Unlocking the Path to a Successful Career in Bookkeeping

Thinking about a new job without needing college education? How about becoming a bookkeeper? It pays pretty well, averaging $58,000 annually in the U.S., and even going above $100,000 for top earners. Best of all, more and more of these jobs are remote, letting you work from the comfort of home.

So, what does a bookkeeper do, and what does it take to become one? Let’s dig in.

Bookkeepers manage everyday financial tasks. This includes handling payroll, keeping track of receipts and invoices, resolving discrepancies, and managing financial records. They’re sometimes referred to as accounting clerks.

Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t this what accountants do?” Well, no. Accountants mainly handle taxes, provide tax-related advice, and make sure everything is legally sound. They are more analytical and require additional experience and knowledge than bookkeepers. Often, accountants rely on data prepared by bookkeepers for their tasks.

Becoming a bookkeeper doesn’t need an official certification. Having a high school diploma can often be enough. However, depending on the company and the role, some experience or an associate degree might be needed. Many companies like interns to gain experience, even straight out of high school or college.

Don’t have the experience? Don’t worry. Many companies offer on-job training. So getting into bookkeeping can be seen as one of the best entry-level work from home jobs. Once you have around two years of experience, you might consider getting certified by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). Although not a requirement to get started, it can open more doors for you or help increase your income.

You can become a freelance bookkeeper as well. Freelancer bookkeepers usually earn more and have flexible schedules. You should have your skills honed before taking on clients as a freelancer. As for finding clients, you can use job boards like Indeed, AccountantList, or even Craigslist. You could also set up your own website to attract clients.

So, if you’re interested in a career with great income potential, high demand, low education requirements, and the chance to work from home, consider bookkeeping. Either look for job openings or start your own freelance bookkeeping business. It might be the career choice you’ve been looking for.