How to Become a Bookkeeper FAST This Year (Step-by-Step)

Looking for an in-demand role with no experience required? Learn how to become a bookkeeper this year!

Bookkeeping might not sound like the fanciest career, but let me tell you – it’s a winner.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure for more info.

A bit of stability never hurt anyone. And bookkeeping is just about as stable as they come. Because bookkeepers are always in demand, they’re pretty much always guaranteed work.

Pretty luxurious, no?

Beyond reliability, bookkeeping is a truly flexible career path, with plenty of part-time and remote work opportunities for folks seeking that highly sought-after work-life balance (it’s real, trust me!).

In this post, I’m sharing all you need to know about how to become a bookkeeper including salary expectations, necessary skills, and step-by-step tips to get you started.

Related

How to become a bookkeeper: What you need to know

So you want to become a bookkeeper? Here’s what you ought to know before you start applying:

What is a bookkeeper?

A bookkeeper is in charge of recording and maintaining financial records for their clients.

Whether it be for a business or an organization, bookkeepers are often kept on retainer, working to maintain financial integrity for their employers.

Typically, their role includes:

Maintaining ledgers
Invoicing customers
Paying bills
Processing payroll
Ensuring legal compliance
Generating financial reports
Recording business transactions
Reconciling accounts

What’s the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?

Folks like to use the words accountant and bookkeeper interchangeably.

And while both bookkeepers and accountants work in financial management, their roles are totally different.

Accountants often require more specialized education, including a bachelor’s or advanced degree in a related field. For this reason, accountants earn larger salaries on average.

Bookkeepers focus on the nitty-gritty details, handling day-to-day financial records. Accountants work on a broader scope, providing more analysis and financial advice.

Necessary skills

Because bookkeepers oversee many moving pieces, organization skills are paramount in this position. You should be a great multi-tasker and skilled at maintaining a number of easily accessible records.

Bookkeeper roles often overlap with accounting, meaning you should have some basic accounting knowledge, including reporting standards and double-entry bookkeeping.

Strong math skills are a must, as well as thorough attention to detail.

You’ll also need a good understanding of different accounting software such as Quickbooks or Sage.

Other helpful skills include:

Strong time management
Quick problem-solving
Analytical skills
Strong interpersonal skills

Do you need a degree to become a bookkeeper?

You don’t need to have a degree to become a bookkeeper (though education in finance, accounting, or business administration is always a plus!).

As long as you have a high school diploma, you should be able to receive on-the-job training to begin bookkeeping.

Still, some certifications can earn you better career opportunities.

Consider becoming a Certified Bookkeeper (CB) to show potential clients your expertise and dedication to the role.

Salary expectations

According to Indeed, a bookkeeper makes an average of $45,537 per year or $22.33 per hour.

With more experience, additional certifications, or higher education, your earning potential will only grow.

Can I side hustle as a bookkeeper?

You can absolutely side hustle as a bookkeeper. One of the benefits of this position is that you can work freelance, meaning you decide how many clients you take on at one time.

This can be a lucrative side hustle, helping you add to your retirement, pay off debt, save for a vacation, or give you some extra spending money.

How to become a bookkeeper: 6 steps to success

If you’re convinced that bookkeeping is the career (or side hustle) for you, follow these steps to become a bookkeeper FAST:

1. Show your qualifications

Before you start applying for jobs, you’ll need to customize your resume and cover letter for the role.

Be sure to include any relevant experience you have in finance, including previous roles, education, and special certifications.

When sharing your skillset, mention the necessary skills in accounting software and the buzzwords we’ve shared above (i.e. attention to detail, organization, strong math skills, and tech literacy).

2. Seek experience

Beginner bookkeepers will likely start in an internship or entry-level position as they gain experience in the field.

Dive in as a clerk or bookkeeping assistant! You can find listings for these positions on job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Flex Jobs, and Glassdoor.

3. Hone your skills

The higher your experience and skills level, the higher your earning potential.

While becoming a certified bookkeeper isn’t crucial, this can unlock high-level bookkeeping positions.

Consider becoming a Certified Bookkeeper (American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers) or a Certified Public Bookkeeper (National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers).

Both certifications require that you have prior bookkeeping experience and pass a final exam.

4. Get networking

Becoming a certified bookkeeper opens more than just a few doors; it opens you up to a whole new realm of marketing opportunities.

Take advantage of networking events within these organizations. You never know how they could propel your career.

5. Pick a specialization

Advanced bookkeepers will often specialize and become “industry experts.” This can help you attract new clients and earn higher fees for your work.

Some standard specializations include:

Healthcare
Nonprofit
Hospitality
Retail
Construction
And more!

6. Start your own business

In truth, there’s no reason why you can’t fast-track this step. If you have the skillset and drive to run your own bookkeeping business, who’s stopping you?

Becoming an independent bookkeeper gives you even more job flexibility and higher earning potential in the long run.

How to become a bookkeeper: The bottom line

Becoming a bookkeeper can be a rewarding career option, earning you financial stability and tons of growth opportunities as you gain more and more experience.

It’s also an extremely accessible position for many, requiring just a high school diploma to get started in the field.

If you’ve been curious about the role, I highly recommend seeking bookkeeping opportunities, whether you’re just dipping your toe in part-time, or ready to take the finance world by storm.

You never know where this advantageous field could lead you!

How to Become a Bookkeeper FAST This Year (Step-by-Step)