $37,259 in May 2016.

8 Steps to Becoming a Bookkeeper

Step One

· Start Early from High School

If you want to be an accountant, you may start growing a dream of becoming one as early as possible. If your school offers relevant classes, take them. Basic classes will educate you on basic principles of bookkeeping. You may also learn how to use accounting software. Office skills, classes in keyboarding, math are also important.

Step Two

· Enroll in a college and earn an associate’s degree in accounting or bookkeeping

Some bookkeepers start learning about things on the job. There are companies that offer training to prepare their bookkeepers as they please. But, expecting it from every management will hamper your possibility in getting a job. So, acquire at least two years of higher education associated with bookkeeping. It is required by almost all employers.

Step Three

· Enroll in computer school to increase your efficiency in accounting software. Nowadays companies require proficiency in accounting software applications like QuickBooks. Moreover, you will need to proficient in keyboarding and using a 10-key number pad.

Step Four

· Get in an internship program as a bookkeeper with a local business. It will help you gain experience. Combining your internship with a degree, you can make your resume´ robust. Internship program will also help you find an area suitable for your interest.

Step Five

· Take an entry-level job no matter how small the salary is. An entry level job will help you heaps. You may be given a job as a clerk, but there is no shame in working as a clerk first. As you will gain experience, you will be given more responsibilities and tasks to perform.

Step Six

· The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers is a reputable institution. Earning a certification from it will make you look more qualified. So, consider earning a certification from it. If you are a certified accountant, employers will feel assured that you are qualified.

Step Seven

· Gain as much work experience you can. When the opportunity arrives, make sure you cling on to it. To qualify, you will need at least 2 years of work. You may also need to pass a written exam.

Step Eight

· Be a habitual student for life. The more skills you acquire, the more you will be sought after by employers. As the majority of businesses report the lack of skilled accountants, keep learning. You may think of going back to school and finish your bachelor’s in accounting.

Summary

What else does it take to become a bookkeeper? Not much, you only need to be able to count and record fast. Follow the eight steps listed above to become a qualified bookkeeper.