Bookkeeping is the process of recording financial transactions, and it is essential for every business. In today’s world, businesses are looking for skilled bookkeepers who can keep their finances in order. If you are interested in becoming a professional bookkeeper, this article will guide you on the training you need and the resources you should be familiar with to work in this field.
Training and Certification:
To become a professional bookkeeper, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. A degree in accounting is not mandatory but can give you an added advantage. There are various courses that you can take to learn bookkeeping, such as a certificate in bookkeeping, an associate degree in accounting, or a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Certification is not mandatory to become a bookkeeper, but it can enhance your resume and give you a competitive edge in the job market. There are different levels of certification that you can achieve, such as professional bookkeeper (PB), certified bookkeeper (CB), certified public bookkeeper (CPB), and certified management accountant (CMA).
The professional bookkeeper is a certification available through Universal Accounting Center. Applicants need to complete about 60 hours of self-paced coursework and pass an exam to be certified.
The certified bookkeeper (CB) is a national certification offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). To achieve this certification, you need to have at least two years of bookkeeping experience, pass an exam, and adhere to a code of ethics.
The certified public bookkeeper (CPB) is a more advanced certification offered by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). For this certification, you need to have at least one year of bookkeeping experience, pass an exam, and adhere to a code of ethics.
The certified management accountant (CMA) is a globally recognized certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). This certification requires a bachelor’s degree, passing an exam, and at least two years of professional experience in management accounting.
Resources for bookkeepers
As a bookkeeper, you need to be familiar with various resources that can help you in your work. The most commonly used resource is accounting software. QuickBooks is one of the most popular accounting software used by small businesses. It can help you manage your financial transactions, create invoices, and generate financial reports.
Universal Accounting Center’s QuickBooks Online Bootcamp can get you the training you need to be a QuickBooks specialist in about 10 hours of coursework. Universal also offers training for those who haven’t worked in accounting before with a simple program called Color Accounting to help you learn the basics.
Other resources that you should be familiar with include Microsoft Excel, which can help you create spreadsheets to keep track of financial transactions. You should also be familiar with IRS tax forms and deadlines, as you will need to file taxes for your clients.
Benefits of working as a bookkeeper:
Working as a bookkeeper can be a fulfilling career. It can provide you with job stability and the opportunity to work in various industries. As a bookkeeper, you will have a better understanding of how businesses operate and be able to help them grow by providing financial insights. Additionally, you can work as a freelancer or start your own bookkeeping business, providing you with the flexibility to work on your own terms.
Becoming a professional bookkeeper requires some training and resources. You need to be familiar with accounting software, tax forms, and have a good understanding of financial transactions. Certification can enhance your resume and give you a competitive edge in the job market. Working as a bookkeeper can provide you with job stability, the opportunity to work in various industries, and the flexibility to work on your own terms.
Universal Accounting Center is committed to giving you what you need to be a successful bookkeeper. Call us today at 877-801-8080 or schedule a time to chat when it’s convenient for you to learn more.
