First and foremost you need to have a good attention to detail. When it comes to financial records, even a small mistake can cause big problems. If you make mistakes often, you?ll probably be better suited to another career.
So what exactly does a bookkeeper do?
It differs from job to job, but in general, they keep track and organize records on all the financial doings of a person or company. Depending on the size of the business, you could be keeping all the financial records, or you could be more focused, by concentrating on an area like accounts receivable or accounts payable.
What kind of skills do you need to be a successful bookkeeper?
It used to be that bookkeeping was exactly that – keeping the financial books, but nowadays, pretty much everything has been digitized. So, if you want to become a bookkeeper, it?s important to learn how to use computers. Even if you can?t get experience on specific financial software at first, you need to learn to use a variety of software. This will help you learn to use computers in general and let potential employers know that you have the ability to learn new technologies.
To get started in bookkeeping, one should ideally start while you?re still in high school by taking math, computer, and if possible, finance classes.
Most employers now require their potential employees to have more than a high school education. Depending on the job, you?ll probably need at least an associate?s or even a bachelor?s degree. Look into degrees in finance, accounting, or other financial areas. It will also help you to continue with computer and other technical classes.
Once you get a job as a bookkeeper, don?t stop there. The field of finance is constantly changing and progressing as new laws and ideas come through.
Continue to take classes, gain certificates, or even pursue another degree. This will help keep you in demand and advance you further within your career field. If you like what you?re doing, you might even consider furthering your career by becoming an accountant or other financial professional.
