Does the job of bookkeeper interest you? This is a role that requires you to have knowledge of the accounting industry without the responsibilities of being an accountant. Depending on the size of the business you work with, your duties can include accounts payable, accounts receivable, maintaining the general ledger and preparing the financial records for quarterly or annual tax returns. You mat also be responsible for the reconciling and balancing the bank accounts and the computation, preparation and mailing of monthly statements to customers.
At one time, you could become a bookkeeper with only a high school diploma. These days are gone because in order to obtain such a position today, you must graduate from an Associate degree program or at least two years from an approved technical or vocational college. Since all businesses today make extensive use of the computer in their daily transactions, you do need to be proficient in using computer software, such as accounting software and word processing in order to complete your daily tasks.
Instead of assigning the title of bookkeeper to this type of positions, many employers advertise for an accounting clerk or an auditing clerk. In a way, you are like an auditor since it is your job to maintain the financial records and ensure that they are up-to-date and accurate. You will have to post checks, record the dates of transactions and check all the calculations. If you work in a small company, you may also have the duties of a payroll clerk combined with your regular duties.
Your training for the job of bookkeeper at the college you attend will generally include a work term in which you work in this capacity under the supervision of experienced personnel. Since every office is different in their procedures and practices, once you do get hired for a position, you will receive on the job training for the specific duties assigned to you. You do have to demonstrate that you have good organization skills and excellent oral and written communication skills. You will be dealing with co-workers so it is also essential that you are a team player with good interpersonal skills.
You can now become certified as a professional bookkeeper. The CB designation from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills to handle the financial record keeping they need for their office. You do need to have at least two years experience working in this job to be eligible to take the certification exam. The exam itself consists of four parts and many colleges offer the preparatory courses you need in order to pass this exam.
When you have experience and certification, you will be in a better position to apply for managerial and supervisory positions when they become available. IF you really enjoy your work and would like to really advance in the accounting industry, you can look into having the courses you took for your Associate’s degree transferred to a university and work towards getting a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business.
