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Bookkeeper Job Description Template | Sample

Bookkeeper Job Description Template | Sample

Updated November 14, 2023

A bookkeeper is an administrative professional who manages the daily financial records and transactions of a business or organization. They generate and manage data collected from payments, purchases, receipts, and sales. The job description advertises an opening for a bookkeeper with a specific business or organization. It will include the daily responsibilities for the position as well as any experience and educational requirements.

Salary (Median Pay)

For bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks.

  • Salary: $42,410/yr
  • Hourly Rate: $20.39/hr

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Accurately record all financial transactions;
  • Balance the general ledger;
  • Create and distribute invoices;
  • Create financial statements;
  • File tax returns;
  • Manage company accounts;
  • Manage staff payroll;
  • Monitor compliance with local accounting laws and regulations;
  • Post debits and credits; and
  • Track deviations from the budget.

Qualifications

  • Basic knowledge of accounting and best practices;
  • Data entry experience;
  • Familiarity with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP);
  • Familiarity with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS);
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Excel;
  • Knowledge of bookkeeping software is a plus (FreshBooks, Quickbooks, XERO, Wave, Zoho, etc.)
  • Precision, accuracy, efficiency, and attention to detail; and
  • Well-practiced organizational skills.

How to Become a Bookkeeper: Two (2) Options

While there is no degree or certification required to become a bookkeeper, there are formal certifications available that can be helpful both in finding full-time work and securing higher pay.

  1. American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)
    1. Participate in sixty (60) hours of continuing education every three (3) years;
    2. Pass the national exam; and
    3. Two years of full-time work experience.
  2. National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB)
    1. Participate in twenty-four (24) hours of continuing education every year;
    2. Pass tests for bookkeeping, payroll, small business accounting, and small business financial management;
    3. Pass the national exam;
    4. Sign a code of conduct; and
    5. Two-thousand (2,000) hours of related work experience.