When figuring out how to get bookkeeping experience, many think that they need to get a certification or go back to school for a long time.
Thankfully, that’s not the case! Read on to how to become a bookkeeper with no experience.
With the right amount of dedication, you can launch a successful career in bookkeeping with no previous experience.
If this sounds like something that might interest you, here are some tips on how to become a bookkeeper at home on your own time.
What Is a Bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper is responsible for providing and maintaining a business’s financial information.
A bookkeeper generally has the following duties:
- Organize all financial records,
- Manage balance sheets,
- Ensure all entries on the financial statements are accurate,
- Keep track of invoices and payments,
- Manage all payroll records,
- Record all incoming and outgoing transactions, and
- Assist with tax returns.
Bookkeepers are vital assets to both large and small companies in all industries.
What Are the Educational Requirements for a Bookkeeper?
If you’re wondering about how to get bookkeeping experience, it may interest you to know that anyone can become a bookkeeper as long as they know how to perform the duties associated with the job.
You generally do not need any specific schooling or degree to become a bookkeeper. Though having accounting or finance degrees is more prestigious and may attract more clients, having such degrees is not always necessary to become a bookkeeper.
You also don’t necessarily need any licenses or certifications. They exist, but they are not obligatory to pursue a bookkeeping career. Again, having a certificate or license may help attract more clients, but they are not required.
Steps to Become a Bookkeeper
Follow these steps to take the first step toward becoming a bookkeeper and building your business.
1. Make Sure You Have a Good Setup
According to ZipRecruiter, there are many remote opportunities for those who want to have a career as a bookkeeper.
In fact, the average salary for a remote bookkeeper is similar to that of an in-house bookkeeper. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bookkeeper makes about $45,560 annually.
This means that it’s important to invest in your in-home office space. Make sure that you have an up-to-date computer that can run all of the necessary software required by potential employers or clients.
You may also want to ensure that you have a reliable internet connection and a work phone if needed.
All this goes a long way toward preparing you for any remote bookkeeping opportunity, whether that’s through freelance work or a full-time position.
2. Learn Bookkeeping Skills and Software Through Online Courses
If you have internet access, there are several ways you can further your education in bookkeeping.
Whether through online courses, video tutorials, or guides, there are many options available to you.
One thing to keep in mind is that not all bookkeepers work in the same industry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bookkeepers work in a variety of industries from tax preparation and payroll to real estate and local government.
If you have a specific industry in mind, you may want to consider learning about best practices within those specific industries.
3. Look for Similar Job Opportunities to Get Started
Depending on your location or experience, you may find some difficulty finding a bookkeeping job that’s right for you in the beginning. Don’t get discouraged!
Many people find the experience they need by doing jobs similar to bookkeeping and applying those skills to future job applications.
For example, if you can’t find a good bookkeeping job in the beginning, see if you can find a position working in an administrative setting such as accounts payable.
If you want to know how to get bookkeeping experience without relying on a class, this is a great option to gain practical experience.
4. Explore the Process of Starting a Business
Since bookkeeping is now mostly remote, there are many people starting their own bookkeeping businesses instead of working for one company.
There are many perks to starting your own business, including:
- Setting your own hours. Owning your business means being your own boss and the freedom to set your hourly schedule to fit your needs.
- Choosing the clients you work with. There are different industries where you can be a bookkeeper. You can pick the clients who fit your niche of expertise and daily schedule.
- Determining your own rates. You can set your own rates as a bookkeeper based on the general rates of other bookkeepers in your area. Though being competitive is important, if you are a new business, keep your rate expectations reasonable.
- Having greater schedule flexibility. Having your own business means you can schedule your bookkeeping jobs around your life and family.
If this sounds like the route for you, make sure you review the steps you need to take to start a business in your state.
After that, it’s up to you to reach out to potential clients, either through networking or cold calling.
5. Brush up on Your Marketing Skills
For those who want to know how to become a bookkeeper with no experience, freelance work is usually an attractive option.
If you want to connect with potential clients, you’ll need to create a marketing strategy for your services.
Consider setting up a dedicated website for your bookkeeping services and advertising locally. Highlight your qualifications and any testimonials you may have for doing similar work.
Enroll in a Bookkeeping Course from Stratford Career Institute
Stratford Career Institute was founded in 1991. We offer online educational courses that may serve as the foundation of an exciting career. Over one million students have enrolled with us worldwide, and we offer over 60 courses. Read on to learn more about our bookkeeping course.
Am I Eligible to Enroll at Stratford?
Anyone who has at least eight years of education may apply to Stratford. Applicants younger than 18 years old will need a parent or guardian’s approval. You can enroll online, by phone, or by mail.
When Can I Start My Bookkeeping Course?
Enrollment is all year round. There is no set start date. Enrollment usually takes 48 hours. Then, you can begin your bookkeeping course.
How Long Is the Bookkeeping Course?
All our courses at Stratford are self-paced. You can work through your courses at a pace that suits your schedule. You can complete the bookkeeping course in as little as six months or take up to two years.
Interested in Becoming a Bookkeeper? Enroll in Stratford’s Course Today!
Learning how to become a bookkeeper with no experience can seem like a daunting task.
However, with Stratford Career Institute’s bookkeeping course, you can learn all the fundamentals of the job at your own pace, including:
- Creating balance sheets and income statements,
- Understanding the daily routine of a bookkeeper,
- Analyzing previous business transactions,
- Preparing financial statements,
- Issuing invoices, and
- Updating financial records.
Note that our course does not provide any certification or license in bookkeeping. Students graduate with a career diploma.
Whether you are a complete beginner or want to refresh your knowledge, this is the course for you! To get started, enroll now or contact us for more information.
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Loading...Interested in Becoming a Bookkeeper?
Stratford Career Institute offers an affordable online course that covers the key skills required to start and succeed in a career as a bookkeeper!