what is a bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper is a person who manages financial records. Some may still write each transaction down in an actual book, but in modern times, many of the "books" you keep will be digital files. You keep track of every time money is spent and every time money is received. Your job may also include receiving and storing financial documents such as invoices and receipts. In addition to creating financial statements, some bookkeepers also do things such as managing payroll or auditing accounts.
fields that use bookkeepers
If an industry spends or makes any money, they need a bookkeeper. Every business from fashion designers to sports bars to aerospace manufacturers uses bookkeepers. Bookkeepers might work for small local businesses or large, international corporations. Since this job is so essential to managing a business, there are many different types of bookkeeping jobs to choose from.
bookkeepers vs. accountants
These two jobs are often mixed up because they both involve a similar focus on managing a company's finances. However, bookkeepers are essentially a specialized form of accountant that focuses on all the small details of finances. Accountants often look at big-picture financial trends while bookkeepers focus on collecting, sorting, and analyzing data. Bookkeepers handle day-to-day financial tracking and record keeping. They often need less formal certifications than an accountant and may report to an accountant supervisor.
Would working as a bookkeeper suit your ability to keep accurate and thorough records? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a bookkeeper role.
bookkeeper jobs near youaverage bookkeeper salary
One of the great things about being a bookkeeper is that you can get a very respectable salary without needing a lot of lengthy training. This job pays comparably to many other mid-level office positions. Those who get paid on an hourly basis make an average of $21.20 per hour. While there are part-time jobs, if you work a full-time salary, your average annual wages are roughly $44,100.
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bookkeeper salary ranges
Of course, keep in mind that average wages look at the general wage throughout a variety of jobs and locations. BLS data shows that some bookkeepers may make as low as $27,050 per year. Others in high-paying jobs might make as much as $63,900 per year. Hourly wages vary from around $13 per hour to $30 per hour.
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factors that impact salary
Interested in finding a high-paying bookkeeping job? Bookkeepers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, California, and Alaska tend to get paid particularly well. You can also increase your salary by working longer hours or taking on jobs with more responsibility. Certain industries tend to pay especially high salaries. According to the BLS, bookkeepers in these fields make the most money:
- postal service
- banking
- natural gas
- metal ore mining
- insurance
Would you like to know what a bookkeeper earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for a bookkeeper? Then check out this bookkeeper salary page and find out all about the salary of a bookkeeper in the USA.
types of bookkeeper
There are different types of bookkeepers based on the different types of records they keep. Some bookkeepers handle all departments while others at bigger companies may only focus on one area. Potential types of bookkeeping include keeping track of:
- accounts receivable
- accounts payable
- inventory
- sales
- purchasing
- payroll
- owner's equity
- petty cash
working as a bookkeeper
If you're interested in bookkeeping, it's helpful to learn what the job's daily responsibilities are like. Here's what you can expect when you start working as a bookkeeper.
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bookkeeper job description
The task of keeping financial records might seem simple at first, but bookkeeping can be surprisingly complex. Depending on your job, you'll end up doing one or more of these duties.
- keeping ledgers: All bookkeepers will keep track of a set of financial ledgers. In these ledgers, you'll note each time money is spent and each time money is received. Each entry needs to include details like the date, the relevant bank account, the amount of money, and the purpose of the transaction.
- preparing financial statements: Bookkeepers use their ledgers to draw up weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual statements. These statements analyze records to provide details such as overall profit and total expenses.
- managing invoices: Many bookkeepers function as accounts receivable and accounts payable clerks. They draft invoices to send to customers and debtors, and they make sure that the company's bills are paid.
- addressing bank discrepancies: If any money goes missing, your bookkeeping records are extremely important. Your job may include checking to make sure that bank accounts have the right amount of money and tracking down where missing funds have gone.
- discussing cash flow: Some managers like to regularly meet with bookkeepers to talk about the company's finances. You'll do things like mention recurring causes of profit loss or attempt to forecast sale income for the upcoming months.
- additional duties: If you work at a small business, they might need you to do additional financial tasks. Some bookkeepers help to prepare tax returns or analyze time cards to calculate payroll.
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bookkeeper work environment
Bookkeeping is almost always an office job. The typical bookkeeper gets to sit at a desk and spend their time writing, reading, and working with computer software. Usually, the job doesn't require travel unless you work with multiple branches. A great thing about bookkeeping is that it can often be done remotely. If you're interested in working from home, there are bookkeeping jobs available for you.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include accountants, financial analysts, and data entry specialists. You could also end up working in close proximity to HR managers and administrative assistants as well. Some jobs will also encourage you to work alongside specialists such as production managers, insurance underwriters, and financial controllers. Anyone who makes financial decisions or handles funds in your office can end up working alongside you.
