Considering a Career as a Certified Bookkeeper
I’ve been running my own retail business for the past 10 years, and for the last 3 years, I’ve taken on the task of managing the company’s books using QuickBooks Online (QBO). I genuinely enjoy this process; there’s something about working with numbers and managing finances that truly resonates with me. It’s a critical part of my daily responsibilities, offering insights into the company’s financial health and shaping our strategic financial planning.
Despite not having any formal education in Bookkeeping, I’ve honed my skills through online research, hands-on experimentation, and occasional consultations with my CPA. I’m proud to say that I’ve developed a solid proficiency in handling our books—my CPA even commends me on the job I’ve done for my business.
Recently, I’ve been contemplating the idea of pursuing formal education, perhaps enrolling in a certification course to deepen my Bookkeeping knowledge. One area I’d like to explore further is managing accounts payable and accounts receivable, as my company currently doesn’t deal with these aspects. Expanding my skills might even lead to providing Bookkeeping services to other small businesses.
I’ve heard that QuickBooks offers a ProAdvisor certification course, which I believe is free. Would this be a beneficial starting point for advancing my bookkeeping skills?
One response
It sounds like you’re in a great position to leverage your passion and experience into a more formal role as a certified bookkeeper. With your background in managing your company’s books and your interest in numbers and finance management, pursuing certification could open new doors, particularly if you’re considering offering your services to other small businesses. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your journey toward becoming a certified bookkeeper:
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Clarify Objectives: Since you’re already adept at managing your company’s books, consider what specific skills or knowledge you want to gain. It sounds like Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) are key areas of interest, but consider if there are other areas you’d like to deepen your understanding in, like payroll management, inventory Accounting, or tax fundamentals.
Determine Scope: Decide if you want to become a general bookkeeper or specialize in a niche (e.g., retail bookkeeping). Specialization can help you stand out when offering services to other businesses.
Step 2: Explore Educational Resources
QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification: The QuickBooks ProAdvisor program is indeed a popular choice and is free. It provides comprehensive training in QuickBooks, helping you become more proficient in the software. Since you’re already using QuickBooks Online (QBO), this certification could reinforce your existing skills and familiarize you with features you may not have used before. Additionally, being certified can offer credibility when marketing your services.
Other Certification Programs: Consider additional certifications that cover more than just software proficiency. For example:
National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB): Offers a Certified Bookkeeper designation with a slightly different focus, often on public Bookkeeping practices.
Online Courses and Community Colleges: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on Bookkeeping fundamentals. Local community colleges may also offer Accounting or bookkeeping courses, which can provide a structured learning environment.
Step 3: Gain Practical Experience
Volunteer: Offer to manage the books for a non-profit or a friend’s small business to gain experience with AP, AR, and other processes you’re unfamiliar with.
Internship/Part-Time Opportunities