A bookkeeper works to develop a system to account for financial transactions. This includes establishing a chart of accounts, defining bookkeeping policies and procedures, and maintaining subsidiary accounts and summaries. Other duties of the Bookkeeper include maintaining historical records, reconciling entries, and preparing and filing financial reports. The Bookkeeper may also be responsible for enforcing legal filing requirements. This article will help you learn more about the role of a Bookkeeper.
Job description
If you are interested in a job as a bookkeeper, your job description should stress the importance of honesty and integrity. This job requires a strong grasp of general accounting principles, as bookkeepers are responsible for handling cash and checks, payroll, and accounts payable. As a bookkeeper, you must also possess the ability to deal with sensitive financial information and follow procedures and rules, so the position is not for the faint of heart.
You can become a bookkeeper through an entry-level position by taking an intermediate apprenticeship or an Accounts Assistant role. The higher your qualifications, the more likely you will be promoted. Some employers are willing to hire graduates with no experience in accounts, while others prefer those who have worked in an accounting firm in the past. Although there are no mandatory education requirements for this position, some employers prefer that applicants have five GCSEs or equivalent. In addition, you can also become an accountant if you are capable of taking college courses in this field.
Education required
The job of a bookkeeper requires you to record accounting transactions for small businesses and to produce financial statements for the business owners. As one of the few careers requiring no college degree, this is one of the best paying jobs in the field. In high school, you should focus on developing the essential skills needed for the job. Then, as you gain experience, you can expand these skills. If you have these skills, finding a job will be easier.
Some employers require that bookkeepers have a degree. While an associate’s degree may not be required for this position, many employers will prefer candidates who have some college coursework. Coursework in financial mathematics, accounting software, financial accounting, business law, and computer systems may help prepare bookkeepers for this type of position. Further education, such as an undergraduate degree, may also lead to a position in higher-level accounting. In addition to accounting software, some employers look for bookkeepers with a bachelor’s degree.
Salary
The salary of a bookkeeper may vary depending on the experience and the location of the job. Experienced bookkeepers earn about 42,500 USD annually on average, while those with less experience earn less than twenty-four hundred dollars. The chart below shows the average hourly wage for bookkeepers in a few different areas. To make your salary negotiation more effective, research the salary levels of bookkeepers in your area. This way, you can ask for a higher salary in a competitive job market.
The salary for bookkeepers depends on several factors. Location plays a huge role in the salary. While bookkeeper salaries are typically higher in large metropolitan areas, they can also vary significantly depending on the cost of living. You should check the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the average pay of bookkeepers. Then compare it with other positions in the same city or region. Then make a decision based on the information provided. For instance, a bookkeeper in San Francisco, CA will earn approximately $87,600.
Career outlook
The career outlook for a bookkeeper is bright, despite some of the challenges associated with the role. A bookkeeper isn’t exactly viewed as an introverted person; in fact, the profession often combines aspects of both the humanities and the accounting profession. Whether you’re a student looking for flexible working hours, a recent graduate, or an experienced professional, bookkeeping has a high demand and good employment prospects.
As the baby boom generation prepares to retire, the demand for bookkeepers will remain stable. During this period, there will be more opportunities for entry-level positions. This is despite the projected decline in overall employment. According to the BLS, bookkeeper employment is expected to decrease by 1.5% over the next decade. However, the outlook for job openings is brighter in some areas, with Arizona and Utah seeing a nearly four-percent increase in jobs between 2018 and 2028.
