People often confuse bookkeepers and accountants—and with good reason. While there are certain similarities and overlaps between the two, there are distinctions that set these two roles apart. Bookkeepers don’t necessarily need higher education in order to work in their field while accountants can be more specialized in their training. Because bookkeepers tend to work for smaller companies, they may not be paid as much as accountants. Knowing the differences between the two can help people find their niche in the industry and can give guidance to companies on who to hire for their needs.

Most employers prefer hiring new bookkeepers who will learn from more senior professionals. Recently hired bookkeepers should expect to receive around six months of guidance and even classroom training when they start their new roles. Other bookkeepers finish their high school diplomas and then seek on-the-job training. To prove they possess certain skills, they may also complete one or both professional bookkeeping certificates available.

Attention to Detail – The Skills of a Good Bookkeeper

Bookkeeping can be done in either a single-entry or double-entry way, and it can be done on either a cash or an accrual basis. Because each transaction is recorded in two accounts that match but cancel each other out, this can be considered a “double-check” for your books. Also, they need to determine if the recent purchase required any loans and how much cash was paid for the transfer. As you can see, those who wish to work as bookkeepers generally need a solid comprehension of accounting principles and GAAP.

• Recently hired bookkeepers should expect to receive around six months of guidance and even classroom training when they start their new roles.
• First, look in your non-bookkeeping jobs for relevant experience.
• These offices may have particular insights about companies and roles in their area.
• The distinctions between accounting and bookkeeping are subtle yet essential.
• For a smaller business, they might be the only bookkeeper on staff.
• Our bookkeeper resume samples and suggestions will help you display your bookkeeper skills effectively.

When this is the case, you should know to pick the right time to hand things over to a professional or start using EasyBooks app by clicking the button below. There are plenty of additional terms and phrases that will help you get started. You’ll benefit from bookmarking this glossary which is full of bookkeeping terms (no confusing jargon though) that we’ll regularly update.

Resume objective

It usually takes about six months of practice to get the hang of it. Taking software-specific certifications can also enhance your credibility. These will help law firm bookkeeping prove your expertise in specific bookkeeping and accounting software to clients. Although you don’t need a bachelor’s degree, it can make you more competitive.

• Accountants, on the other hand, tend to use the bookkeeper’s inputs to create financial statements and periodically review and analyze the financial information recorded by bookkeepers.
• The AIPB requires candidates to have two years (or 3,000 hours) of work experience before they seek certification.
• Bookkeepers are responsible for processes such as data entry, bank reconciliations, accounts receivable and payable, tax returns, and other tasks related to daily financial operations.
• The accounting equation means that everything the business owns (assets) is balanced against claims against the business (liabilities and equity).
• Pay attention to the job description to identify which jobs are remote bookkeeping jobs and which are in-house.

According to the BLS, most bookkeepers work for professional services firms; retail and wholesale businesses; and finance, insurance, and healthcare providers. However, remote work opportunities have become increasingly available since the COVID-19 pandemic. The BLS projects a 3% decline in the number of bookkeeping jobs between 2020 and 2030. Accounting software has become more sophisticated, automating tasks that bookkeepers used to perform. Accounting programs offer the most direct training for a career in bookkeeping. However, students majoring in other business- or math-related subjects can also qualify for these positions.

Accounting and bookkeeping can be done using cloud-based software.

These professionals typically work with a company or organization’s in-house accounting department. They may also be part of a team at an accounting firm or work for small businesses or self-employed individuals. Ultimately, the Bookkeeper’s responsibilities are to accurately record all day-to-day financial transactions of our company. Compared with bookkeepers, accountants are more focused on contextualizing financial data and making sense of it. Maybe you enjoy the idea of being your own boss, or you’re still wondering if it’s for you.

A bookkeeper is responsible for recording, tracking, and maintaining the financial transactions of a business. This may also include preparing financial reports, filing taxes, resolving bank reconciliations, and calculating pay. A bookkeeper could also be involved in helping create the financial strategy of a business.

You’ll likely gain knowledge of regulatory standards and standard principles and practices of accounting. These professionals might hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, economics or a closely related field. However, many entry-level roles require only a high school diploma or the equivalent. Qualifications can vary widely depending on the company or organization. A Bookkeeper is responsible for recording and maintaining a business’ financial transactions, such as purchases, expenses, sales revenue, invoices, and payments. They will record financial data into general ledgers, which are used to produce the balance sheet and income statement.

• But before you get started, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the scope of the role.
• One organization to look into is The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.
• It is not enough to have the knowledge and skills necessary to be an excellent bookkeeper; there is much more to learn.
• Because bookkeepers tend to work for smaller companies, they may not be paid as much as accountants.
• The education required to be competitive in the field is greater, but the payoff down the road can be considerably higher.
• When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

Expertise in producing accurate and reliable financial statements. If you’re detail-oriented, enjoy working with numbers, and have good organizational skills, a career as a bookkeeper may be for you. With the proper training and experience, you can become a certified public accountant or a chief financial officer. Most bookkeepers know a lot about accounting processes and procedures, which can help cut down on mistakes and improve the overall accuracy of financial data. They also usually have access to different software tools and programs that can store and track economic data in a safe way.