Yes, you can absolutely be a bookkeeper without being an accountant, as they are distinct roles with different education and credentialing requirements. Bookkeepers focus on recording day-to-day transactions, reconciling accounts, and managing payroll, generally requiring only, at minimum, a high school diploma, proficient math skills, and familiarity with software like QuickBooks.
Bookkeepers typically don't need any accounting certification. This flexibility allows you to gain experience in the field before earning a specialized degree or completing a certification exam.
According to leading labor market analytics firm EMSI, the median annual salary for a bookkeeper is $42,411. Accountants, on the other hand, earn a median annual salary of $73,570, which is a 73% increase compared to a bookkeeper.
Bookkeeping is an essential aspect of managing your business's finances, but it doesn't require an accounting degree. With the right tools and resources, anyone can learn to manage their bookkeeping effectively.
Self-taught bookkeepers often turn to courses, seminars, books, and other online resources to learn about bookkeeping and accounting. You can also learn how to use accounting software, like QuickBooks, to learn the basics of bookkeeping and the technology many businesses use.
Bookkeeping vs accounting: Job titles
Individuals pursuing a career in bookkeeping can expect their title to be bookkeeper, bookkeeping clerk, accounting specialist, accounting clerk, or auditing clerk. Although these titles differ, the role behind the title is generally the same.
15 good bookkeeper skills to develop in your career
Learn about the essential numerical skills required for accounting and bookkeeping. This free course, Introduction to bookkeeping and accounting, explains the fundamental rules of double-entry bookkeeping and how they are used to produce the balance sheet and the profit and loss account.
To become a certified bookkeeper, typically you'll need education/training, pass a certification exam (like AIPB's), and meet experience requirements (often 2 years), with options including online courses from providers like Intuit or AIPB, community college programs, and gaining hands-on experience before or after exams. Key steps involve choosing a certifying body (like AIPB or NACPB), completing relevant coursework, passing their national exam, and verifying your bookkeeping experience.
Entry-level bookkeepers often help enter new employee information into electronic databases, process accounts payable invoices, resolve payment discrepancies, scan documents, distribute mail, verify payouts, and perform other tasks as assigned.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $86,000 and as low as $33,000, the majority of Quickbooks Bookkeeper salaries currently range between $44,000 (25th percentile) to $59,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $82,500 annually across the United States.
Make 100k per month jobs
Many bookkeepers charge an hourly rate. This averages around $25 to $100 per hour. This all depends on things like their education, work experience, and the tasks they are expected to perform on the job, in addition to standard accounting functions.
Not Chasing Late Payments. Failing to Keep Relevant Receipts. Carelessness When Bookkeeping. Combining Business And Personal Expenses. Using Manual Accounting Systems.
It's usually bookkeepers who make payments on behalf of your small business. This can include anything from payment of supplier invoices, petty cash and expenses.