Considering a Certification in Bookkeeping: Is It the Right Move?

As a business owner in the retail sector for the past decade, I’ve been managing my company’s books using QuickBooks Online (QBO) for three years. Surprisingly, I’ve discovered a passion for Bookkeeping; I genuinely enjoy working with numbers and overseeing financial management. This aspect of my role not only informs me about our company’s financial health but also aids in shaping our strategic direction.

Despite a lack of formal education in Bookkeeping, I’ve honed my skills through extensive online research, hands-on experience, and occasional guidance from my CPA. According to my CPA, I’ve been doing an impressive job, at least when it comes to the financial management of my own business.

Lately, I’ve been contemplating pursuing formal education—perhaps through a certificate or course. For starters, I’d like to gain knowledge in areas such as Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR), as these are not currently part of my business operations. Additionally, I’m considering expanding my expertise to offer bookkeeping services to other small businesses in the future.

I’m aware that QuickBooks provides a ProAdvisor certification course, which, to my knowledge, is free. Would this be a practical starting point for formalizing my skills and expanding my knowledge?

Absolutely, getting certified as a bookkeeper is a beneficial move both for enhancing your current skills and expanding your professional opportunities. Since you’re already doing a great job with your company’s books, formal education will not only fill in any knowledge gaps but also add credibility to your skill set, especially if you decide to offer services to other businesses. Here’s a detailed plan to help you on your path:

Why Certify?

Credibility: Credentials validate your expertise to potential clients or employers, especially essential when you have no formal education background in Accounting or finance.
Confidence: Certification can enhance your confidence, knowing you’ve met the industry standards and requirements.
Expanded Knowledge: Formal education can introduce you to diverse Bookkeeping areas, such as accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), payroll, and more.
Network Opportunities: Courses and certifications often come with access to professional networks or communities, which can be invaluable connections for future opportunities or advice.

Recommended Steps:

1. Identify Suitable Programs and Courses

QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program:
- Free and Comprehensive: The QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor certification course is a solid starting point. It’s free and teaches you to make the most of QuickBooks.
- Recognized: Being recognized as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor will be valued since it’s commonly presented software in small businesses.
Bookkeeping Certifications:
- American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB): Offers a Certified Bookkeeper (CB) credential. It’s well-recognized and covers essentials like AP and AR.
- National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB): They also offer a certification that could be beneficial.

2. Learn Additional Software

In addition to your proficiency with QuickBooks, learning other Accounting Software like Xero or FreshBooks might be beneficial, depending on your future client base.

3. Consider Formal Education

If you’re aiming for more comprehensive knowledge, community colleges offer various Accounting and Bookkeeping courses that cover essential topics, including AP, AR, and tax regulations.

4. Gain Experience and Build a Portfolio

Volunteer or freelance for small businesses to gain experience in areas where you’re less familiar (e.g., AP, AR).
Create a portfolio demonstrating your competencies and client testimonials. This would be useful

One response

APAdmin

25 February 2025 at 7:24 PM
Absolutely, getting certified as a bookkeeper is a beneficial move both for enhancing your current skills and expanding your professional opportunities. Since you’re already doing a great job with your company’s books, formal education will not only fill in any knowledge gaps but also add credibility to your skill set, especially if you decide to offer services to other businesses. Here’s a detailed plan to help you on your path:

Why Certify?
1. Credibility: Credentials validate your expertise to potential clients or employers, especially essential when you have no formal education background in Accounting or finance.
2. Confidence: Certification can enhance your confidence, knowing you’ve met the industry standards and requirements.
3. Expanded Knowledge: Formal education can introduce you to diverse Bookkeeping areas, such as accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), payroll, and more.
4. Network Opportunities: Courses and certifications often come with access to professional networks or communities, which can be invaluable connections for future opportunities or advice.
Recommended Steps:

1. Identify Suitable Programs and Courses
- QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program:
  - Free and Comprehensive: The QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor certification course is a solid starting point. It’s free and teaches you to make the most of QuickBooks.
  - Recognized: Being recognized as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor will be valued since it’s commonly presented software in small businesses.
- Bookkeeping Certifications:
  - American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB): Offers a Certified Bookkeeper (CB) credential. It’s well-recognized and covers essentials like AP and AR.
  - National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB): They also offer a certification that could be beneficial.
2. Learn Additional Software
- In addition to your proficiency with QuickBooks, learning other Accounting Software like Xero or FreshBooks might be beneficial, depending on your future client base.
3. Consider Formal Education
- If you’re aiming for more comprehensive knowledge, community colleges offer various Accounting and Bookkeeping courses that cover essential topics, including AP, AR, and tax regulations.
4. Gain Experience and Build a Portfolio
- Volunteer or freelance for small businesses to gain experience in areas where you’re less familiar (e.g., AP, AR).
- Create a portfolio demonstrating your competencies and client testimonials. This would be useful
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