Bookkeepers play an important role in any firm. They are responsible for crunching the numbers and statistics that are vital to determine whether the business is running at a profit or at a loss.

There are a number of job opportunities in bookkeeping, and having mathematical skills is vital for each.

If you are interested in bookkeeping as a career path, read on to learn more about how to progress in this field.

What Is a Bookkeeper?

Bookkeepers are usually employed by many small to medium-sized firms. They are tasked with recording and processing the large amounts of numbers that are involved with sales.

They are also responsible for checking purchases, payrolls, bill payments, and any other financial statistics, which even includes taxation. 

When the recording process is done, either the business owner or an accountant will revise the data, make adjustments if needed, and issue the financial statement of the firm.

Larger firms and corporations will usually have an entire body of clerks, each tasked with recording and processing specific segments of the firm’s financial responsibilities.

They are entitled to their own credit as accounts payable clerk, accounting clerk, or any other position the corporation needs.

Who Is Eligible?

In general, bookkeepers are not required to have full degrees in accounting. However, they should at the very least be familiar with most of the basic practices and concepts of accounting.

However, if you are looking to go into more advanced accounting, it would certainly be of benefit to you to have a degree when applying for a job.

A bookkeeper is required to work quickly and accurately. Thus, punctual skills and impressive concentration are vital skills to have. These can, however, be easily trained and obtained.

If you think that working with papers and numbers would bore you to death, then you should not try this career path. 

Today’s modern bookkeepers should also become familiar with a variety of computer accounting software. Therefore, a common skill to acquire would be computer literacy. Some of the software you would be working with will include QuickBooks and other worksheets. 

Average Salary/Rates

On average, depending on the position you fill, what responsibilities you have, and the size of the firm you are employed at, a bookkeeper will be looking at a median salary between $18,000 and $40,000.

Again, depending on a wide variety of factors, the average hourly rate a bookkeeper works for is determined at an estimate of $9 to $20. These apply as an estimate to those employed in the US. 

In other countries, like the United Kingdom, a bookkeeper can expect an hourly wage of anything between £8.24 to £17.76, with the median estimated at £11.01.

In Canada, a bookkeeper can look at an estimated hourly wage of about $22.

Where To Find Bookkeeping Jobs

Finding a job as a bookkeeper is not very difficult. If you are looking for an office job, applying to a local firm would be one way. Check local listings in classified ads or at labor hiring firms to search for any available jobs near you. 

Alternatively, you can also create a profile as a freelancer on Upwork or other similar sites. You could also check for job listings on websites that host labor hiring services.

In most cases, you could be working in an office. Or if you apply as a remote bookkeeper, you will be working from the comfort of home.

How To Apply

With plenty of opportunities on Upwork, it is as easy as creating your profile, waiting for confirmation, and then applying to any listed jobs. The application processes is simple. Just fill in the easy-to-use forms online.

Keep a digital resume handy, and simply fill in the details required of you. Attach the resume where prompted and send in the application. It is as simple as that.

Summary

In conclusion, bookkeeping is a job that will always be in demand. And if crunching numbers is what you love to do, then you should consider a career in this field.

With the modern age taking information technology to a whole new level of advancement, working from the comforts of home has been made all the more easier.

There are plenty of sites where you can apply for bookkeeping jobs. Give it a try, and who knows, you might find that dreams come true.