How To Become a Bookkeeper
By: Jenn Brusco
January 2025
The finance function is arguably the backbone of any organization. While other departments are responsible for product innovation or attracting and maintaining customers, the finance team is critical to ensuring the business can continue to run smoothly. Depending on the size and structure of the organization, there may be several members of the finance team. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on the role of the bookkeeper.
Primary responsibilities of a Bookkeeper
A bookkeeper is responsible for supporting the maintenance of accurate financial records for an organization. Some of their primary responsibilities may include:
- Record financial transactions and associate them with appropriate accounts, using various bookkeeping software, spreadsheets, and databases
- Receive and record payments
- Generate reports, including balance sheets and income statements
- Help prepare tax documents
- Reconcile financial reports and note any discrepancies
Some common attributes of a successful bookkeeper may include:
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Analytical skills
- Organized
- Trustworthy
- Good time management
- Problem-solving skills
- Comfort with technology, advancing to proficiency in financial technology solutions
Salary potential of a Bookkeeper in the U.S.
Money isn’t everything, but it’s still an important factor when choosing the best career path for yourself. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a Bookkeeper in the U.S. is $47,440. And according to Indeed, the cities with the highest salaries for entry-level bookkeepers are:
- Los Angeles, CA: $59,075
- New York, NY: $57,116
- Miami, FL: $54,288
- Chicago, IL: $43,402
Most bookkeepers work full time, and many will work additional hours during the end of the fiscal year or during tax preparation time.
Steps to become a Bookkeeper
Becoming a bookkeeper is easier than you may think.
- Earn your high school diploma. Entry-level bookkeeping positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent as the minimum education requirement.
- Gain targeted career education and skills in bookkeeping. Many employers also look for candidates who have familiarity with accounting principles and processes, as well as business software. To gain that knowledge, career training is often a great solution. For example, U.S. Career Institute offers a bookkeeping certificate program that prepares students with the knowledge they need to start their career as a bookkeeper.
Beyond initial training, some professionals may choose to pursue industry certification. This is often not required for early career bookkeepers, but it may be an avenue to pursue in the future to give yourself a competitive edge.
Ready to get started on your path toward a rewarding career as a bookkeeper? The first step is to ensure you have the knowledge and skills needed to not only meet the entry-level requirements of your prospective employers, but also to help you make an immediate and positive impact on the team.
