If you are interested in becoming an accounting bookkeeper, there are several things you should consider before deciding which professional to hire. Bookkeepers maintain financial records for businesses, including day-to-day transactions. They also perform general clerical duties, including reconciling accounts and posting financial transactions. The job requires extensive knowledge of accounting software. Having a thorough knowledge of accounting software will help you avoid errors and ensure that your books are in order.
A bookkeeper can perform the bookkeeping duties of an accountant, but is not typically as involved in the day-to-day financial affairs of a business. While an accountant will handle the more complex aspects of accounting, a bookkeeper may offer direct financial advice to businesses, such as answers to important financial questions. In fact, a bookkeeper can be an invaluable resource for new businesses and can be the go-to person for any financial questions you have. If you don’t have the resources to hire both, you might want to consider enlisting the services of an accountant to perform bookkeeping duties.
Another important characteristic that you should look for in a bookkeeper is a meticulous attention to detail. Making careless mistakes can lead to bigger problems later. A bookkeeper also needs to be able to multitask, as a typical work day may include juggling five or six smaller jobs. Aside from attention to detail, accountants should also have sharp logic and big-picture problem-solving skills. An accounting bookkeeper should have an excellent sense of organization, and should be able to work under tight deadlines.
The requirements to become an accounting bookkeeper differ depending on the employer. Some employers require a college degree or certification, while others do not. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a post-secondary certificate is required by the majority of states. Despite these requirements, a bookkeeper should possess good interpersonal and organizational skills. A background in accounting will also help him or her get through the learning curve. The average salary for an accounting bookkeeper is about $46,000 a year.
Once you have enough experience, you can advance to a senior bookkeeper position, which involves being a chief financial officer or even an accounting manager. Or, you can set up your own bookkeeping business, working with several different types of clients and setting your own hours. In either case, it is important to have good computer and bookkeeping skills. The benefits of becoming an accounting bookkeeper are endless. So, make sure to get started on your search by selecting from our 10+ templates.
An entry-level salary for an accounting bookkeeper is comparable to that of an accountant, and earning potential increases as you become more experienced. This profession also allows for a career change from bookkeeper to accountant. As the job requires close interaction with raw data, bookkeepers also develop a thorough understanding of business operations. The salaries of accounting bookkeepers are comparable to those of accountants. They can also make a career change after several years of experience.
