How to become a bookkeeper in Canada?

Asked by: Hugh Greenholt  |  Last update: June 18, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (67 votes)

To become a bookkeeper in Canada, obtain a high school diploma, then complete a college certificate/diploma in accounting or bookkeeping (e.g., at Durham College or Seneca Polytechnic). Master software like QuickBooks or Sage. Voluntary certification via CPB Canada increases credibility, while gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles is crucial.

What do I need to become a bookkeeper in Canada?

To become a bookkeeper, a great place to start is by obtaining a post-secondary certificate or diploma in bookkeeping or a related field. Durham College's part-time certificate in Bookkeeping is an excellent way to begin.

Are bookkeepers in demand in Canada?

Is Bookkeeping in Demand in Canada? Bookkeeping is one of the most in-demand jobs in Canada, and its popularity continues to grow. The Government of Canada projects the addition of 116,700 available roles for Bookkeepers and Accounting Technicians in Canada now through 2031.

How much does a bookkeeper get paid in Canada?

average bookkeeper salary

According to Job Bank, the average salary of a bookkeeper is $55,114 per year, which translates to $22.81 per hour.

How to be a bookkeeper in Canada with no experience?

Obtain the necessary education: There are no specific educational requirements to become a bookkeeper in Canada, but having a diploma or certificate in bookkeeping, accounting, or a related field can be helpful. You can obtain this education through community colleges, technical schools, or online programs.

How I Became a Bookkeeper in Canada (as an Immigrant!)

19 related questions found

Which bookkeeping certification is best in Canada?

CPB is a member-based association, a national certifying body, and the leading professional and career development organization for bookkeepers in Canada.

Who has more salary, CA or CPA?

Comparison between CA and CPA

It is difficult to determine which of these professions offers a higher salary, as the salary of a CA or CPA can vary greatly based on several factors. However, in general, CAs tend to earn slightly more than CPAs in India.

Is 3,000 dollars a month a good salary in Canada?

Is $3,000 per month enough for a single person to live in Canada? Yes, $3,000 per month can be enough for a single person to live in Canada, but it depends on the location and lifestyle.

How long is a bookkeeping course?

Frequently Asked Questions. What do I receive when I finish and how long does it take? Students who complete the Bookkeeping program receive a certificate of completion. The program can be completed in as little as 4 months.

What do bookkeepers charge per hour in Canada?

Here's a rough guide: For small businesses, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $2,000 per month. Freelance bookkeepers might charge $30 to $90 per hour. Online bookkeeping services often offer tiered pricing, starting from as low as $200 per month for basic services.

Is $75,000 a good salary in Canada?

The average salary in Toronto is $62,050, which is 14% higher than the Canadian average salary of $54,450. A person making $75,000 a year in Toronto makes 20.9% more than the average working person in Toronto and will take home about $56,504.

Does Canada need bookkeepers?

High demand: The demand for bookkeepers in Canada is high due to the large number of small businesses and self-employed individuals in the country. This means that there are many job opportunities available for bookkeepers.

Is there a shortage of bookkeepers in Canada?

The accounting talent shortage in Canada is getting real. Even with big layoff headlines, Big Four candidates aren't flooding the market, and teams are still struggling to hire. CPA enrollment has dropped 30 to 40 percent, yet new grads are applying to thousands of roles without breaking in.

Which certification is best for bookkeeping?

The best bookkeeping certifications are generally the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) and the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). For software proficiency, the QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor is essential, while Intuit Academy's Bookkeeping Professional Certificate offers strong branding for QuickBooks users. The best choice depends on your experience and career goals, with AIPB/NACPB for foundational expertise and ProAdvisor for practical software skills. 

Can I be a bookkeeper without a degree?

Bookkeepers are not required to have certifications or specific education unless required by a specific employer. So, a high school diploma or GED is typically enough to get started. But many employers require additional education, such as a college degree.

What are the three golden rules of bookkeeping?

The "3 Golden Rules of Accounting" (BK) are fundamental to double-entry bookkeeping: (1) Personal Accounts: Debit the receiver, credit the giver; (2) Real Accounts: Debit what comes in, credit what goes out; and (3) Nominal Accounts: Debit all expenses/losses, credit all incomes/gains, providing a clear framework for recording financial transactions accurately. 

Which pays more, bookkeeping or accounting?

Bookkeepers typically earn $32,460 to $68,860 annually, while accountants can take home up to $137,280, with median earnings of $79,880. Money isn't the only factor that sets these two careers apart. Both roles handle financial management, yet they serve different purposes.

How much is $70,000 a year per hour in Canada?

Yearly / Monthly / Weekly / Hourly Converter

If you make $70,000 per year, your salary per hour is $35. 90. This result is obtained by multiplying your base salary by the number of hours, weeks, and months you work in a year, assuming you work 37.

Is $30 an hour good in Canada?

What is a Good Salary in Canada? Any salary above $54,450 per year (or $27.92 per hour, gross income) could be considered a good salary in Canada. However, the definition of a good salary depends on the province/territory where you decide to live, your lifestyle, and your monthly expenses, among other factors.

What province in Canada has the lowest cost of living?

1. Newfoundland and Labrador – The Most Affordable Province. Canada's easternmost province ranks as the most budget-friendly place to live. With low housing costs and an average monthly expense of just over $2,400, it offers a great balance between affordability and quality of life.

Can you be called an accountant without CPA?

Not all accountants are CPAs (certified public accountants), but all CPAs are in the accounting profession. Typically, an accountant has achieved a bachelor's degree in accounting. A certified public accountant earns this designation after completing specific educational and work requirements and passing a CPA exam.

What is harder, CPA or ACCA?

- Is ACCA more difficult than CFA? No, the CFA qualification tends to be considered slightly more difficult than ACCA - but this is to some extent a subjective matter, differing from person to person. Many people don't make it through the three levels of CFA because of the time required to finish the course.