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work schedule
Because bookkeeping is such an essential task, you get to choose from a variety of work schedules. At some jobs, bookkeeping is a full-time job. You work from around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and get weekends off. Other jobs offer chances to perform part-time bookkeeping. You come in for a few hours each week to update the books, and you might even be able to choose your own schedule. Overtime is rare in the bookkeeping world. This job typically follows the same patterns every day. However, in some industries, you end up working slightly longer hours when preparing quarterly reports, getting ready for tax season, or solving sudden financial discrepancies.
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job outlook for bookkeeper
The job outlook for bookkeepers is fairly neutral. The rise in automated accounting software is going to result in slightly reduced job growth rates. However, that doesn't mean the industry is on the decline. About 197,600 new bookkeeping jobs will become available each year. There are particularly excellent opportunities available for bookkeepers who also provide analytical and advisory services. Though basic data entry might be handled by software, experienced bookkeepers who explain what all the data means are still in demand. Becoming a bookkeeper gives you valuable financial experience that you can use to apply for other jobs too. With a little extra training, many bookkeepers transition to roles such as purchasing managers, accountants, or financial advisors.
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benefits of working for randstad as a bookkeeper
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a bookkeeper is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
bookkeeper skills and education
Bookkeeping tends to have fairly flexible educational requirements. Many employers will hire people without a college degree, and you aren't legally required to have any sort of license before becoming a bookkeeper. The only firm requirement is that you have a high school diploma or GED. This degree shows you have the requisite mathematical and reading skills to perform the job.
The amount of experience you need depends on the job. Entry-level jobs often hire people with no experience and train them on-site. Some upper-level jobs where you don't have a direct supervisor will require more experience. These positions may require around two years of bookkeeping experience.
Though you can find many bookkeeping jobs without a college degree, having an associate's degree or bachelor's degree makes you a lot more competitive. Many employers are particularly interested in bookkeepers with degrees in business, finance, or accounting. Optional certifications from reputable organizations also make you stand out. Having a Certified Bookkeeper designation or a Certified Public Bookkeeper certification is very useful.
skills and competencies
Successful bookkeepers tend to be analytic, focused people who can easily pay attention to even the smallest details. To perform well at your job, you need these skills.
- mathematical skills: Though software will handle a lot of calculations for you, you still need to fully understand concepts like addition and subtraction. Mathematical skills make it easier to quickly estimate things and tell at a glance if a ledger is incorrect.
- technological skills: Modern bookkeepers spend a lot of time working with computer software. You'll need to understand programs like Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks.
- attention-to-detail: You need to be able to focus on small details and stay focused even when performing repetitive tasks. Good bookkeepers are meticulous record-keepers who put a lot of effort into ensuring all records are correct.
- organizational skills: To avoid any issues, you should have excellent organizational skills. Good bookkeepers can organize numbers, documents, files, and more.
- time management: Many bookkeepers work somewhat independently. You'll need to be able to sit by yourself and assign yourself goals that ensure you finish all your work in a timely manner.
FAQs about working as a bookkeeper
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about bookkeepers.
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do I need to be certified to become a bookkeeper?
No, unlike accountant jobs, you don't have to pass licensing exams. Though having special certifications makes your job applications stand out, they're not a legal requirement. Anyone can practice as a bookkeeper without having any special training.
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is it hard to get experience as a bookkeeper?
If you want to get bookkeeping experience and make your resume more interesting, you have several different options. Some bookkeepers start as filing clerks or data entry specialists to get experience handling financial records. There are also a lot of companies that offer entry-level positions where you can gain practice as a new bookkeeper.
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does being a bookkeeper involve doing a lot of math?
Most day-to-day calculations will be handled by software, so you don't have to sit there and add up long lists of figures by hand. However, you do need to understand subtraction, addition, division, and multiplication. This helps you ensure you use the right computer tools to manage your accounts.
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can you use bookkeeping as a side hustle?
Bookkeeping is a popular option for people interested in "side hustles." This job requires little formal training, can be done remotely, and is occasionally part-time. As long as you have the skills, a part-time online bookkeeping job is often a lucrative way to earn extra money on the side.
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how is bookkeeping different from being an accounts receivable clerk?
The bookkeeper position is much broader than the accounts receivable position. Though both jobs often involve sending customer invoices and keeping track of all money owed and paid, bookkeepers also help with other parts of the business.
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how do I find a job as a bookkeeper?
Applying for a bookkeeper job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our bookkeeper jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
