In my opinion, doing bookkeeping and accounting is a very, very important role in a business and it’s not something to be taken lightly, because you are dealing with that business owner’s finances. It affects whether they’re able to make good decisions for their business based on the financial reports that you are working on. Again, all based on the financial data that they are getting out of their accounting system.

The steps to becoming a certified bookkeeper will depend on which certification you choose and how much bookkeeping experience you already have. Bookkeeper certification proves to employers and clients that you have mastered necessary bookkeeper skills and hold the knowledge to be a successful bookkeeper. Bookkeeping also involves organizing and reporting a company’s financial transactions in such a way that the business administration can make https://www.bookstime.com/articles/how-to-become-a-bookkeeper informed decisions about how to use its capital. A skilled bookkeeper can present data clearly and can also assist with analysis. It is also possible to obtain a bookkeeper certification, though it typically requires that a person have at least two years of experience in the role before the certification can be completed. A certification test will encompass all of the skill areas in which a practicing bookkeeper is likely to be involved.

Required Education for a Bookkeeper

A number of colleges and universities offer online and in-person training and certificate programs to become a professional bookkeeper. Search online for “college bookkeeping classes near me” or “online college bookkeeping classes” to find available programs. Completing a course can increase your knowledge of bookkeeping, but to prepare for a career, go for the certification so you can obtain the license. You’ll have the CPB credential to add to your credibility as you pursue jobs or start your own virtual bookkeeping business.

If you are interested in becoming an accountant, it may be beneficial to your career to become a certified public accountant (CPA), which has its own exam. You must have a minimum of 150 postsecondary education hours, or what amounts to a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and an additional 30 hours of graduate work. First, let’s look at the differences between an accountant and a bookkeeper. While the titles are at times used interchangeably, and there is often some overlap of job duties, the two have distinct responsibilities and often varying levels of education. Bookkeepers generally handle daily record maintenance and reconciliation of bills, statements, and invoices.

Macon State College

If you run a small business, you might have trouble with a complicated bookkeeping system that was made for bigger companies. On the other hand, more rigorous bookkeeping approaches are needed for large corporations. At Goodwin College, students have the option to take bookkeeping classes at an accelerated pace and complete their degree in half of the typical timeframe. Wade Lindenberger is a CPA with over 20 years of financial accounting and management experience in public accounting and private industry. He is currently Director of Finance and Administration for New Children’s Museum.

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