Embarking on the Journey to Becoming a Certified Bookkeeper
As a seasoned entrepreneur with a decade of experience in the retail sector, I’ve worn many hats. For the past three years, one of those hats has been managing my company’s finances using QuickBooks Online (QBO). Diving into the world of numbers and financial management has been a rewarding experience, giving me a comprehensive understanding of our company’s financial health and guiding strategic decisions.
Despite the lack of formal education in Accounting, I’ve honed my skills through diligent research, hands-on practice, and occasional advice from my CPA. My CPA has reassured me that I’ve done commendable work within the scope of managing my business’s accounts.
Recently, I’ve been contemplating the idea of formalizing my expertise with some accredited education. Although my current role doesn’t involve handling accounts payable (AP) or accounts receivable (AR), these are areas I definitely want to explore and master. Expanding my knowledge could even open doors to offering Bookkeeping services to other small businesses.
I discovered that QuickBooks offers a free ProAdvisor certification course. This could be an excellent starting point for building on my current experience. Could this be the opportunity I need to enhance my skills and possibly broaden my career horizons? The idea of turning my passion for numbers into a certified qualification is an exciting prospect, and I’m eager to see where this path might lead.
One response
It’s great to hear about your passion for Bookkeeping and numbers! Transitioning from managing your own business finances to potentially offering Bookkeeping services to other small businesses is a smart move, especially because you’ve already laid a solid foundation with hands-on experience and a love for the work.
Formal Education and Certification Benefits: While your practical experience is invaluable, obtaining a formal certification can boost your credibility, opening doors to more opportunities. Not only can it provide a structured approach to learning aspects of Bookkeeping that you might not have dealt with, such as Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR), but it also reassures potential clients of your expertise, which is particularly crucial if you decide to offer your services professionally.
Starting with QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification: Given that you’ve already been using QuickBooks Online (QBO), the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification is a logical starting point. This course not only helps you become more proficient with the software, but it also covers a broad range of Accounting and bookkeeping principles. It’s free and provides a recognized credential, which can be a significant advantage when looking to expand your services. Moreover, as a certified ProAdvisor, you can gain access to QuickBooks’ marketing resources, increasing your visibility to potential clients.
Exploring AP/AR and Other Relevant Topics: Since your current business doesn’t involve managing AP and AR, consider supplementing the ProAdvisor certification with targeted courses in these areas. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) offer affordable courses focused on different aspects of bookkeeping and Accounting.
Hands-On Practice: To solidify your new knowledge, try practicing AP and AR with sample companies or through volunteer work. Non-profits or community organizations often need Accounting help and can provide a real-world, low-risk environment to hone your skills.
Networking and Continuous Learning: Join online forums, LinkedIn groups, or local business networks to connect with other accounting professionals. These communities can be invaluable for sharing experiences, getting advice, and staying updated on industry trends.
Offering Services to Other Small Businesses: Once you’re certified, consider starting with freelance projects to build your portfolio. Platforms like Upwork or local small business networking events can be effective for finding initial clients. Clearly define your niche (e.g., retail businesses) to tailor your marketing strategy and services.
Your experience and enthusiasm are excellent starting points.