How to Become a Bookkeeper

by Joan Webb

In this Guide you'll find a clear description of the various roles a bookkeeper will perform either working for a company or freelancing for their own clients.

We'll look at the main duties you'll be expected to perform such as accounts payable and receivable, stock control and credit control, payments, receipts, banking, the general ledger and preparing accounts to trial balance.

We'll also take a look at how a bookkeeper's duties can vary within different companies. For example, in a smaller company you may be expected to do far more than in a larger company that has more rigid job role definitions. We'll also explore some career options, such as setting up your own business and the advantages of either working from home or as a contractor with a company.

Included in this Guide are interviews with several bookkeepers, and we take look at the qualifications they have and how they got started in their careers. They also tell us about a typical day for them, the size of company they work for and how that makes a difference to their responsibilities.

What attributes do you think are required for a bookkeeper? We take a look and see if you fit the mould. We also look at what you can expect to earn, both when you start out and as you progress in your career. After reading this Guide you'll not only know more about the profession of bookkeeping but you'll also have a handy reference tool full of useful tips and expert advice.

Bookkeeping is a great career that offers you a solid employment base and the flexibility to either work from home or with a company. Bookkeeping skills are easily transferred to any company in the world. So, should you decide to travel and work overseas for a while, these skills should stand you in very good stead.