While more education is always a bonus, many successful freelance bookkeepers start right out of secondary school. If you opt to pursue certification through a college or university, check with your chosen school’s admissions office to verify the length of the program. Some programs are asynchronous, meaning you’ll pace yourself throughout the course, and you don’t have to log in at any particular time.

• These include certifications in bookkeeping, payroll, QuickBooks Online and accounting.
• Her purpose is to empower entrepreneurs with the tools to make the best decisions for their business.
• Two of these courses—Bookkeeping with QuickBooks Online and Payroll with QuickBooks Online Payroll—are free for NACPB members.
• Learn how to work through the phases of the accounting cycle to produce key financial statements.
• Bookkeepers are administrators first and foremost and are responsible for updating and maintaining financial transactions and reports.
• You can then use this in your email signature and on your business cards, social media profiles, and other marketing materials.

Questions About Bookkeeping Careers

• Experienced bookkeepers, on the other hand, may not see a significant return on investment.
• She is a mother of two, a coffee lover, and a book-reading, beach-loving mindset enthusiast.
• Parts 1 and 2 must be taken at a testing center and parts 3 and 4 are “take-home” exams that you can complete at your own pace and mail to the AIPB for grading.
• They typically manage a company’s financial accounts and maintain accurate records.
• Once candidates are hired as employees, they will be provided with training assignments and other resources that prepare them for their positions.

Once the courses have been completed, you are eligible to take the certification exam. Upon passing the exam, you’ll receive the Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Professional Certification. Once you are certified, Intuit’s program doesn’t offer any additional benefits, and no membership is required. The organization offers both a bookkeeper license program and a bookkeeper certification.

Intuit Talent Acquisition

Becoming a certified bookkeeper enhances your credibility and increases your earning potential. Pay attention to the job description to identify which jobs are remote bookkeeping jobs and which are in-house. Simply put, bookkeepers are responsible for all financial activity and oversight of a business.

How to Become a Certified Bookkeeper in 4 Steps

Intuit provides its employees with supplemental learning materials after training has been completed to assist employees in developing their skills. Customers schedule an appointment to have a bookkeeper review their transactions, and  multiple schedules are available to choose from. You will have access to a client management portal, and can communicate with customers through video conferencing and messaging. If you’re interested in being a freelance virtual bookkeeper, you can sign up for freelance marketplace websites to connect with potential clients.

How Much Does a Bookkeeping Certification Cost?

These will help prove your expertise in specific bookkeeping and accounting software to clients. The good news is that you can do bookkeeping training from the comfort of your home. There are a lot of cheap bookkeeping courses online and a lot of free content too. You can find bookkeeping courses on standard bookkeeping work tools like bookkeeping software and financial reports.

Why did you become a bookkeeper? What initially interested you about the field?

This guide focuses on CB and CPB credentials, which have the same requirements in all states. Each certifying body sets its eligibility requirements, which may vary by country for globally recognized credentials. Bookkeeping doesn’t require certification to practice, meaning you can teach yourself and start right away if you’re confident. However, qualified bookkeeper more knowledge is always an asset, and a bookkeeping certificate can make your resume look more attractive, potentially helping you to gain clients. Although you don’t need a bachelor’s degree, it can make you more competitive. Only 12% of entry-level bookkeepers have a bachelor’s degree, so having one is an easy way to gain an advantage.

The program includes self-teaching workbooks that prepare you to pass the CB exam. Bookkeeping is a great place to start if you’re hoping for a way to break into the finance industry. There are many bookkeeping job opportunities and generally fewer education requirements than in other finance and accounting positions.

Bookkeeping Career at Intuit

• Another difference to note between the CPB and CB credentials is cost.
• CB certification doesn’t have specific education requirements, as AIPB recommends candidates have at least some accounting experience before taking the exam.
• You can also network, with exclusive access to Zoho’s partner portal and events that are conducted worldwide.
• If you own the business, you’re going to be keeping the books for, learning all you can about how to keep your own finances straight, saving time and money come tax season.
• Get started by signing up for the Intuit Bookkeeping Certification program today.

The certified bookkeeper exam can be challenging without bookkeeping experience or education. AIPB suggests that candidates have at least some college-level bookkeeping education or professional experience before sitting for the exam. The best way to prepare for a certified bookkeeper exam is by studying early and thoroughly. Take advantage of practice exams, study workbooks, and other online resources to brush up on your bookkeeping skills and knowledge.

• Now that you understand how to become a bookkeeper, you are ready to get started on your new path.
• Professionals who are not interested in leadership may also prefer bookkeeping jobs over accounting roles.
• Here are a few things to consider before obtaining a bookkeeping certification.
• Furthermore, the NBA trains and certifies bookkeeping students and employees in bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, tax, excel, and QuickBooks.
• Alternatively, candidates with a college education in one or more areas can send their transcripts to NACPB for review to bypass relevant courses.
• Danielle Bauter is a writer for the Accounting division of Fit Small Business.

Accounting department employees should have generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) knowledge, logic, and the ability to pay attention to details. Now that you understand how to become a bookkeeper, you are ready to get started on your new path. Whether you are already in the bookkeeping field or just starting out, this guide can help you determine your next steps.