It involves courses that cost anywhere from $1,500-$2,500, and there’s also the cost of certification exams, which can run $100-$500. However, a high school diploma or GED is necessary because you’ll learn the basic math and communication skills needed to work as a bookkeeper. A bookkeeping certification not only adds value to your skill set but also helps you stay on top of the latest trends and technological advances in the industry.

Someformal certifications include the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) and the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). Accountants and auditors are typically required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree (BLS, September 2022). After working in the field for at least a year, CPAs also need to take an exam.

Your accounting career options are broader than you think

That said, it is a self-paced course, so you can go as fast or slow as you’d like. Read more below to learn how to get a bookkeeping certificate or badge and how it can help you upgrade your career in the bookkeeping industry. Whether you want to start a bookkeeping business to make some extra cash to pay off debt, to save, or to one day quit your day job, research your options and how to get a job as a bookkeeper eventually get to work. Bookkeeping is one of our favorite side hustles because it’s flexible, pays well, and there are minimal requirements. You can also learn how to become a bookkeeper from the comfort of your home and have paying clients in just a few months (or less). A bookkeeper provides a critical role in the data collection and data input of a business’ accounting cycle.

However, they may be less likely to offer training or educational opportunities. As more people move to working from home, freelancing, or starting their own businesses, you may want to learn how to become a virtual bookkeeper. A virtual bookkeeper must meet the same educational requirements as an in-house or in-person bookkeeper. Therefore, you should consider the education opportunities discussed above. You may be able to get on-the-job training through a bookkeeping job that only requires a high school diploma, such as an internship or training placement.

How does this service work?

Whether you choose a self-taught method or prefer standard classes, you’ll need to learn the basic skills to enter the field of bookkeeping. Accounting courses, Quicken, MS Office, basic business law, and business communications will give you a solid foundation on which to build your career. The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers reports that graduates of its Certified Bookkeeper program have experienced career advancement.

Though having a two-year or four-year degree isn’t always required to be hired as a bookkeeper, some companies may prefer candidates who do. If you’re organized and enjoy working with numbers, a job as a bookkeeper could be a good fit. It’s a skill used in both large companies and small businesses, and bookkeepers are needed in just about every business and industry. Learn more about what bookkeepers do and how to get started in this career. The Talent Acquisition team is dedicated to connecting people with exciting career opportunities and partnership within Intuit.

Which Financial Reports Should I Look At As A Business Owner?

While the position is remote, applicants need to live close to one of the company’s physical locations. The company prides itself on creating a work-life balance for its employees and supporting employees’ personal and professional growth. They may be open to hiring a remote bookkeeper or on a consulting basis. If you’re ready to work from home as a bookkeeper, you can reach out to companies you might have worked with before.

Our cloud-based bookkeeping software solution is quick, efficient, and capable of saving you countless hours of administrative work. If you’re interested in an analytical, business-minded career, becoming a bookkeeper (especially a virtual bookkeeper) might be the right choice. And with no requirements for special certification and education, there are almost no downsides to seeing if it’s a good fit. Although you don’t need a bachelor’s degree, it can make you more competitive.

What to Look For in a Bookkeeper

Add in years of experience, benefits, and cost of living and it gets more expensive. Accountants can do those functions and also provide big-picture business financial reports, strategies, and insights. In addition, accountants can help you prepare and file business tax returns. A bookkeeper will enter data into your accounting software and ensure timeliness and accuracy. Hiring a bookkeeper help keep you financially fruitful, compliant and risk aware. But their services will also free up your time to focus on sales, marketing, employees, and other business priorities.

As mentioned above, while bookkeeping doesn’t require a college degree, it does entail a specific set of skills in order to meet the basic requirements for employment. As the professional landscape evolves and demand for bookkeepers fluctuates, it’s important to update your skills periodically. That way, you can take on real-world business challenges effectively and remain competitive in the job market.

While it’s not always necessary to have a degree, some companies will look for candidates with coursework in accounting. Many of the processes, policies, and procedures include detail-oriented tasks to ensure financial accuracy. Candidates must take a four-part multiple-choice test and agree to follow a code of conduct. Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

• Bookkeeping is a legitimate work-from-home job, but it can be hard to land your first client when you’re starting.
• A good bookkeeper will also use your accounting software to provide regular reporting.
• Each has an accompanying self-taught course that takes 11 to 13 weeks to complete.
• Featuring your credentials online means you can visually represent your skills and knowledge and potentially attract employers’ attention.
• Accountants can do those functions and also provide big-picture business financial reports, strategies, and insights.

Those who earn licensure through NACPB gain the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) title. Intuit is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal https://www.bookstime.com/articles/monthly-bookkeeping-checklist histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please talk with your recruiter or send a request to