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