Bookkeeping Certification – Becoming a Certified Bookkeeper

One cannot underestimate the value of a bookkeeper in a company. He is saddled with the responsibility of keeping track of the firm’s finances, profit margins, direct cash flows and expenditures. Bookkeepers usually operate in the finance or accounting departments of their organization. However, some may decide to operate independently and have their own accounting firm where they take charge of different companies’ accounting needs. Professional bookkeepers are always in high demand in business organizations. The bookkeeping certification they have acquired has enabled them to practice accounting professionally.

Generally, the basic work of a bookkeeper is to work on the computer organizing finances of a firm, using record keeping softwares and spreadsheet programs. Their duties also include submitting any changes in finance in a database. Additionally, they are also involved in customer invoicing, taxes and payrolls on bi-weekly bases.

If you a considering a career as a bookkeeper, you will also want to find out the necessary things to be done in order to become one. The first place to start is to be very good in calculations and mathematics. You will equally need an education. You can opt for courses like accounting and mathematics in your high school days and proceed in that line for your graduate program. Most times you will be required to obtain a bachelors or associate’s degree in business which can be acquired within 4 years.

You should also be acquainted with computer and accounting software since most of the work will be done in the computer. Most companies would prefer experience over any form of education. For instance, a particular firm might prefer someone who has years of experience even if he does not hold a degree to a recent graduate. But how educated you are will determine how far you can go in the career, so getting a degree is important.

After you have worked for 2 years, you might decide to get bookkeeping certification. Normally, certified bookkeepers have the potential of landing the bigger jobs and going far in their career. To get certified, you need to have proof of work for at least two years and take the certificate examination. The examination is organized by American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) and there are 4 series of test you will be required to write and pass to get certified.

Certified bookkeepers are always in high demand and to get to the pinnacle of your career in accounting, education is needed. The length of time you are going to spend acquiring this education will depend on the route you take. Usually, if you are considering getting a degree, you are expected to spend at least two years. You can as well decide to take preparatory courses in order to get bookkeeping certification, which will usually take close to a year. But most top firms will prefer an experienced bookkeeper with a bachelor’s degree. So you have to be prepared to get the necessary education in order to have a successful career as a bookkeeper.