Is becoming a bookkeeper right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do bookkeepers do?
Career Satisfaction
Are bookkeepers happy with their careers?
Personality
What are bookkeepers like?

Still unsure if becoming a bookkeeper is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a bookkeeper or another similar career!

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How to become a Bookkeeper

Becoming a bookkeeper requires a combination of education, experience, and certification. To become a bookkeeper, there are several steps you can take:

  • Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent: Most bookkeeping positions require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED.
  • Develop relevant skills: Bookkeepers must have strong math skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work with financial data. Courses in accounting, bookkeeping, and business can help develop these skills.
  • Gain work experience: Many bookkeeping positions require prior experience working in a similar role. You can gain this experience by working as an accounting clerk, bookkeeping assistant, or similar entry-level positions.
  • Earn relevant certifications: While not always required, earning a certification such as the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) can help demonstrate your expertise and improve your job prospects.
  • Consider further education: While not always required, earning an Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or a related field can improve your job prospects and help you advance in your career.
  • Develop soft skills: In addition to technical skills, bookkeepers must also have strong communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
  • Keep up with industry trends: Bookkeeping practices and technology are constantly evolving, so it's important to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Certifications
Earning a certification can help demonstrate your expertise and improve your job prospects as a bookkeeper. It can also provide opportunities for professional development and advancement in your career. There are several certifications available for bookkeepers, including:

  • Certified Bookkeeper (CB) - Offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), the CB certification requires passing a four-part exam covering bookkeeping fundamentals, adjusting entries and error correction, payroll and depreciation, and internal controls and fraud prevention.
  • QuickBooks Certification - Offered by Intuit, the makers of QuickBooks accounting software, this certification demonstrates proficiency in using the software for bookkeeping and accounting tasks.
  • National Bookkeepers Association (NBA) Certification - This certification is offered by the NBA and covers bookkeeping and accounting fundamentals, financial statements, payroll, and taxes.
  • Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) - Offered by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), this certification requires passing an exam covering bookkeeping fundamentals, internal controls, and payroll and taxes.
  • Xero Certification - Offered by Xero, an accounting software company, this certification demonstrates proficiency in using the software for bookkeeping and accounting tasks.
  • Sage Certification - Offered by Sage, an accounting software company, this certification demonstrates proficiency in using the software for bookkeeping and accounting tasks.