Finding Employment as a Bookkeeper

Answer 1

Bookkeepers are financial record keepers. They work for small and large corporations, not-for-profit agencies, educational and religious institutions. Bookkeepers are generally responsible for paying bills, handling payroll and handing accounts receivables for the organization. All financial transactions are recorded by the bookkeeper. They create financial records such as Profit and Loss Statements and Balance Sheets for the organization. Bookkeepers may also be involved in income tax preparation and any audits that may take place within the organization.

Bookkeepers generally work in an office environment; however, some bookkeepers can work remotely from their homes. They generally work full-time; however about 25 percent of bookkeepers can work part-time or less than 40 hours per week. Bookkeepers may work over-time during financial crunch times such as audits or at the end of the corporation’s fiscal year.

Although an accounting degree is not generally required for bookkeepers, some organizations may require their bookkeepers to undergo specialized training. Training is also available for specialized accounting software such as QuickBooks. Some bookkeepers may benefit by obtaining a specialized certification through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. In order to receive this certificate, individuals must work in the field for a minimum of two years and also pass a specialized examination. Once a person receives his bookkeeping certification, he must undergo continuing education courses every three years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bookkeeping positions are growing at an average rate of about 10 percent over the next several years. Organizations will generally replace bookkeepers through attrition as individuals retire or move into other positions.

The BLS states that in 2008, the average median wage for bookkeepers was about $32,000 annually. Full-time

bookkeepers can generally expect to receive company benefits such as health and dental insurance, 401K plans, paid sick and vacation time and disability pay. Some organizations may pay bonuses to their bookkeepers if they regularly pay bonuses to their staff.

Some bookkeepers start out as payroll clerks, accounts receivable or payable clerks or billing specialists. As bookkeepers learn, obtain experience and receive more education, they may be able to procure employment as Accountants, managers or auditors.