What Is Required to Be a Bookkeeper?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks held more than 2 million jobs in 2008 and that number is projected to grow by 10 percent by 2018. Like many other professions in the financial area, becoming a bookkeeper involves several educational requirements. On-the-job training, certifications and additional related skills increase an individual's chances of obtaining a bookkeeping position and advancement opportunities.
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Education
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Bookkeepers should, at a minimum, have a high school diploma. Some employers require the completion of accounting courses. A bachelor's degree is not required; however, an associate's degree in business or accounting makes a job candidate more competitive. It is common for recent graduates to accept bookkeeping or entry-level positions in the hopes of eventually being promoted.
On-the-Job Training
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Many bookkeepers receive some form of on-the-job training after being hired. This training serves multiple purposes. First, it is important for new employees to learn the accounting procedures of that specific organization. Second, accounting systems are just as diverse as companies themselves. If the employee is unfamiliar with the organization's system, additional computer and software training is needed. Third, more training might be required to cross train on related areas.
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Certifications
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Although it is not required, it is beneficial to obtain a professional certification to gain a competitive advantage in the world of bookkeeping. The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) awards the certified bookkeeper (CB) designation. This designation ensures that individuals demonstrate adequate skills and knowledge. The designation requires that candidates have a minimum of two years of bookkeeping work, pass an exam and honor a code of ethics. In addition, bookkeepers who earn this designation must complete continuing education credits every three years to maintain the CB certification.
Additional Skills
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Other requirements for bookkeepers include attention to detail, superior math skills and trustworthiness. First, bookkeepers should have strong attention to detail. They must be organized, orderly and avoid making errors. Additionally, they need to recognize errors from others. Second, bookkeepers should have superior math and accounting skills. These individuals will be working with numbers regularly and should have a strong aptitude for mathematics. Third, bookkeepers must be trustworthy because they deal with confidential material.
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