You’re essentially training to become a virtual bookkeeper, which means you’ll be working remotely — most likely as a third-party service provider to businesses. Because of these factors, advancing your bookkeeping career to a role in accounting can be advantageous. For instance, the job outlook for accountants and auditors has a 6 percent growth rate from 2021 to 2031.

• To score discounted fees, consider becoming a member of the organization of your choosing before registering for any courses and exams.
• You must pass the bookkeeping, payroll, QuickBooks and accounting certification exams before qualifying for CPB licensure.
• Then, kickstart your bookkeeping career by signing up for an  Intuit Bookkeeping Certification.
• The Intuit Tax and Bookkeeping Talent Community is a great place to find remote bookkeeping jobs and access training material.

Did you know that you can learn how to become a bookkeeper in less than one year with no experience? This makes bookkeeping a popular choice for those without degrees or those ready for a career change. You must pass the bookkeeping, payroll, QuickBooks and accounting certification exams before qualifying for CPB licensure. If you do not pass one of the certification exams, you can retake it for a fee of $50 for NACPB members and $75 for nonmembers. Once you’ve met all of your chosen credential’s requirements and completed your preparatory courses, it’s time to take the exams.

Step 1: Determine if You Want to Work From Home

The first is the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), and the second is the National Association of Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). Both offer similar benefits regarding membership, resources and renewable credentials. While other bookkeeping credentials do exist, those offered by AIPB and NACPB are the most renowned and respected. You can work with other bookkeepers and tax experts to share and expand your knowledge. Your Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional badge can be used to show any employer or client that you have an understanding of bookkeeping and accounting.

You don’t even need related work experience to qualify for bookkeeping training. Bear in mind that you also have to be self-motivated, organized, and good with time management. These are key traits you must possess and master to succeed in your virtual bookkeeping job. Both work arrangements afford more freedom when it comes to working hours and where you do your work. While bookkeepers can sit for the CB exam sections in any order, AIPB recommends taking part one before scheduling part two. To maintain certification, you need to earn at least 60 continuing education credits every three years.

How to Become a Bookkeeper

If you’re organized, you’re interested in math and you have strong attention to detail, a bookkeeping career might suit you. Some even use bookkeeping how long to become a bookkeeper experience to launch their accounting careers. But before you get started, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the scope of the role.

• There are comprehensive online courses, like Bookkeeping Launchpad that teach you the necessary bookkeeping skills and how to start and run your own business.
• And with no requirements for special certification and education, there are almost no downsides to seeing if it’s a good fit.
• The program includes self-teaching workbooks that prepare you to pass the CB exam.
• Remote bookkeeping is certainly a viable and high-value side hustle, but it’s not the only option.
• When you pick an online accounting program, you should take into consideration both your clients’ and your personal financial management.
• They provide bookkeeping certifications and training, which can officially make you a Certified Bookkeeper.

You can study the basics through online tutorials or get hands-on training from professional bookkeepers. In Kate’s case, she earned an Advanced Pro Advisor certification from Quickbooks. She recommended aspiring bookkeepers either gain certification in Quickbooks or Xero, as these are the two most popular online accounting software programs. Still, Kate added that all of the major bookkeeping software providers have their own certification programs.